Ever Experience Extreme Irritability?

Updated on May 30, 2008
J.S. asks from Riverton, UT
27 answers

Hi,
I have 2 kids, a 7 year old girl and a 4 year old boy. Before and between them I was on oral birth control pills. But after my son was born, my husband got a vasectomy, so I wasn't on anything. Then I tried the patch for awhile so my periods would be farther apart and lighter, shorter,etc. Now I am not on anything for the first time really since I was 20!( I am 33) But I am feeling frustrated because my periods are so odd. They keep getting closer together, like 26 days apart, very heavy for 2 days, then light for a few more days. For the last few months my breasts have been extremely sore a week before my period. This month I am due to get my period any minute and my breasts are not sore at all, but I am so so so irritable. I get irritated over nothing! I am snappy! I am doing things I would never ever do, yelling at my kids for dumb things, snapping at my mom for not letting the phone ring long enough, etc etc. I feel like a beast! Before I started getting the sore breast thing, I was like this for a week before my period for 6 months, then it just stopped. I thought it was because I made a job change for the better and now my stress level is way better, but now the irritable monster has come back. I really don't want to go on birth control pills again, if I don't have to. Has anyone experienced this? Does anyone now of any natural or herbal remedies I can try? Do you think I should get my hormone levels checked? Thanks!

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A.P.

answers from Denver on

Yes. You are a woman. You have two kids. You have a husband. It is normal to feel this way. Eat healthy. Get lots of exercise. Have an outlet. Do something for YOU. Socialize with other women. You are not alone.

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S.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi J.,

Im sorry to hear that you are having troubles. I have a great solution for you. Yes there is a natural herbal remedy called Tang Qui. I do Herbalife products and swear by this one. I cant believe the difference it has made with the cellular nutrition in my body. I use it every day and dont ever have to worry about mood swings the irritability, cramps, soreness, bloating and it helps my period last only days. I had tried tang qui before in other brands from off the shelf but it just wasnt working but then I got on an Herbalife program so that I could loose weight and my coach suggested that one to me. Boy am I greatful! My husband and kids might just be a bit more than me! LOL My friend Olivia also had great results on this product. I would totally recommend it to everyone! Let me know if you would like some I can get you the price and have it shipped right to your door. I hope this helps! S. W.

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K.Y.

answers from Boise on

I have been drinking MonaVie and it has totally changed my life. Here is my personal testimony.

Kristi’s Personal Testimony

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C.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

oh, that is me ON birth control pills!! lol. I can't tolerate those hormones in my body! your periods are my normal cycle my whole life...so that part I relate to but am thinking that may be your regular cycle now? for the mood swings, talk to your doctor yes. There could be a hormone imbalance that can be put back in "whack" and if you do want an herb...St. John's Wart. I would take it for about 7 days starting about a 5 days before my period started.

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L.E.

answers from Provo on

i have experienced the irritability and irregular periods. i found out a year ago that i have endometriosis, which messes up my hormone levels. i hope that you don't have endo, but if you start having pelvic pain, i would look into it. what i did for the irritability when i wasn't pregnant was to take st. john's wort. it took the edge off so i wasn't yelling at my kids so much. i found that taking progestin-only pills made my moods much much worse, so i warn people to stay away from them. they are depressants. a regular medical doctor will tell you that you can't test hormone levels because they change so much, but alternative/wholistic doctors know how to monitor hormones. it's just hard sometimes to get insurance companies to pay for it. if you have the money for it, i think it's worth it to have your hormones checked. good luck!

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M.H.

answers from Denver on

This was me ON the BCP. Yuck. I know that I do much better with mood issues when I do the following things to just take care of myself: exercise outdoors regularly (like walking or gardening), eat more fruits and veggies--I aim for 8 servings a day, and take a good quality multi vitamin--[I like the New Chapter brand--they are pricey, but so worth it. You can get them at Whole Foods or Wild Oats. The employees there will often tell you that is the brand that they use.] I have also had good luck with taking 5-HTP supplements--it mellows my husband out incredibly, and me at least a little! 5-HTP is an amino acid precursor to seretonin, the "happy brain" chemical, and also melatonin, so it helps you sleep as well. Also, you could try a supplement with Wild Yam Extract. The Wild Yam contains a substance that is a precursor for several hormones. So, it gives your body what it needs to make and balance out your own hormones. Just some thoughts. Good Luck. This is a really tough one!

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K.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

J., I know you have a ton of responses already and I may be repeating some, but here is my 2 cents! I went off bc a few months ago when I had a copper IUD put in, and noticed extremem irritability as well. I have 18-mo. old twins (b/g) and just quit my job to stay home since my hubby graduated school. I figured it was just stress and that things would get better once I got used to staying home and got things organized at the new apartment. Well, things weren't getting any better as time went on so I went to our chiropractor who also does acupuncture, herbal remedies, and homeopathics. I was very sceptical when I started seeing him after I got married (he has helped my husband a ton with anxiety and fatigue) but I really think he knows his stuff. He gave me a couple different herbal/vitamin remedies that have helped a ton, without going to a prescription antidepressant or any other chemical solutions. If you are in the Salt Lake area and are interested, I would be happy to give you his info. Like I said, I was skeptical at first but feel so much better and have way more patience with my kids and hubby now. Good luck with whatever course of action you take!

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A.L.

answers from Boise on

try night primrose about a week before your period

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M.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Be sure you are taking daily vitamins and are getting enough calcium! You also want to be getting some sort of exercise, even if it is chasing the kids around a park outside. I had a very similar situation (hubby's V and all) and was starting to question my sanity! For me I think it was linked to PMS even though I was never "diagnosed". Through much reading I found out that these symptoms can be caused by vitamin deficiencies and calcium can be a major culprit too. Once I started taking my vitamins and calcium DAILY, along with some sort of daily exercise I noticed a huge difference. I can also tell if I forget to do these things for a few days. Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

Hi J.,

I'm also an RN and so is my husband. We have both done much research on the hormones (particularly estrogen and progesterone) and how to balance them naturally. I have recorded a free teleconference call on the subject. I give a live class on it as well. My next one is on the 18th of June. Feel free to contact me and also listen to the call I recorded. I've been doing this for the past four+ years and it is a passion to me to help women like yourself. We have also partnered with a company called Arbonne International due to the company's philosophy and research in formulating products that don't interfere with the endocrine system and help balance hormones naturally. My class is very informational. It goes into four ways we get out of hormonal balance and why, and gives a variety of resources to get back in balance without synthetic (prescrition) hormones. Here is the teleconference info:

What you and your mother, daughters, sisters and friends need to know...

Women's Health and Hormone Balance Presentation
Free Teleconference Playback Number: ###-###-####. Access code: 28954#
Press "1" to rewind 30 seconds. Press "2" to fast forward 30 seconds. Press "5" to pause/resume.
Recorded time of 54 minutes.

I hope this helps you! Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Blessings,
J.

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M.B.

answers from Denver on

I have this same issue myself, usually right before my period, but sometimes in the middle of my cycle as well. My husband aslo had a Vasectomy so I am not on any hormonal bc myself. Sometimes I think being a mom in this day and age is just stressfull and to alway's be pleasant can be a challenge! I know that sounds bad but I do think it is true. Are you doing anything fun for yourself? I know my NP reccomends some herbal teas that are for women specifically. I think there may be some natural ways with food and herbs, since I think estrogen levels relate to mood there are some ways to increase this naturally. Be carefull with the traditional medicine route which will lead to medication like anti-depressants, no counseling or any other tools to deal with life! And do you want to be on the meds your entire life! I think it is scary how easily Dr.s put people on the meds, we need to deal with things! You are ok! Having a job and a family is not easy! Good luck to you!

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A.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Sounds normal to me. It is probably just the hormones. I got that way with menopause but PMS can do it too. If being aware of it isn't enough to remind you to ease up then you may want to see the doctor.

There are herbs that can help. I've forgotten which ones but you can check the books or ask around at a health foods store for more. I did get so bad I didn't want to be around me so I really do understand and there is hope for it easing over time. Your body is adjusting to the hormone changes. I would go for the natural fixes before the other medical prescription ones, but it is miserable to go on this way and you do need help.

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M.P.

answers from Salt Lake City on

The first thing you should do is chart your periods (along with symptoms, like irritibility, tender breasts, etc) on a calendar every month, so your health care provider can actually see what kind of pattern is going on. It sounds like you're experiencing some PMS symptoms, which can be helped greatly by simple things like dietary changes, exercise, etc. I think if you google PMS you'll get a ton of info back. Caffiene is a huge culprit when it comes to PMS. As you move into your mid-thirties, it's normal to start experiencing mild, perimenopausal changes. Your hormones start to fluctuate ever so slightly, so that you may have one or two periods per year that are different from normal. Don't freak out yet! This doesn't mean you're going into an early menopause, just that things are starting to change a bit. A very good book that will help greatly is "What Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Perimenopause" by John R. Lee, MD. In it, you'll read about natural progesterone cream, which could also help you alot. However, make sure that you use prescription cream, not the kind you can get at the store. Call University Pharmacy for a recommendation for providers who can help you. Good luck!

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M.M.

answers from Colorado Springs on

You are probably experiencing the after delivery changes, etc. You are having some kind of reaction to something you are doing. You need more sleep, avoid sugar, eat more whole foods, lose the dairy, etc etc, I get this way month after month and am finally able to pin it down to lifestyle decisions. I can cut out caffeine and sugar and feel 100% better in 2 days. These things only get harder when you age so get some healthy habits now. High quality multi vitamins are good, vitamin E is good for women problems, try making some small changes and see if you improve at all. Diet is always the key for me and my bad moods. God Bless,

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C.N.

answers from Salt Lake City on

J.,
I am NOT a doctor, but here is some medical advise--
(1) Unless there is a medical reason for taking birth control, stay away from it.(2) Go see your doctor.
It sound like it is something hormonal and as far as I know, the doctor is the best one for this. If it is not hormones, perhaps you get to look at your emotional triggers. You might want to check our Dr. Laurie.
She is on Mamasource.
With Joy, C.

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C.M.

answers from Provo on

I have a friend that has to take medicine just during her period for that reason. It is called something more than pms. You might want to talk to your doctor about getting on something just during your period. It really helps her. I will try to get a hold of her and find out what the medicine is but I think you should just talk to your doctor because it is a real issue.

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M.M.

answers from Denver on

i would have your thryoid checked too. look into the copper IUD. i have the mirena and love it!

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J.E.

answers from Fort Collins on

I had to switch to a lower dose bc pill because regular bc was making me depressed, irritable and I felt horrible all the time. I still get a lower level of the symptoms, but(I'm probably just repeating other people) if I'm not exercising regularly that month or not eating right its 10x worse.
I tried a pill, I'm not at home and can't remember the name but that seemed to work it was just $$. I'm sure you'll find something! I feel for you good luck!

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J.K.

answers from Denver on

I wish I had the answer but I wanted to lend some support. I, too, am struggling with imbalanced hormones and cycles with a host of miserable symptoms. I am older than you, 44, but I remember the shift in my cycles and well-being started around 36. I have severe irritability and depression, breast tenderness, bloating and increased IBS, all swing with my hormones. My cycle is irregular too, so it's hard to clearly see where I am in the cycle when the symptoms ramp up.

I'm going to explore bioidentical hormones in the form of creams. Dr. Mosher, ob-gyn, I believe helps women with these issues and he's with Kaiser. Dr. Kenton Bruice is another MD who specializes in bioidentical hormones but he has a private practice and is expensive.

Let me know if you find any relief. I'm in there with you sister!

J.

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L.A.

answers from Boise on

Hi there J.,
I have battled the same as you over many years. Man, those periods showing up early and then so heavy, get very annoying, and there's no where to run !! The impatience and irritability were right there, too.
A little over a year ago, I started reseraching natural health supplements, which ones were good and why, etc. I started taking certain types from a health food store and some from an on-line natural health resource.
I started to feel better and then along the way, I found out about Shaklee and began an intense comparison of their products to what I had been using, and ultimately switched over.
I am very pleased to report that I feel better both emotionally and physically, and I attribute the majority of it to my Shaklee supplements and vitamins which are All NATURAL :)
J., if you'd like to know more, just send me an email or call me at 208/549-4359.
Take care and God bless you for improved health & wellness,
L.

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R.M.

answers from Denver on

hello there-- isn't it sooo frustrating!! I get the irritability too and you explained it to the "t" ! I have talked to my dr about it and he wanted to put me on anti-depressants??!! I got them and and still haven't taken them because i feel like if i take them i am a failure. Maybe you might have more courage than i did and try it. I also decided to get a gynocologist to be my dr instead of a family physican because i felt like i wasn't getting the help i needed. So if you have a reference for my that would be great. I am a mom of four kids--14--10--girls 6--3 boys and i stay at home married for 13 years. Now that my three year old is going to preschool next year i was wanting to go learn more about being a doula or something similar to what you do for a living . Do you have any suggestions??

Good luck

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J.R.

answers from Denver on

Hi J.,

I had the same experience when I went off BC. I had to because the BC was causing severe migraines (off the pill no more migraines). Anyway, I've done a ton of research on PMS and PMDD. The other thing I have learned is that as I got older my cycle changed - I have the sore breasts now, didn't before; I used to have a long period, now it's 3.5 days. Our bodies just change.

You can try natural hormone creams - Vitamin Cottage, Wild Oats, or Whole Foods will have them (or any health food type store)

A low-carb diet REALLY helps me.
Excercise helps a ton (hard to find the time)
Reducing caffeine and sugar intake around that time
Vitamin B, calcium + Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids are all supposed to help a great deal.
I was off milk for a long time, but since I have started having at least a cup/day I have noticed my irritability decrease.

Good Luck!
J. R.

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D.H.

answers from Denver on

To answer your question...YES!!! However, a lot of hormonal stuff can be cured with good nutrition and exercise. A boring answer, I know. I used to have horrible periods and PMS that would drive my husband out of the house. When I started taking better care of myself and doing yoga, I felt normal for the first time in a long time. Good luck and I hope you feel like yourself soon!

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C.L.

answers from Provo on

quite a bit of your description sounds like you should have your thyroid levels checked. I am on thyroid replacement and so I get it checked rather often. I can tell when the IRRITABILITY sets in that I need a change. The way you describe the irritability is what makes me think thyroid. I have SO been there. Good luck!

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W.L.

answers from Boise on

I would STRONGLY suggest you have your hormones checked. I know that there are many reasons this can happen. PMS is the first thing that comes to mind and I know that sounds too simple,but it might just be that. However, you can't fully know if there is a bigger problem if you don't have your hormones checked. I know a little bit about this considering I have PCOS and my hormones are all messed up naturally. I swear by estrogen patches, but that is just for me. Good luck!!!

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H.R.

answers from Denver on

I'm a monster when I'm not on birth control. When we were trying to conceive and I was off of it I was not a happy person. It really helps regulate my hormone levels, I believe. You should talk to your OBGYN to see what they think is best for you, but I don't think you are alone in this.

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J.J.

answers from Provo on

I have had extreme irritability since the days of my In-Vitro attempts. I take 20mg of Celexa which has no side effects for me. If you don't want to go the anti-depressant route, I would suggest reducing your stress in very real ways(start running, yoga, meditation, bubble baths, dates with hubby, etc). Another suggestion is I have heard that when women take large amounts of B12 vitamin it can help the seratonin levels somehow. Good luck!

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