Can I take something to even out moods? (PMT)

[hillyhilly]

I've never really suffered from PMT until the past year, when I have realised that the day before I ovulate I am totally awful, like having a huge black cloud over my head, everything and everybody totally pisses me off and I am snappy and aggressive (verbally) to DH and DCs
I am only 42 but wonder if I'm perimenopausal as my previously 26day cycle is going a bit haywire (5-6 weeks between the last 3 periods) and this week, only a few days after my period had finished, I was in an evil temper again but for 3 days, I literally felt the mood melting away and my normal, calm and sunny disposition return! The following day I am pretty sure I ovulated a mere 8 days after start of last period!
Is there something, preferably natural, that I can take to try and smooth out these moods? They are making life pretty unpleasant for all of us and if it is the start of the menopause, I'm concerned they'll only get worse!

Sorry for very long post and lots of info,
TIA

I know people take evening primrose and/or vitamin B6.
I can't vouch for them myself - but might be worth looking into.

Its not exactly a natural remedy but marvelon was a godsend for me (and everyone around me) when I used to suffer from terrible pmt.

I have heard of evening primrose oil helping but like paisleyleaf haven't tried it. Also have friends taking starfish oil, Gp said I should avoid it though as it interferes with epilepsy drugs

I'd say B complex & omega3/6/9 capsules

My GP said that Agnus Castus was the only natural thing shown in trials to have any effect.

Magnesium supplements worked wonders for me.

I've heard that Agnus Castus is supposed to be very good.

Starflower Oil has higher levels of GLA than Evening Primrose Oil

I found 5htp helped me - it's an amino acid and increases the serotonin levels in the body.

L-Theanine is an amino acid which increases the alpha waves in the brain - this gives a calming effect which does work, but it can exacerbate depression if you happen to suffer from that. I found it made me calmer, but feeling quite empty. It's good if you feel at the end of your tether though.

SSRI antidepressants - increase the serotonin levels in the brain.

Vitamin B6 complex

Combined Magnesium/Calcium supplement - take last thing at night and it has a calming effect.

The thing that I found helped a lot was cutting out sugar. Me and a colleague went on a strict diet which excluded all sugar. I lost weight and felt faint sometimes due to low blood sugar because I wasn't eating enough carbs, but it did have the effect of completely getting rid of my pms. I didn't even realise when I was due on anymore. It was great, but I couldn't stick to it because I missed the sugar so much.

Cutting out all caffeine also helps calm you down.

Drink plenty of water and try to get some fresh air and exercise to work that adrenaline/cortisol off.

Make sure you buy suntheanine if you buy L-theanine, I bought mine from the health food store.