PMS

Does anybody know of a solution to PMS-related emotional crises?

This is in relation to my dear friend Lily's recent blog entry. I too, suffer from PMS - which is futile, since I don't even have a uterus anymore!! - especially the emotional ups and downs.

During the first half of my menstrual cycle, I am a happy, easy-going mom. I love every silly little thing my beautiful three year old does, and the two of us have so much fum together. I love myself, I think I'm a pretty good mom.
But then I ovulate, and things start to look shady, then, gloomy, and finally, the last week or so becomes full of yellings and shoutings and tears, and I absolutely HATE myself. The smallest mischief and naughtiness aggrevates me, and I explode. A pleasant moment can turn into Armageddon in two seconds. I would even define myself in such moments as borderline-abusive. Sometimes I am affraid that one of these days I would raise my hand and physically hurt my little girl. Well, I've already hurt her and scared her many times with ugly words screamed to her face, and I can't forgive myself, but I just can't seem to control myself when I'm about to menstruate.

I even talked to my gynecologist about it and went on the pill for a couple of months - not having a uterus means I can't have anymore babies, so might as well control my ovulation; makes sense, huh? - but it seemed to have no effect. At least I didn't feel any possitive effects.

The only solution I can think of right now is going to see a psychiatrist and have something prescribed, but that's a BIG DEAL here in Japan, and really, is that the only way out?? I mean, PMS!! There must be millions of women going throught the same type of thing everyday, hating themselves for creating conflict and chaos in their relationships. Hasn't anyone found a cure for it??