Hi H.,
I apologize ahead of time, but this will be long. You are not alone. You may have what is called PMDD (pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder). I think of it as PMS on steroids. My symptoms last for two weeks, and I have learned to tell my husband that "the monster" is here, so he is prepared for my wild and unpredictable mood swings. My anger is uncontrollable during this time, and the littlest things will irritate or annoy me. I will go from wildly angry to crying over a song on the radio. So I know EXACTLY how you are feeling, including the part to being back to normal after the end of your period. You can try googling PMDD, to get a better idea of whether your symptoms fit.
I did the whole route with my doctor, psychologists, psychiatrists, SSRI's, and finally decided i wanted to try a naturopath. She has been a lifesaver. I can't say I am 100% better yet, but we are working on it, and I know it is helping because just this month, I went off one of my supplements, and decided to forgo another because I wasn't sure it was really working and whamo - the Monster struck with full vengeance out of nowhere. I've been seeing my naturopath for about 6 months, and this month was the worst since before I started my supps.
The first thing my naturopath did was order tests to check my cortisol levels, my insulin levels, my hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone etc), as well as my neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, norepiniphrine etc.). She also ordered a full blood panel to check the basics, for thyroid etc. After the results came back, it was clear that there was a chemical imbalance in my body causing many of my symptoms. She has prescribed a series of natural supplements (B-vitamins and tyrosine, and some other stuff) as well as a progesterone cream that have truly made a difference.
I have also been supplementing with extra calcium, magnesium, fish oils, evening primrose oil and a multi-vitamin. I try very hard to limit my sugar intake, and I read labels on food so as not to eat ANYTHING with high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oil. I am still working on cutting out my coffee, and wine, but it has been hard. Unfortunately, caffeine and alcohol negatively affect PMDD symptoms.
I have lots more information I can give you, please feel free to email me, and I will try to send you some links or just listen. I'm a mom of three, ages 9, 7, and 5, and though I love my children with all my heart, I don't always love being a Mommy too. It's hard!
Sincerely,
W. ____@____.com