Depression remedies

I am 26 years old and for the last year or so, the few days before my period have gotten steadily worse for me emotionally. The mood swings are intense and have begun to even affect my social life and relationships. I don’t know how to describe it…I just feel like a completely different, worthless lump of a person…it’s terrible.

I have never really monitored my monthly cycles; it was actually my boyfriend who noticed the pattern and brought to my attention. We decided our first course of action would be to track the symptoms.

Also, I have never been on birth control and have a history of depression.

1) What factors could contribute to these debilitating mood swings?
2) Is there anyway to holistically treat and balance hormone levels (I got laid off and have no health insurance…I just can’t afford a doctor)?
3) Would going on birth control help steady hormone levels or actually make them worse?
4) Any other thoughts to help get through that pre-menstrual time without wanting to walk myself off a d*mned bridge every other moment?