A couple of months ago I told you all about my tendency to become another person entirely when Aunt Flo rolls around. I compared myself to Jekyll and Hyde. My hormones surge and I turn into a raging bitch, and the very minute I start bleeding, I’m back to being my sweet, lovable self. I told you how I was sick of it and revealed my decision to try taking Zoloft to tame the beast.
It seems to be working.
It’s been about two months now, and I’m approaching my second visit from Aunt Flo – she should arrive any day now. Mister and I have not had any arguments since I started taking it, and only one dish has lost its life, but that was an unfortunate accident due to my clumsiness. I don’t hate Mister anymore when I’m getting ready to bleed – I just don’t like him at times. (I really do love my husband, but Aunt Flo tries to convince me otherwise.)
I feel like I can handle things as they come. For example, this week was pretty stressful at work, as the changing of the calendar is when you work in finance. Other than shoveling chocolate into my face at warp speed, I feel fine and don’t feel the rage coming on. After I’ve removed myself from the stress, I start feeling normal once I’ve had a chance to decompress. Yesterday I felt my ability to think come to a screeching halt about a half hour before my work day ended. Once I got home and had a chance to breathe, I felt better and wanted to interact with the internets rather than curl up with a blanket and stare mindlessly at the TV.
I do feel a tiny bit numb, but not so much that it affects my ability to do anything. I’d much rather have that than the hormonal roller coaster, because at least it’s a lot steadier.
Also? In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been blogging a lot more over the past two months than I have been for the past few years. I feel like something has awakened in me that has me wanting to flex my creative and intellectual muscles, and I think it’s been showing on my blog. I’ve been enjoying feeling like I want to blog again.
So far, I think the Zoloft is magic in a tiny pill. I’m sure I’ll still have my ups and downs, but I feel like they’ll be gently rolling hills rather than jagged, unforgiving mountains.
I like feeling human again.
Omigosh, that is so awesome! I’m thrilled to hear this!
Thanks! I’m glad I’m feeling better and no longer dreading a visit from Aunt Flo.
Oh I can so relate! I have no idea what Zoloft is but maybe I need to get me some!
Stopping by from SITS (you left a great comment and so i had to check you out :)
Luv Simone
greatfun4kids
Hi Simone, thanks for visiting! Zoloft is an anti-depressant – you might know it as Selectra or Eleva. I would definitely advise speaking with your doctor to determine if you have PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) before considering this; even for me it was a last ditch effort to get it under control, as previous remedies didn’t work so well.
Hi Kirsten –
Stopping by from LBS Tea Party. I am so glad I found you! It looks like we have a lot in common! I have been taking zoloft for about a year now (depression, panic disorder, agoraphobia) and PMDD was something I knew I suffered with since I was about 18. I would literally morph into a man hating psychopath – well just a husband hating monster. I actually decided to get an IUD which has eliminated Aunt Flow but I can still feel the hormone fluctuation – its weird.
I will say that since taking Zoloft (sertraline is the generic) that I have had a lot of improvement – mainly I dont loathe my husband 1.5 weeks out of the month! LOL It has also helped out a lot of the “ailments” I am taking it for. Though I do find I get into funks where for 2 or 3 days at a time I am just “blah”. Thats due to the depression though,
OK – I about spilled my life story here…..
New follower here! Keep doing what you do!
Thanks for stopping by, Jaime-Ann! I actually haven’t felt the hormones affecting my mood since starting the Zoloft, but I definitely feel the physical effects of PMS. The PMDD does explain a lot; looking back I can see that I’ve had it for a very long time. It was easier to handle when I was single, though, because I could just go home and lock the door on the world and no one was subjected to my moods. Having a husband now makes that impossible, and the poor man has taken the brunt of it. We’re both much happier since I started taking this.
I remember those days. I was very moody and unpredictable. I often went to bed earlier so that I wouldn’t be so argumentative. I had to wear socks at home and I couldn’t drink anything ice cold. I often had to miss days at work. As I got older, my symptoms got worse and eventually I had to have a hysterectomy. Thank God! I don’t miss my “little friend” AT ALL.
Jacquelyn, I hope it doesn’t lead down that road, but I certainly wouldn’t miss Aunt Flo visiting me!