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.)

[WolfsGirl]

Hi-

I'm 50 and in the middle of menopause.... I think. LOL

I thought I would go early, b/c my mom went thru menopause at 40 and was done quick and easy. Well, of course I couldn't do it the easy way, so I've been doing the peri-menopause thing for about 6 years now. Some night sweats, some hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, but nothing horrid.

For me, my PMS symptoms have decreased as my periods have. I have one now, about every 2-3 months, and usually without warning. My bf doesn't even know unless I tell him.

So, I wouldn't assume anything. Just go with the flow (pardon my pun) for now. See what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised!

[(JD)]

As the body adjusts to what is thought as "normal aging" (not) all sorts of things occur.

Try using herbals to help. I'm allergic to most prescription stuff and used herbals strictly to get through this... black or blue cohosh, EPO evening primrose oil, are essentials. They cut the pain, night sweats, moodiness etc... and there are more to try as well.

[babydoll233]

I will be 46 on thursday and havent had my friend since december, although it feels as if i could get it any second, very crampy, sore chest, cranky and tired. I swear by evening primrose oil, i take 2 a day and they have taken away the horrible hot flashes i was getting in January. My mom was 44 and she said her period was irregular for 6 years. I think we are all different. Hang in there, try the natural herbs, they seem to calm the symptoms... for now! hahaha take care, i know how you feel!!

[Hunny]

I second primrose oil, oh yeah, it works well for me. I take 3 in am. I notice a feeling of puffiness when I don't take it, so it may act a bit like a diuretic so drink a bit more water (as opposed to coffee). All the best!

[cutebagaddict08]

I'm 27 and I have had alot of emotional issues with my cycle....to the point I was a completely different person two weeks before it came-i'd be pissed off at anything and anyone;cry at the drop of the hat;irritable;my thoughts would not stop racing and it would drive me nuts....it got to the point I needed to be off work the days the symptoms would occur because I couldn't think straight. This would happen like clock work:I'd get the symptoms 2 weeks before my cycle and when my cycle came....I'd be myself again. Finally, I spoke in length to my gyno and she suggested a psychatrist for treatment of Pre-Menstural Dysphoric Disorder. (I was started on a few anti depressants, but for me, it made it much worse;eventually I was put on an anti anxiety (klonopin) that i take 2 wks before my cycle is due. It was my choice to go off my birth control pill, and I think that helped too.

Have talked to your gyno about your symptoms?

I can try the primrose oil, probably, but my doctors won't allow klonopin because of a sleep disorder.

Thanks for the help. The good news for hubby Mike is that once all this is over, I won't have near the mood swings I've had before. I'm actually turning into a nice person. (??) It puzzled me that this period came on with no PMS beforehand, but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. The only thing that worries me is, when I was younger and irregular, I'd skip periods for a while and then it would seem like I'd get all of the skipped ones at once. I hope the PMS isn't like that--skip a cycle, and then make up for lost time later!