Worsening PMS/PMDD in perimenopause? Anyone?

[Arraminta]

So, very annoyingly I'm still having very regular periods despite being 55 this year. I even continued having regular periods whilst recently taking Tamoxifen which really surprised my oncologist considering my age.

Anyway, I've always struggled horribly with PMS when younger which morphed into PMDD about 12 years ago when I entered perimenopause.

Thankfully, I only get PMDD every few months now, rather than every month. But when I do get it it can last from anywhere between 10 - 25 days! And it's bloody horrible. It makes me feel so bleak and completely flat inside, no pleasure in anything at all. DH buys me flowers? Couldn't give a toss. Surprise visit from DD2? Can barely manage a smile. Just booked a luxury 5* holiday? Really couldn't be less interested.

I can't take HRT and none of the alternative remedies make any difference. I'm already on Sertraline for hot flushes because I can't take HRT, so even sodding anti-depressants don't work.

Anyone else got weapons grade PMDD which is impervious to every drug, vitamin, supplement known to man?

Can you have a Mirena coil? It helped my rages.

Have you looked at the Royal College of Gynaecologists guidelines for treatment?

Thank you, but I absolutely cannot have the Mirena. Tried it a long time ago and it just gave me constant PMS for the whole 9 months it was in. I don't get rates at all just feel utterly flat inside.

No, but I will do. Thank you.

I found long country walks helped.

I know, it's not very quick or solid a suggestion and not always easy to carry out and I rolled my eyes a lot at the thought initially but I have become evangelical about the therapeutic effects. I walk 9 miles and say hello to all the animals I meet, appreciate the view and the fresh air (I don't listen to music or anything) and I am a different - nicer, more positive, bearable - person for a few days after.
I don't always feel like going. I don't always feel better until halfway through the walk but ultimately by the end of the 9 miles I feel like my former self again.

Yes, horrific what I think is PMDD here too. Things that help me a bit - walking every day, swimming, pilates / yoga, being outside. I have cut out caffeine and alcohol completely. Iron supplements and vitamin D.

Having said that nothing works completely. I just keep hoping I must be almost into full menopause and things will calm down. I hope!