Insomnia, menopause and started HRT

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi, just started HRT - ELLESTE Duet 1mg version. Had it orescribed nearly a year ago for mild depression (didnt want antidepressants) which i think was related to perimenopause but then, waiting for my cycle to start, i was given a SAD lamp which really helped my mood for a bit. I've always been a poor sleeper with regular bad nights and have been taking melatonin for a few years which has helped a bit. But a few month ago insomnia got really bad and melatonin seemed to stop working though i am still taking it. Not falling asleep until 4am or dawn night after night and then trying to function at work, and feeling rubbish all the time. So have now started the hrt because i read the worsening insomnia could be menopausal too. Does anyone know how long it takes to work for insomnia? AM 1 week in and the sleep hasn't really improved. Am i expecting too much too soon? Im 50 BTW. Thanks

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    hi there - have you tried magnesium or valerian for your insomnia?

    • Posted

      Hi, yes, I tried valerian but didn't find it did very much for me. I've tried a variety of herbal and over the counter meds but nothing helped. Melatonin was working quite well until a few month ago, but also seems very hit and miss now

  • Posted

    Have you tried Magnesium or L-theanine? I take magnesium (150 mg.) in the morning then again at night. Sometimes if I am going through a spell of bad sleeping, I will take it all at night and it seems to help. I fall asleep pretty easily. My isssue is waking around 3 am and the not being able to get back to sleep. The magnesium doesn't really help with that. On those nights, I will pop a 25 mg. benadryl capsule and it does help me drift back to sleep.

    • Posted

      Hi Kim, it sounds like magnesium might be worth a try, thank you!

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