Is perimenopause insomnia a thing?

[LucyWarlowsRightHand]

I’m 47 and presumably in perimenopause although I haven’t had particularly troubling symptoms.

I’ve had serious insomnia for about two weeks though, no idea why. I’ve always had pretty good sleep hygiene, no caffeine in the afternoon, low/no alcohol, etc etc. But I’m exhausted, can’t sleep, and keep waking up early.
Could it be hormone-related? I realise it might just be one of those things but I’m trying to figure it out. I’m really having trouble functioning today, I’m so sleep-deprived.

Insomnia is one of the most common peri symptoms, and for me it was one of the first. As soon as I started HRT, all of my symptoms went away.

Yes
Definitely.

I used to be the best sleeper. Now I wake in the night at least once. Yesterday I woke at 4.30am (didn't go to be until midnight) and could not get back to sleep. Ended up getting up for a cuppa and to read for a while but stayed up.. I was tired yesterday.

I think it's quite common. Unfortunately.

Thanks- obviously I tried googling but I could really only find menopause info.

Bugger. I have anxiety issues and I find that sleep deprivation makes it worse. Lockdown hasn’t helped either. I may need to visit the GP for advice. It’s all a bit shit right now for everyone really!

I think so too OP. I'm 46 and I've always been a really good sleeper, but in the last few months I've had times of waking really early and not being able to get back to sleep. It tends to go in phases - then it will be followed by a period of good sleep.

Having said that, my DH is also sleeping worse these days than he used to. So maybe it's more about just getting older generally than specifically the peri menopause?

I did wonder, but it’s come on so quickly- just like pregnancy insomnia did! That’s what made me suspect hormones.

Anyone know the hormonal explanation for why this happens? I’ve still got it despite HRT and have had for years now. I’m tired almost all the time

Me too - 47 also and look 10 years older - I'm shattered.

I wouldn't waste too much time on a gp because they are notoriously useless when it comes to peri-menopause treatment. Get yourself to a gynae as soon as possible.

Here are two really good articles...

i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood

www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/01/surviving-perimenopause-i-was-overwhelmed-and-full-of-rage-why-was-i-so-badly-prepared

Yes! First symptom for me

Anyone know the hormonal explanation for why this happens? I’ve still got it despite HRT and have had for years now. I’m tired almost all the time

You should have your thyroid checked, but you also may need a different type of HRT.

Thanks aqua. My GP’s pretty good (actually brilliant up to now, really looks at the whole picture) but we’ll see how we go. I’ll push for a referral if I’m not happy.

Yes I took a couple of kalms in the evening helped me drop off.im a few years on I'm sleeping better.

I have never been a great sleeper really BUT over the last couple of years of peri things have got a lot worse - especially during the months of skipping periods.

I have recently started using magnesium lotion and it has helped.

It's kind of nice to read for once that HRT wasn't a magic cure. You know it can't be always be a cure-all.

Sorry I can't help, OP. According to my insomnia index I've been perimenop since I was 2yo, so a mere 50 yrs. Hope you find relief.