To have had enough of mood swings

[aawcmon]

I'm 42 and have noticed that every month mid cycle (so around ovulation time), my mood dips to such a low level that I feel incredibly depressed and want to quit everything (marriage, job, etc). It used to only last a couple of days, but this month I am only just coming out of it after nearly a week. This is having a major impact on my life, affecting a number of relationships. My doctor has tried me on antidepressants in the past, but to be honest, they didn't help so I came off them a few years ago. Anyone any ideas of what I can try? I have joined a gym and I enjoy it , but I think this issue is hormonal so it hasn't really helped much.

Try antidepressants again. There are lots of different ones, so if one type don't work, try another. Sometimes it takes trying a few different ones before you find the one that works for you.

Have another chat with your GP and get your life back.

Thanks but I've tried them a couple of times to no effect, and instead felt quite numb which I didn't like. If it happens at the same time each month, wondering if these are early symptoms of menopause.

I have the same mid cycle thing, then a few days before my period. The mid cycle is awful, marriage ending stuff. It's oestrogen.
I've just switched from the combined pill to mirena in the hope it will help. I'm only a month in, so too soon to say if it's working.
I've also started taking omega 3 and a women's multivit which is supposed to balance hormones a bit and am trying to cut down on carbs and sugar at those times, as I feel better when I eat cleaner.
Awful, isn't it?

I'm 40 btw but have been this way since at least mid 30s. That's when I was able to pinpoint it, but could have been much longer.

I'm the same - its less horrendous if I cut right back on sugar and Ive been on low level anti depressants for a few years now so dont want to increase those. I find exercise helps particularly cycling as it puts me in the fresh air but realise not everyone can do this.

I also take vitamins - B12, iron and magnesium but not sure if these help!

Have had coil fitted 4 weeks ago and the mood swings last week, when my period was due were horrendous but hopefully that will ease as the hormone levels out.

Reassuring to know I'm not the only one, it's truly horrendous. I've just started taking agnus castus as I read recently that could help, but not been on long enough to make any difference so far. I'll also take a look at those vitamins as well, thanks!

Same here. It's awful. A real taste of how wretched low mood can make you feel. Interesting re sugar. I bet caffeine doesn't help either.

Thankfully I can't stand coffee , I can't imagine what the monthly episodes would be like then!

I'm like this too. I've been wondering if I'm suffering from depression it's that bad, but I've so far resisted going to the doctor, I'm scared they'll think I'm being silly. It's reassuring to hear it's not just me. I'm going to try the vitamin suggestions too

I have this so I totally sympathise... fluoxetine (prozac) literally saved my life, I was actually suicidal in the run up to my period, it was like a dark brooding cloud descended as much as a fortnight before, horribly peaking just as I was due and then all of a sudden I was sunshine and rainbows again when it arrived. I tried several pills, but they all worsened my symptoms. The fluoxetine doesnt make the symptoms dissapear altogether but they are infinitely more manageable than they used to be. Another thing I have found helpful, is that I have switched to a plant based diet (pretty much vegan) and even my remaining pms has vanished since I started the diet a month ago. No mood swings or stupid tiredness. I have never felt better.

Sorry OP, meant to leave you these

I get the same thing OP, it's awful. Have you tried Starflower oil? It's great for hormones and as a bonus moisturises your skin too. You need to take it for a least 3 months though before you notice any difference so don't give up too early if you try it.

I get this too though mine is 2-3 days into my period - I just drop off a cliff mood wise and lasts up to 5 days. I'm 45 and my periods are as regular as clockwork 28 days (used to be 30-35) and def think I'm premenopausal now. My skin is also terrible around my period.

I have also tried anti-depressants but haven't found one I can get on with - all had horrendous side affects. I've also tried evening primrose oil - that made my skin even worse than it already is!

Having awareness of why I am feeling so awful has had an impact - I can rationalise more that it will improve and I'm walking for an hour as many times a week as I can which seems to really help with my mood.

I get this too. I know it will pass. I have found Agnus Castus helps. It helps rebalance hormones.

Thanks for all replies, a common problem it seems ...I think I'll step up the exercise, cut down on sugar, take vitamins and persevere with agnus castus , last resort being a trip to the doctor.

I am 40 and have had suicidal thoughts & severe mood swings every 2 weeks due to pmt since my teens.

I take anti depressants & anti psychotics for MH illness but my symptoms are still very bad just before a period.

So I was on the Pill ( microgynon 30 ) which helped but I came off it for some reason and the pmt returned.. the gp wouldn't put me back on microgynon as I was over 35 and obese.

So my psychiatrist recommended seeing a different gp regarding my pmt and my hormones.

I had lost 3 stone so am no longer obese so the gp put me on cezarette which is a suitable Pill for over 35's.

It has stopped my periods so I obviously don't get pmt now!

I don't get any side effects and it goes with my other medications.
I really recommend it (unless you are wanting a baby of course)!