Hello,

the past 2 years, I have experienced recurrent episodes of anxiety/stress/depression.

This last year, I have been experiencing strong mood swings throughout the month: I am hazy and feel "out-of-body" one week; I feel very sensitive and emotional the next week (i cry all of the time over anything); then the next week I lash out at everyone and everything. On the last week, I am happy and feel "normal." these mood swings are consistent each month, with each emotional change starting almost on the exact day.

***my emotional mood swings seem to be the exact same as those for women taking birth control. However, I am not on the pill (i am 22, and have not been on it ever), and this is where my questions start:
-are my mood swings caused by 'excess' hormones? If you naturally have a low amount of hormones in your body, does that mean you are emotionally mellow?
-does birth control "even out" mood swings? Is this possible at all? What brands would be best for something like this?
-should someone who is prone to anxiety/depression, or is already experiencing monthly emotional mood swings even take birth control? (honestly i'm more worried about my sanity here than I am about pregnancy)***

basically I have never taken birth control before and am scared that taking it will aggravate my anxiety/depression. I am sick of experiencing these intense mood swings every month, and am hoping that the pill can somehow even me out; however, I am scared that it will make it worse.

I would really like to take the pill, and preferrably not take anti-depressants at the same time. Any advice please?