Bad PMS each month. What can I take to relieve it?

[Molotov]

I have been suffering with very bad PMS for about 6m. It has got worse since dd2 was born 2 years ago, but markedly worse in the last few months.

The symptoms are getting unbearable and I don't feel in control of myself around this time. I am tearful and extremely tetchy and anger quickly. Everything is an issue. I feel depressed, angry and useless for a good week before my period is due. I doubt whether I am a good mother to my 2 daughters at this time.

I also get forgetful and vague. For example, I thought I had turned the oven on, but when I went to check it had only been the grill. I thought I'd turned the dial onto the oven, but dh discovered 45 minutes later that I'd actually turned it off

It's horrendous. It gets better after my heaviest flow is over (day 2), but I can't live like this for much longer.

If I went to see the GP, what might they be able to prescribe? What natural remedies could I take; in what doses?

I'd really appreciate some advice.

Get your vitamin d tested. I have low vit d and I've noticed since taking supplements my pmt is much improved.

Thanks ELR. I'm wavering about whether to see the GP because from the Internet research I've done, it looks like I might be offered an oral contraceptive (don't want this as we want to ttc again over the next year) or an antidepressant. I'm okay with that, but am not thrilled by the possible side-effects.

I've heard of a Vit B6 supplement and agnus castus. Might be worth requesting a blood test

PMS sucks

Every day I take a starflower & evening primrose capsule, a ''magnesium ok" tablet and a "pms relief" tablet - all available from waitrose, often on 3 for 2. Definitely helps. Good luck x

I saw my GP about exactly the same issue and was prescribed the mini pill. I have no idea whether it works yet but sympathy here! I'm forever turning on the oven when it should be the grill and vice versa as well as being unfit to live with for a good week.

I took agnus castus for a year or so when I had really bad PMS and it really helped.

There is research to support it: bmj 2011

And bmj 2001

DH thought I was much better too

Evening Primrose and Vit D are what I take for exactly these problems. It's helped sooooo much. Still feel down and teary the week before, but not neatly as much as I used to. I take the strength recommended by the health food shop I go to. PM me if you need the product details. Solar I think.

I sympathise and empathise as I'm exactly the same - Ds is 19 months and I'm a vile bitch for about 10 days of my cycle. I hate it and hate how badly I parent (shouting/snapping) when I'm due. My pelvic floor also disappears.

I'm on vitamin d and a high strength multi vit for the Bs. I'm also on an iron supplement which makes a big difference to my energy levels.

Exercise helps me too.

Thanks all

I started taking St. John's Wort yesterday (850mg) and will see how that affects me, as well as taking positive steps in other areas to help me to feel good.

It's meant to take 2-6w to get into the system. I'm on CD4 now (feeling better) so hopefully it will have kicked in by my next period. If not, I will see the GP. It was sever this month and I have to do something to stop it. It really didn't feel like 'me' in my head.

*severe