Menstrual cycle causing me more than the usual problems

[ThatEscalatedQuickly]

In the last year or so I seem to be having a lot more health related problems that seem closely linked to my menstrual cycle. I'm still very regular, average around 30 days, and I'm 37. Last child was born almost 3 years ago. I get horrible headaches leading up to and at the start of my period, I have trouble sleeping and I'm so tired it almost hurts to drag myself around. Then comes the middle of the cycle and again I can't sleep but this time I'm 'wired' and a bit anxious until ovulation and then I have really horrible 'mittleschmirz' pains, properly diagnosed as the Dr was concerned it might be cysts, but no sign of any when I was scanned. The pain was so bad last time it hurt to walk for a few hours and then tapered off to the more normal, for me, aching throb on one side.

If had various tests which haven't shown anything much wrong with me. My Dr suggested ponstan for the ovulation pain but I am to go back to her to discuss. I'm not sure whether I should ask about any other options. The mirena didn't suit me, as the headaches seemed to get worse and I felt very 'foggy' so I'm wary of hormonal treatments but equally I don't love the idea of taking heavy duty painkillers regularly. I have to do something though, between my period and ovulation I'm struggling through at least half of every month.

Anyone had a similar experience and if so would you have any suggestions for what actually helped? Is this likely to be the start of perimenopause? The thought of this for 10 plus years is really not one I want to contemplate right now.

I’m sure lots of medically trained people would laugh at me, but I take a lot of supplements.
Serrapeptase seems to have helped with my ovulation pain which used to be very bad sometimes.
Low carb diet helps all round. As does avoiding artificial sweeteners.
I know that some women with endo find that serrapeptase and a low carb diet helps. Maybe it’s worth a try in your case?

I'll try anything at this point to be honest Polly so I'll look the supplements up, thanks for the tips.

Low carb is an interesting one. I've been losing weight, which is a good thing as I had a bit to lose, but mostly because I've little appetite when I feel crap, which I do quite a lot lately. Hadn't been low carbing though. I'd struggle a bit with that one, but again if it worked....

I've found high strength evening primrose helps, but I have also found the merina good too. And exercise. I haven't been running or at the gym recently and I feel worse with both ovulation and my period.

Thanks Mulhuddart I'll give that a go too.