Coming off the pill completely changed me. Anyone?

[corvicula]

I came off the pill four months ago after being on it for 12 years because we finally decided it was the right time to have a baby. I remember telling friends I had never been happier in my life and then it all changed, I changed.
I have started to feel very distant from my partner, going "off" him, not being interested in him.... Then I started doing more things on my own than I usually do, adopted some strange behaviours (like loving ironing everything??!!), I worked all hours I could and started having extreme mood swings. I can go from euphoric to thinking the world will end within an hour.
And then I had to admit to myself and my partner that I do not want a baby any more, which broke his heart.
My husband is supportive nevertheless, but we are living like friends not husband and wife right now and my all my GP could tell me was that the change might last for another 5 months and it takes time to re-adjust. I am really worried that this is permanent and it will eventually destroy my relationship.

Has anyone had similar experiences and if so, what have you done to get back to normal? All I want is turn back time and go back to being happy in my relationship. Going back on the pill is not an option from my point of view as I will have to get through this at some point, right?

Thank you!

I have the opposite - I become depressed and withdrawn on the Pill! I am fine when I'm off it.

Sure you will get through this. Like euro I was loopy ON the pill! But had spent years in the natural swing of hormones before that.

Have you spoken to your partner about how you are feeling? It's important he knows so he can support you and will also help him know that it's not the relationship breaking apart just a hormonal blip along the way.

When I had the implant put in I was really emotional and moody. I'm usually a fun, confident outgoing type person and always make a fool of myself if it means enjoying myself [grins] but I was at a pals party the day after getting it and I just wanted to shrink into the wall and nearly started crying each time hubby asked me to dance!

Unfortunately it sounds like something you need to wait out. It must be so frustrating for you, there's no reason why it would be permanent (unless your pill was actually a love potion) so don't let yourself think about it maybe being permanent. Tell yourself the things you like/love about your husband to remind you why you married him and in time I'm sure things will settle down for you.

Have a virtual hug just cause it sounds horrible.

It's just your hormones settling down. Can take up to a year before you're back to your 'natural' self.

You'll be fine

Thank you for your replies, it means a lot to hear that it will be alright again.
DisneyDiva, I have talked to my OH throughout the journey, he wouldn't let me ignore it all anyway. He is very patient, which I am not, and I know I am very lucky, hence why it feels doubly harsh to feel so distant from him. It's like he's my best friend when I want him to be my husband and it's all my fault.
It's just so hard to see him suffer from the fact that I changed my mind about children (for now). I just don't think it would be fair to have them while I am unsure about the future.
I don't think the pill was a love potion but I have heard that it can change how you perceive your partner, which worries me (but everything worries me at the minute).

Hormones are very powerful things.

The Pill was a very effectively contraceptive for me, because in addition to the depression it made me gain weight and lose my libido.

I hope everything settles down for you soon.

This sounds so distressing. Perhaps counselling could help you to process your feelings?

Cravingdairy, I have requested counselling and hoping to sort be starting it soon. I've had good experience with counselling in the past, so let's hope it helps.
I just wish I could find the switch and soon, I never realised how hormones can change someone's personality so much. I know a lot of people are having trouble on the pill, I just haven't met anyone having any off it...

I had similar troubles when coming off the pill, I started to feel like I didn't know the man I was married too anymore. It took me about 6 months to start to feel normal again, we started dating like we used to do when we were younger and it brought back that flame!

I suppose as the pill simulates pregnancy it is bound to make you feel bonded to your partner. To suddenly withdraw that hormonal signal must be a shock for your body. I'm sure once you're back in the natural swing of things it will all be ok, maybe you need to spend some time remembering what drew you to each other in the first place and try to rekindle that - at least recognising that you are distancing yourself from him now means that you can do something about it before its too late.

Although I am opposite to you the pill has dramatic effects in me its my first month off and my libido has gone through the roof my boobs have grown and im very emotional. I amazed what hormones can do in a short time it will settle down in time

I've been off the pill a month, and have gone through a series of changes in just that time. Ecstatic one minute, depressed the next. I was on the pill for a long time too, i reckon it just takes time for your body to find it's natural flow. Hang in there :)