PMT - is it normal to feel like this?

[Dancergirl]

I am in my early 40s. I used to have a few PMT symptoms in the past, a bit tearful or ratty etc. However I've noticed in the past few years things have got worse.

For a few days before my period I sometimes don't feel like myself at all. I become this horrible person, snapping at dh, finding fault with him, picking fights. I feel really angry and can't work out why. Dh is generally wonderful but I seem to pick up on minor things when I'm like this. Afterwards I apologise but I feel really guilty and bad about myself.

There is definitely a monthly pattern to this and dh realises this too now. So is it normal to feel like this and is there anything I can do to help?

Forgot to add I find him really annoying when I'm like this and just want to be by myself and have a bit of space.

I find my periods have got worse as I've aged, as far as PMS goes. I feel really down for a couple of days before I come on, almost suicidal (that really hasn't helped with the back to work feelings today!) Also far less tolerant of BS at work. I find just remembering where I am in the month helps, because I know it should improve in a day or two.

Might be worth looking at some of the perimenopause threads in the Menopause section?

And if it's really bothering you, might be worth chatting to your GP?

I was the same. I'm 42 now. I felt so down at times that I wished I'd never had children as I couldn't cope. Only felt like this for a few days a month. Absolutely fine the rest of the month. I went to the doctors who said that anti depressants would help but I didn't want to go on them just for feeling like it a short time every month.

I tried acupuncture and it's really helped. I needed every week for the first times but now I go every 6 weeks and the whole house is a lot calmer and happier.

That's interesting bear I also don't want to go on medication. I'd be happier finding alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

Would yoga help?

Not sure if exercise helps pmt like it does depression. Worth a try though. Probably cheaper than acupuncture too