Sleeping.

[pinkhousesarebest]

I used to sleep like a log, but I guess I am perimenopausal at the grand old age of 46, and my sleep is very shallow. The worst thing is, when I wake up I am overwhelmed by the saddest thoughts, death and old age related, and I cannot get back to sleep. I have few people of my advancing years to talk to. My dcs friends mums are are at least ten years younger than me, although lovely. DH says I have always had a fixation with the passing of time, and its true, although having children has made it almost unbearable. I suppose my question is, does this ring a bell with anyone? Is this what happens?

I don't think it is directly connected to the menopause; I think it's just a sign that you are increasingly aware of your own mortality. Some people- like me- are, but others like my Dh hardly give its a moment's thought.

Your other issue of changed sleeping patterns is de. related to meno.

hello,pinkhouses i just read this and it struck a chord.I am 52 and feeling very fragile at the moment about aging and the future.My 3 children are in uni and sixth form,so i do feel that those intense nuturing days are well gone and,yes, it does make me feel sad.But that is natural,
Also, I do think that we should not push away thoughts of mortality and loss. It is a major part of our lives, it affects all of us deeply,and is as worthy of as much consideration as other big events like birth,marriages,divorces and so forth.
Life to me just now seems like a big rough sea,ups and downs,and just try to enjoy being tossed about on it,you wont sink.you're just a cork,bobbing about.
I'm still having periods,but definatly approaching menopause,and i do feel that just as starting your periods is exciting and something to celebrate,so should the final hormonal upheaval be an occasion to take stock.Or does that sound too 80's hippy? Anyway,you are not alone,everyone is different,and i hope you are sleeping better.
purplepeony i really appreciate all your advice on menopause topics,i dont post often anywhere,but find the things you say here v. helpful.

oh thanks spirit.

I think a positive attiutde helps.
I do not regret the passing of my fertile years as I have 2 great DCs who popped out of me, so feel my body did its job.

It is a time to take stock- I feel liberated to be free from 20+ years of childcare and putting me at the (almost) bottom of the list- so look forward to the next 30-40 years if I am lucky, doing things that make me happy!

Rather than thinking I am about to be pensioned off, I see it as a chance to re invent myslef and start again.

go to dr get hormone levels checked and thyroid.

I also have been sleeping badly and some depressive thoughts, looking at life and wondering where and why I was having all these feelings....add in some physical and menopausal symptoms an mix it all up.

Turns out its all linked to an underactive thyroid that can be treated and a new life of energy and positivity ahead.

There could be an underlying physical cause to how you feel.

Thank you, I forgot about this thread for a while. I have made an appointment with my dr as a friend has just discovered she has an underactive thyroid, and she has had terrible sleep problems for ages.

I also want to get hormone levels checked, just to see where I am.

On a slightly seperate, but not really, note, I noticed this morning some irregular bleeding after sex. I had a smear test last April, which was fine. Is this a common thing?

Purple Peony and Spirit, thank you for your positive vibes. Though my children are still small, so no immediate liberation for me.