Can't get to sleep....

[NorfolkNellie]

Is this a normal part of the peri menopause? Takes me hours to get to sleep and it feels like I am having adreneline surges every half hour or so. 3 hours sleep last night!!

It is unfortunately part of peri, but not sleeping is not normal and has a massive impact on your health and life you shouldn't just put up with it because it's part of peri. I tried everything for peri related insomnia but nothing can replace the declining oestrogen that's causing the adrenaline surges. The only thing that's worked is HRT which has been a life and sanity saver for me, since I started HRT I sleep a good 7-8 hours a night.

Thank you.

I'm 49 and going through peri and I've been having a nightmare sleeping. I've never been the best sleeper but recently my sleep has been appalling/non-existent. I can't take HRT as I'm very high risk for breast cancer, plus I'm managing my peri symptoms pretty well apart from the sleep issue.

I finally gave in and saw my GP this past Mon. The lack of sleep is also triggering my migraines and my migraine medication is no longer available (grr). Anyway, so my super smart GP has started me on amitriptyline (10mg) to prevent my migraines but one of it's side effects is that it makes you sleepy. . For the past 4 nights I've actually slept!!!! Ok, so I still wake up a few times but only briefly and then back to sleep. The quality of my sleep is also much improved (as per my Fitbit). It might be worth discussing with your GP? Amitriptyline is used for pain relief or as an anti-depressant but the dose I'm taking is tiny and it's made a huge difference to my sleep.

It's horrific isn't it 😢

I'm making an appointment with the Dr first thing Monday morning! Thanks for all your help. It really helps to hear from others.

Hi, I recently started taking Vit B6 and magnesium. Find I am still waking but get back to sleep quicker. I take valerian if I have a bad couple of nights.

t. I can't take HRT as I'm very high risk for breast cancer

@HundredMilesAnHour have you sought advice from a consultant on this? Just asking because many women think they have a high risk and don't . Have you had the BRac test?

Just asking because many women think they have a high risk and don't

Yes, unfortunately I'm definitely high risk as agreed by several breast cancer consultants and geneticists. I've been attending the high risk clinic at Barts & The London from my mid-30s (so for the last 10+ years) where I see a geneticist as well as have an annual mammogram. I'm also part of a 5 year trial at Barts for high risk women. So far I've dodged the breast cancer bullet. Here's hoping that continues!

Ah- really sorry to hear that. sorry to query it's just so many women post here and think they have a high risk and don't - they believe that if a great aunt or a gran had BC they can't take HRT.

Fingers crossed for you.