Question about female cycle. (very mild TMI)

[PookahMacPhellimey]

I'm one of those who gets very moody a week or so before my period. I can deal with it because I have this figured out, but I really am significantly less happy.

A while back I was on the pill that and, as the manufacturers put it, levelled things out.

Now, what I'm wondering about the "levelling out" bit. Does this actually mean that a woman experiences a median of happiness and unhappiness, or does it just take the unhappiness out? In other words, would the taking pill actually make you slightly unhappier during the time you were normally okay than if you didn't take anything?

Personal experience would suggest that is actually the case, but it's tough to call make. I am interested in people's experiences as well, but put it in this forum hoping that someone actually knows how it medically works.

[Lobelia Overhill]

Hmm, well I don't have periods (due to a lack of oestrogen), and 15 years ago I was told I had osteoporosis, and was put on HRT. Over the years I was given different types of Pill (no idea why they kept changing it) and i noticed differences in myself and my behaviour. One brand of the Pill made me cry like a crazy person if something minor upset me. One made me bleed like Niagara falls, no warning just gush, another gave me cramps that'd stop me in my tracks and have me bent double, but very little bleeding - both variations pissed me off, but not sure if that was hormones or circumstances. I've had three bone scans done since and all came back OK, so I quit the HRT and went through a mini "change" (hot flushes and all). Now I'm back to normal, no cramps, no water retaining, no crying for no reason etc etc ...

I think the Pill alters the balance of oestrogen and testosterone (or summat) because it makes you "overdose" on oestrogen while you take it, which (I assume) is why you feel OK when you're on the Pill ... is there a scratching head smilie?