I know for me it is hormonal b/c that is when it spikes for me, not just irritable but quite angry. Going onto bc pills for another issue had helped this by lessening it, so now I'm just slightly irritable beforehand and the first few days; Then by being aware of it, I can stop it in it's tracks and tread lightly those days taking special care around others. I have to walk away when I catch myself getting into a tirade and take a moment to calm down to catch my breath and using rational thoughts to balance the emotion. Sometimes damage repair for the relationship comes in then too if wasn't stopped in time. I don't know any other way to handle this but I can definitely sympathize.