I really noticed it after weaning from breastfeeding. I have PCOS so my cycles have always been really irregular if I am not actively trying to control them, but that being said, they were relatively painless with minimum PMS symptoms. Now? Ooooh, forget it!

My cycle is loud and proud and keeping me updated on every f-ing phase. Painful cramping during my period, copious cervical fluid during ovulation with a swollen and tender lower abdomen, and then the day my cervical fluid starts to dry up BAM! crazy breast tenderness for the next 2-3 weeks until AF visits again. Sometimes I can even pinpoint my hormone mood crashes, they are that sharp. And water retention and cravings and weight gain...yuck.
Ugh. I am in my mid 30's and feel like a freaking 14 year old at the mercy of her hormones.

AF returned 6 months PP, but was typical for 18 months until I weaned her about 6 months ago...and then it slowly developed into the monster it is now.

any insight?