Awful mood in the several days before period

[Anonymous]

I turned 40 in January and I've noticed, within the last year or so, that my mood truly sucks before my period and sometimes before ovulation. I never really had the mood problems with my period before. Just the physical pain and cramps during it. This is not just for one day -- it's for at least 3-4. I get truly sad and anxious mostly but sometimes it's irritability and lack of patience. None of this is good for anyone in the family! Even when I take pains to notice the dates when I feel this way, I can't seem to talk myself out of my mood. If this is before menopause, what the hell is going to happen during menopause?

Is there anything I can do to help with mood? Supplements maybe? Stupidly, I did not mention this to my gyn at my annual last week. I do have my physical with my internist coming up and will mention it to her but they always seem to be pretty useless.

Today is one of those days and I feel very bad for my preschooler who will be spending the afternoon with a truly sad mom. I would really appreciate any suggestions!

[Anonymous]

If you are on the pill, that could be contributing to it. I noticed that a change of prescription/formulation helped me immensely.

There is data that shows taking 1,200 mg of calcium daily all month helps improve PMS symptoms significantly. It helps me, but there is also another study out there that shows too much calcium supplements contributes to some adverse health issue -- heart disease or something. Can't remember what.

Omega 3 fish oil pills daily can help too.

And cutting back on added sugar daily helps me as well.

[Anonymous]

I'm a little past 40, but I did notice when I turned 40 my hormones changed, my moods changed. I could not get enough food in my stomach couple of days leading up to cycle. My OB recommended B12 vitamins, they seem to help a little, but the eating is what is killing me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I could not get enough food in my stomach couple of days leading up to cycle.

This is interesting. I'm in my mid-40s and have found for the past 6-12 months that I tend to have GI issues in the days leading up to my period.

[Anonymous]

My mood changed a lot pre-period in my mid thirties. Same type of thing as you. I had never really had PMS till then. Now I get teary, irrationally irritated, low frustration tolerance and anxious/overwhelmed for about 3 days before it hits.

I would lover to hear management suggestions too!