A little history: I am almost 47 years old, and I suspect I will be done with the whole menstruation thing within 5 years, tops. PMS began to be a major problem when I was in my late 20's to early 30's. By PMS, I don't just mean, as many people take it, bloating and discomfort before or during my period. I mean the behavior changes, going just all-out psycho. Looking back, a lot of my inpatient stays have turned out to be right before a period. Complicating matters, I was so irregular for several years--I could go a year or two with no period, and then have one out of the blue--that I had trouble tracking my cycle so I could prepare myself for the squirrelly-ness. That resolved itself as I neared my 40's, and now I go about every six to eight weeks. I think that's pretty much normal at my age.

I have noticed in the past ten years that PMS symptoms get worse, the older I get. It seems Aunt Flo turns into a real shrew, and then finally gets so angry she decides to stop visiting completely. If I get in a fight with someone in real life or online, if I act like a {female dog}, if I can't be reasoned with, if my emotions are out of control, it's a safe bet I'm PMS'ing. Every cycle seems to be just a smidge rougher than the last, to be ended, I suppose, some time after menopause. I've heard that the hormonal upheaval can last up to a couple of years after menstruation stops.

Which brings me to my question. For the first time in years, since they got fairly regular again, I have been completely caught off guard by the onset of my period. Usually I have that out-of-control emotionality to warn me it's coming. This time, nothing. I've been doing well for the last several weeks. Just a little fatigued, that's all, and I thought that was my diabetes.

Does this mean that future cycles will be WORSE, to make up for lost time?

I don't want it to get any worse! (PMS = Pity My Spouse.)