Menopause and insomnia
Posted , 13 users are following.
Went back to see my Dr last Sept....she is utterly useless....first of all when I suggested going down the HRT route to her a few months before as I was having such problems with joint pain/insomnia/over active bladder....she put me on Evorel conti something I shouldn't have been on as I was still having periods....anyway I had to stop them because of palpitations etc......next she prescribed Premique....again wrong medication as no break for me to have my period......I took them as prescribed and they did nothing for my symptoms other than stopping my periods all together........I should perhaps mention at this point that I don't have hot flushes,night sweats or mood swings as I take a high dose Red Clover tablet every day which works for me......When she gave me the Premique she told me to stop the Red Clover as the HRT would take care of everything......wrong....one week after stopping red clover the flushes night sweats started again........anyway eventually as the whole purpose for me taking HRT was to get back into a normal sleeping pattern....when that didn't work I went back to see her and ask to swap to Utrogestan ......she decided that she would take me off HRT completely as according to her there is no clinical evidence that HRT works for insomnia or joint pain..Wrong there is tons of information out there backing up my theory that my problems are hormone related......I have been without anything since then despite 2 further visits re my insomnia she refuses to do anything about it.......I'm at my wits end now surviving on anything from 9 hours to 16 hours sleep per WEEK.......I'm constantly up and down all night because as I'm awake I'm more aware of my bladder urgency....also my RLS has returned...something I've not had for years but I'm sure its linked in some way......I'm going to try one more time to get her to see that I need help and it is hormone based as OTC meds have done nothing to help....I'm convinced that if I find the right HRT for me then most of my problems will go away........any suggestions please as to what I should ask for
If she refuses to help this time then I'm changing my surgery as I simply cannot go on like this....I almost had a car accident last week due to the fact that I was so exhausted
1 like, 45 replies
susan46852
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tangobunny
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susan46852
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tangobunny
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susan46852
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tangobunny
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iris20330
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I am curious about the red clover and might try that for hot flashes. I also am curious about the heart palpitations that seem to have gotten more frequent. I never knew it was part of menopause. Does anyone know of anything for this besides little to no caffeine?
Sounds like we are all in the same boat, just in different locations!
Look forward to reading more posts and things that might help.
laurie70017
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jayneejay
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jayneejay
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tangobunny
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jayneejay
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tangobunny
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tangobunny
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kate2014
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I've been there for the last year - seen lots of doctors, menopause clinics, read self help articles, tried every combination and dose of HRT, natural supplements, sleeping pills, antihistamines etc.....
Long story short, my husband identified an excellent Natural therapist with a Herbal Medicine specialty and interest in women's health. She said with the upset in hormone levels in menopause, many women experience a rise in cortisol (even though they are not aware of this) which creates a constant state of alertness and consequent disruption to sleep. She made me a herbal preparation to take along with minor dietary changes - a focus on plenty of meat and vegies, little sugar and caffeine.She said I should notice a change in 2 weeks.
After nearly 3 weeks, I am not out of the woods yet but my sleep has definitely improved so much. I have been able to cut back drastically on sleeping medications and am getting 7 - 8 hours of good quality sleep.
I am very confident that I am on the right track to getting my life back after 15 horrible months. When the convential treatments don't work, give this a go - it doesn't cause problems like the doctor drugs.
mollym kate2014
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was very interested to read your input Kate as feel I may be heading in similar direction. I feel absolutely shattered and ready for sleep but wired at the same time! The last 4 months have been quite simply a nightmare with me averaging 1 to 2 hours sleep a night, have had to take prescription sleeping tablets for some respite, which am taking only out of sheer desperation every two days or so. I've only been on HRT for month, but have not seen any improvement yet (doc has said I need to give it 3 months). Have cut out all caffeine and started excercising more.
I have a couple of questions... Are you on HRT while taking herbalist preparation? also if based in London (or surrounding area) would love her contact details. Hope you're continuing to sleep! Thank you.
kate2014 mollym
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Now taking 1mg prescription Melatonin, 7.5 mg Mirtazapine tablet - both 15 mins before bed. Mirtazapine is a antidepressant which in low dose (usually 15 mg) has sedative properties (I am not depressed). INon-addictive like traditional sleeping pills. This recipe is working for now but with fingers crossed. Don't give up finding something that works for you. Lack of sleep is awful and takes a toll on your total wellbeing.
kate2014 mollym
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The ingredients in my herbs are Lemon Balm, Valerian, St Johns Wort, Bocopa, Baikal Skullcap. I think the first 3 are the main ingredients.
Also I take prescription melatonin, from a doctor, which is different from the preparations you buy over the counter in health food shops or chemists.
mollym kate2014
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mollym jayneejay
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jayneejay mollym
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i know 9 years of existing on hardly any sleep, but i think you get use to it, i seem to function fine and it never affects my mood, i must add I have never been a great sleeper anyway, i am a light sleeper, easily woken which maybe doesnt help, but i have learned to live with it as cant do alot else, i have the emergency med for if it really affects me, and melatonin i tend to use sometimes too ... good luck with yours, 😢Jay x
kate2014 mollym
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mollym kate2014
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