I have PMDD. I knew my period was an issue for years and would keep track of my cycle to remind myself not to take whatever my thoughts and emotions were too seriously for a couple of days.

I started taking continuous birth control so that I didn't have a period and my life became far more manageable. Anytime I've had a major relapse it happened with my period. Everytime I've ended up in a mental health facility I've been on my period. It's amazing how much the hormones hijack my system!!!

I never wanted to take birth control/hormones but it's probably saved my life.

Another thing that helps is B vitamins (I take a B complex everyday) and vitex (aka chasteberry). There's some controversy over vitex, some believe it is too strong and can alter hormones too much so I only take one in the morning and take a break for a few days here and there.

Vitex and B 6 have been prescribed by doctors in other European countries for years for PMS.

Unfortunately, doctors have generally not addressed this issue. My psychiatrist all generally ignored me when I mentioned it (one responded by saying women's health has been too neglected, atleast acknowledging PMS). However, as soon as the DSM listed PMDD my pdoc asked me to keep a mood chart to establish "if" I had it (duh) and told me to go to my GP to get my hormones checked (there is no test but GP said birth control was an option and I asked for continuous).

Good luck. PMDD is real and vicious but doesn't have to dictate your well being!