Email professor about bad grade?

I have been through a lot of stress (personal and family-related) in the last month-month and half, and it has negatively impacted my studies. I did very bad on a midterm, and my grade has been slipping by a lot in one of my cles. I wanted to explain my situation to the professor, and just let her know that I have really started to shape up and apply myself. Would it be a bad idea to email her regarding this issue? In order to see her during office hours, I have to make a half hour appointment (and it's probably too long)....i find her to be intimidating, and I am really dreading even talking to her-- so would email be an okay option? Or is it too impersonal for such an issue?