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Menopause

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Original poster

Lack of sleep

39 replies

Applejack87 · 11/12/2020 04:27

So here I am at 04.24 up and wide awake it’s really getting me down , I woke at 02.30 and it doesn’t matter how much I try to switch off it doesn’t happen , I’m not on HRT but have discussed it with my GP, I’m having a mammogram tomorrow then she’s advised I call her. Does HRT help with sleep ?

OP posts:
Tinkerbellflowers · 11/12/2020 05:00

Hello Apple. I am not sure about HRT helping with getting to sleep, but can keep you company! I can't get to sleep either. In a very noisy hospital ward.

AtlasPine · 11/12/2020 05:06

I’m 58 and this has been going on for years now for me. Sleeping is random and I’m often awake for hours in the night. Then i have to fight napping after work. Days off (I’m part-time) - I often have a couple of hours sleep to try and catch up. I’m sure my sleep hygiene is appalling. I’m retiring next year and hoping to get into a better pattern - I have to leave the house so early for work.

AtlasPine · 11/12/2020 05:07

I’m not sure if HRT would have helped. I’d love to know the answer too though it’s probably a bit late for me now.

Original poster
Applejack87 · 11/12/2020 06:15

It’s a killer and really bad for overall well being , I have to get ready to start my day now and I’m shattered
I’m happy to try HRT as my mum died of dementia and I’m scared that I could eventually get this awful disease . Estrogen protects the brain , heart bones etc

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 11/12/2020 06:19

I had horrible insomnia due to Peru-menopause and HRT sorted it almost immediately, along with all of my other symptoms. I know many other women for whom HRT cured their insomnia as well. It's a lifesaver.

Aquamarine1029 · 11/12/2020 06:21

Peru? Haha. PERI. Sorry.

RosesAndHellebores · 11/12/2020 06:25

I lost sleep due to night sweats. HRT worked within three days. Seems a lifetime ago now.

brittanyfairies · 11/12/2020 06:29

My insomnia has virtually disappeared since I started HRT last year.

Still shattered all the time though.

Original poster
Applejack87 · 11/12/2020 07:06

Did you go to your GP’s for HRT or a menopause Dr ?

OP posts:
ItsCovidOutThereThisChristmas · 11/12/2020 07:14

HRT definitely helped me as did this works lavender pillow spray and a weighted blanket

Mindymomo · 11/12/2020 08:13

I am 59 and been suffering since I was 52. I’ve been to GP a couple of times, but due to having high blood pressure and needing medication, I was going to try HRT but symptoms got better, so didn’t go back, but then symptoms came back. If you can get to see a private menopause specialist, it would be better, I wish I had. I tried most things, that you can buy, with minimal short success, but they don’t bring relief for long. I have bad nights sleep when I’ve had wine, spicy food or heavy food before bed, so try and avoid.

DianaT1969 · 11/12/2020 09:08

Are you taking magnesium chloride? You could use a magnesium footspray or Empson salt footbath just before bed too.

Ibizafun · 13/12/2020 22:30

I had chronic Insomnia due to peri menopause and was put on HRT. Only wake once now but it’s a long once as can’t get back to sleep!

Labobo · 13/12/2020 22:36

this has started recently for me. If something wakes me after 1am I can't sleep again until about 4.30. D teens were chatting at 2.30 last night and woke me. Fell asleep again at 5.30am and woke at 9am. It's very tiring.

megletthesecond · 13/12/2020 22:57

Peru menopause would be nice. It would come with Paddington.

Othering · 13/12/2020 23:04

I have disrupted sleep patterns due to the menopause but hen again, I've never been the best of sleepers. I've not gone down the hrt route but have had a fair bit of success with sage complex supplements. They help my hot flushes and my sleeping.

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 13/12/2020 23:05

www.gransnet.com/forums/menopause/1288498-No-Symptoms?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=13/12/2020&utm_term=%22No+symptoms+-+anyone+else%3F%22
Here's a link to a thread on Gransnet earlier today.
A number of people on there suggested they share their experiences with their younger sisters on MN

greyinganddecaying · 13/12/2020 23:11

I sleep badly. HRT helped at first but it's got worse again recently. I'm trying magnesium sulphate & relaxation playlists now.

dubyalass · 20/12/2020 08:20

I’ve not slept properly for weeks, and I don’t know how much is perimenopause and how much is general anxiety about Covid, Brexit, Christmas, family members and all the other things that I seem to worry about at the moment. I can normally get to sleep ok but am noticing a run of a few days where I just lie there awake, usually around ovulation or just before my period, but this time it’s gone on for ages.

Not quite at breaking point just yet, and going to try some OTC tablets tomorrow. Also got a blood test and GP appt booked for early next month. Also going to look at CBT to try to change my anxious response to everything.

goldenharvest · 20/12/2020 09:33

Go for the HRT it delays the onset, and you can feel normal for another 5 years.

I'm peri menopausal and find a weighted blanket really helps with sleep. Totally won over by it. Calming Blanket is a good one.

HappydaysArehere · 20/12/2020 09:52

HRT does affect sleep. When I was around fifty my insomnia started so was advised to try HRT. Within 3 days I was sleeping normally. This continued for around three years until one day I started to be concerned about links with breast cancer as my gran had died from this so decided to come off it. Within a few days my insomnia was back. Over the years I have tried everything advocated for sleep and any effort to get help from doctors was brushed away by being directed to something herbal. However, about three years ago I was in such a state of sleep deprivation that I went to a doctor who prescribed Zopicione just 3.75mgs. I was told to take one or two but no more than twice a week. I knew it was not good to take them all the time as they become less and less effective. These really helped as when I have literally no sleep one night or I know I need to be alert the next day I know that if I take one I can actually get some sleep. I am 79 now and I so wished I had pushed the doctors earlier for some help. What really helps is the knowledge that when I take them I will sleep so the worry goes and the brain gets back on track as sleep is so much a habit as is regular bed times.

GlasgowsGreen · 20/12/2020 10:08

HRT hasn’t made any difference to my sleep particularly but then I read this earlier in the week: twitter.com/hjoycegender/status/1338612610929979393?s=21
Game changer.

UntamedWisteria · 20/12/2020 10:10

HRT hasn't really helped with my sleeping issues - which are caused by work-related anxiety- but it helps me cope much better after a restless night.

Londontown12 · 20/12/2020 17:52

I was having nights like this Awake at 2am then 4am tossing and turning sometimes very hot others just couldn’t sleep I’ve been on HRT 2nd month and with a good sleep routine I’m going thou the night !
I have a shower earlier in evening not to near bedtime
I spray pillows with lavender spray
I don’t use my phone or any gadgets hour before bed !
I put a soft lamp on and read until I get sleepy 😴
Hope this helps and I also get up and go bed same times everyday .

bumpsadaisy11 · 21/12/2020 09:40

Does anyone know how much it costs to see a private menopause specialist?
I am in the south west if that makes any difference.