For the last few months (maybe a year or so now I think about it...) I've been having really low mood and other symptoms at certain points in my cycle. Around ovulation I feel so so low - feel like I can't cope with life, nothing makes me happy, struggle to laugh, feelings of despair. This then happens again in the days leading up to my period. I also get sore boobs a few days before I'm due on and I can spot for up to 5 days before I actually come on. As my cycle is only 26 days I feel like I only have a very few days each cycle where I feel ok, have energy, happiness, not spotting etc.
I'm 42, slightly overweight, have a 7yo and 5yo and work part time. Smears all up to date and normal.
I'm going to make a GP appointment but want to go armed with some info. From googling the symptoms seem like they could be due to low progesterone...? So I'm wondering about the minipill? But then I've heard so many horror stories about people feeling rubbish on it, links to cancer etc. Similar for antidepressants - horror stories about feeling unwell, feeling "flat" with no emotions at all.
Does anyone have any experience of these symptoms and something that eased them?