I'm not sure how old you are, but I'm in my 40s and it took a while for me to accept the patterns that come every month. Before my cycle starts, I have 1-2 days of feeling really negative and down (although not suicidal). I get very annoyed at just about everything. I've yelled at my kids for stupid stuff and get so irritated with my husband. And yes, extreme fatigue. I also get back pain, very tired legs, sometimes headaches,and an uncomfortable pressure in my butt (probably didn't need to know that, but...). I almost never sleep well at night, but one day a month I do since I'm so tired.

What do I do? My cycle is very regular so that helps. I've learned to start taking ibuprofin (advil) about 24 hours before the sore symptoms begin. I try to cut out excess sugar and salt and try to eat relatively healthy (though not always successfully). I try to walk, though I think more strenuous exercise would be helpful.

The most important thing for me to do is accept that I'm going to feel this way. When I'm feeling depressed, I tell myself it's all part of the hormones. I make sure I can nap--this is sooooo helpful! Often now, I can stop myself before I yell or pick a fight. I still get angry/agitated, but if I remind myself it's the hormones, I can try to walk away.

Again, I'm not sure how old you are, but my symptoms were different before I had kids. Some of the symptoms have not changed, some have gotten worse, some better. The only huge change is that I used to have such debilitating cramps (pre-kids) that there were times when I thought I'd miss exams in school. Thank goodness the cramps aren't that bad now.

I know it's difficult. Good luck.