that didn't involve SSRIs?
I've suffered from pretty severe PMS since my teens and also have symptoms of PCOS (e.g. irregular cycle, facial hair). I recently came across an article about PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which described me so well.
Despite eating healthily, taking regular exercise, meditating daily and generally living as stress-free as possible, I'm angry and moody for about 3/4 of my cycle and less so when my period starts. I was also symptom free during pregnancy.
I have had counselling and CBT in the past, which has helped me to resolve past issues. I have also taken anti depressants at various stages over the years. They do work on modulating my anger, but they also numb any joyful emotions, I lose ALL intetest in sex and can't achieve orgasm.
Besides, I just know that my moods are dictated by my erratic hormones. I try to exert control over myself but the anger comes from nowhere and it's so unfair on my DCs, DH, and myself! My mum was exactly the same until she had a hysterectony for fibroids at my age (37).
Armed with all of this I went to see a GP. She wasn't particularly sympathetic and disregarded PMDD, preferring to focus on PCOS. She has offered me blood tests and told me to go back for them on the first day of my cycle. However, my hormones settle somewhat when my period starts so I don't know if tests at this time will reveal anything. I took a sertraline pill yesterday out of sheer desperation (which probably explains why I'm up at this hour).
If you have any knowledge or experience in this area I'd be grateful for your wisdom.