Been getting really bad PMS lately, and from what I can tell, that's because oestrogen levels crash at that time of the month. Right? Was in Boots today and had a brainwave, thinking that if that's the same thing that happens during the menopause, maybe it would be a good idea to take one of those herbal menopause supplements the week before the period, to try and ease my symptoms.
Has anyone else tried this? Did it help?
Some more context:
I'm in my early thirties and on the pill. (Mercilon.)
The symptoms I struggle with most are:
fatigue (I get really low energy and to do anything the week before. I'm dragging myself around and could sleep all day if it was possible)
muscle / joint aches and pains (tendonitis all over my body worsens to the point where I suddenly go from being able to manage it and power through, to feeling like Demi Moore at the end of The Substance)
irritability and anger (I have no patience with anyone or anything, I'm angry and stressed all the time, and my teeth-grinding and acid reflux both worsen as a result of me trying to tamp down all this unfair frustration. I hate being around people and genuinely wish I could just live in complete isolation that entire week. I know I'll be fine as soon as I start to bleed, it's just in the lead-up that I'm horrible)
I have thought about just taking the pill straight through without a break, but I get the pms symptoms in the week BEFORE I take the break, while I'm still taking my pill, so I have no reason to think it would make a difference. And I only feel it all lift on day one when I start to bleed. (Or day two if cramps were particularly hellish day one and things take a while to get going)
I have thought of changing the pill, but this is the second one I've been on, after the first became ineffective at stopping my heavy and painful periods. This type otherwise works well, and I'm afraid of the side-effects (especially mental health side effects) I might experience with something new.
I did look for woman's supplements or period supplements in particular, but the options seemed to be to spend a fortune on separate herbal remedies, or to take something which, when I looked at the ingredients list, was just a basic multivitamin like the one I already take. Except in pink or purple packaging with a woman on the front 😂
I couldn't see the point of that, but I thought some of the herbal supplements might make a difference. They're so expensive though. Am I crazy to try this? Would it work?