PMT - getting worse by the month

[Posey]

Never really suffered but am now, and consequently so is the family. Its getting worse each month and I am totally fed up being miserable, weepy, touchy and snappy (its exactly how I was on my failed attempts to quit smoking but now I have happily stopped for a year!)
So can someone tell me what I can do to help myself or link me to a thread which I know is there if only I could find it.
I hate periods because they've got so much heavier, and now I'm dreading the days before as well
All help very welcome.

are you on the pill?

No.
Don't take any meds at all

well try Evening Primrose Oil for a start. You can get it in boots - I take the one with starflower oil in it and there has definitely been some improvement (though had to take it for months before I saw any). Agnus Castus is another one people try (though I tried it and it did nothing for me, that's not to say it wouldn't work for you).

Try the GP aswell - they may take you down one of two routes. They may suggest the pill (one of the newer ones) as for some people it can make PMS better (not for everyone though) and they may suggest (if your PMS is really bad and you are low during your PMS time) that you try a low level dose of an anti-depressant - it's not as bad as you think - there have been lots of studies that show that an antidepressant has a very positive effect on PMS. Some think it may be because some people with PMS are more sensitive to progesterone and having a low level of serotonin makes you more sensitive to progesterone (and the anti depressant increases your level of serotonin).

should also say that my PMS has definitely got worse as I've got older - I really think this is quite common as this has happened to quite a few of my friends

also if they suggest the pill/mirena, it may help with the heaviness of your periods aswell

Thanks for that foxinsocks.
Am out at shops tomorrow so will have a look in Boots at supplements.
Have to see GP in September so will speak to her then about it.

I recommend agnus castus, it worked for me and you can buy it in Boots (brand is Kira or Kia, something like that ). Try it for 3 months and see. Just take it after your period is finished and until the next one starts.

Also, vitamin B6 is great, make sure you take it with a multivitamin as well and take about 50mg every day for 2-3 months and see if it helps. If it does then keep taking it!

These two things have really made a difference for me; I am much less irritable and moody and don't get any bloating at all anymore.

Hope that helps.

Posey I posted on this recently too so sympathise. I'm now on high strength evening primrose and am back taking Pregnacare (still breastfeeding) multivitamins regularly - let me know if you find something that works. I am planning a visit to the GP as well as I become quite agressive and out of control at time when I have pmt but I suspect they'll say to try what I'm already trying.....Don't want to go back on the pill really as I was on it from age 17 to 30ish.

Thanks for the advice all. I knew there had been a thread on it recently but just couldn't find it.
Got some Evening Primrose and Starflower oil today, so will see how that goes first before trying the other suggestions. Thanks again.