I started menstruating at 10 yrs. old. By the time I was in high school, I was missing school while on my period because I literally could not get out of bed and stand up straight. I have always had horrible periods and I've always felt horrible-emotionally AND physically- before I started. The way a woman feels during this "nasty" time isn't ever something I talked about frequently with other women - I just assumed it was normal. I recently saw a commercial for PMDD and it got my attention because those are some of the things I feel. So I got online and looked it up and man, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I don't know what to do about it though. I am a single mother of 3 and to be honest, I can tell you that I have made SO many excuses for my behavior - i.e. the kids are acting up, the finances are tight, my boyfriend sucks, it's post partum depression, etc.... and perhaps these things are big triggers, but ultimatly, I think it's just me. I have no patience for my kids and there have been times that I chew their head off for something so simple. I feel horrible after that and I try to console them. Why isn't there a medication for this type of thing? There's a medication for EVERYTHING else............