IS PMS worse if you have a long luteal phase? I've been turning into a psycho!!

[emeraldgirl1]

Already posted in another thread, but I just wanted to see if anyone had experience of their PMS being worse if you have a long luteal phase? I really do turn into a total wreck these days, with symptoms that I can only describe, having suffered from depression in the past, as temporary clinical depression. Lo and behold, the symptoms lift after 4 or 5 days, but it's a very rocky road during those days!!

I was just reading about a severe form of PMS called PMDD and wondered if anyone knew any more about this or if anyone thought it more likely that you get bad PMS with a long luteal phase?

And any fellow sufferers, what the hell do you do to take the edge off? I know cutting down on booze and caffeine are wise, but honestly I don't know if that makes it any better - just less worse iykwim. I REALLY don't want to resort to an antidepressant, even a low dose, for a problem that only lasts a few days. But it is seriously miserable while it lasts and I fear that I'm slipping back into clinical depression again.

Are you TTC? I think my PMT has got much worse since I started trying. I wonder if it is something to do with the usual hormones and symptoms coinciding with the hell that is the 2ww. You have the powerless waiting along with being super aware of your body because of all the symptom spotting. When your period finally comes it is not just the hormones that improve, you can relax and have a drink and start planning the next month of TTC (and being in control is less depressing). The only advice I can add is try exercise. It has been shown experimentally to be as good as an antidepressent in mild depression.

Thanks PurplePoppy - you're so right about the exercise, I always feel so much better when I drag myself out for a long walk or even a jog, but it's trying to do it consistently that's tough. I know it's good for me but it always feels a better option to sit on the sofa eating a KitKat - but that way, only more madness lies unfortunately.

I'm not TTC at the mo but I'm sure that must be a factor in making it worse for a lot of people - anxiety on top of all the other symptoms and misery. Good luck with your TTC-ing!!