Questions about AF

A little background. I am 41. I have always been regular with my periods, every 29-30 days with no exceptions. They always lasted 6-7 days and I always had one day that was heavy and the rest was doable.

About 2 years ago things started to change. I am still every 29-30 days, but it's about 5-6 days of super heavy flow and at least 1-2 days of mind numbing cramps every single month. I also now have terrible anxiety that I can pinpoint exactly to the days I'm ovulating and the week of my period. I never used to have this problem either, just in the last two years.

All of this is starting to wear on me. I feel like a slave to these two weeks out of every month. Between the week I ovulate and the week of my period, I am starting to get angry about it. I love my obgyn and she's super popular and very well respected. I have brought this up to her at my check ups. Basically, she says my period symptoms would be better if I go on birth control, but given my age she really doesn't want me to. For cramps, she says there are meds she can prescribe like a Naproxen - which I don't really want to take. For the anxiety, she prescribed a very low dose of Xanax to take only when I feel I need it.

I guess I am just at my wits end and don't see a real solution to all of this. Has anyone experienced something similar or done anything to help with similar issues? TIA

Questions about AF

I don't have a solution or any real suggestions, but I can relate a bit. I am 35 and I am always saying how all the symptoms have gotten SO much worse as I've gotten older. The PMS especially. The bloating, anxiety, sadness, feeling of being about to snap the week before - and the headaches! I've also had a few months lately where the 24-48 hours right before AF was almost like a stomach bug - diarrhea, nausea, cramps. Sorry, wish I had words of advice but unfortunately I don't! I honestly just feel like it gets worse with age, for me at least