Menopause frustrations!!
Corr_Paisley
Posts: 27 Member
As a 51 year old lady who has started working on losing a chunk of weight (1st big goal = lose 55 lbs) knowing full well her late night snacking is her biggest hurdle, the fact that I'm on the sleep-struggling menopause train is NOT helping! Thankfully, I seem to be past the whole heat-flash stage so that no longer is an issue for my sleep pattern, but I'm still struggling with falling asleep at a reasonable time. I find I'm SO tired but I just can't seem to fall asleep, and not from lack of trying. I am up to 8 mg of melatonin, on top of my allergy meds that are meant to help me fall asleep, plus my night anxiety med that used to be a wonderful help as well but no more.
For those of you who are dealing with this currently or who have dealt with it in the past, have/had you found anything that has helped?
For those of you who are dealing with this currently or who have dealt with it in the past, have/had you found anything that has helped?
4
Replies
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There is a product called Calm, which is a magnesium supplement, that can help. I buy it off Amazon.
Hubby uses a product called Rest In Peace by Insane Labz.3 -
I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.7 -
kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.2 -
Valerian root is another non-addictive natural herb that promotes restful sleep without grogginess.3
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You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?4
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tcunbeliever wrote: »You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?
1 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »There is a product called Calm, which is a magnesium supplement, that can help. I buy it off Amazon.
Hubby uses a product called Rest In Peace by Insane Labz.
Thank you! I'll definitely look more into these products and see if amazon.ca offers it. I do love my Amazon.
0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
Thanks. Melatonin had also been working for me up to the last little while, so I'll definitely look into the sublingual melatonin and what may be offered of a similar nature here.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.0 -
tmoneyag99 wrote: »Valerian root is another non-addictive natural herb that promotes restful sleep without grogginess.
I'll definitely look into that. I'd never heard of it so hadn't even thought to look in that direction. Thank you so much!0 -
tcunbeliever wrote: »You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?
No bath in this rental, but definitely keeping that in mind any future stays away from home that do have baths available! Thanks.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
I have joined! Thanks!0 -
I turned 50 in Sept, done all the sleep tricks possible. I took 10mg meletonin and it harmed my sleep instead, the dose too high. Finally went to my doctor, doc said up to 3mg only. Funny thing is we don't know what we are depleted in order to supplement properly, serotonin is a big part of this and depleting female hormones, I would not supplement with things that can cause issues your anxiety medication. For me this was vicious cycle till I went to my doc, calorie deficits are definitely hard.
I don't have any advice, what I am doing may not work for you, I still struggle so much with sleep waking up last night for example soaked from night sweats. Might want to talk to your doc.4 -
I turned 50 in Sept, done all the sleep tricks possible. I took 10mg meletonin and it harmed my sleep instead, the dose too high. Finally went to a sleep doctor, doc said up to 3mg only. Funny thing is we don't know what we are depleted in order to supplement properly, serotonin is a big part of this and hormones, I would not supplement with things that can cause issues your anxiety medication. For me this was vicious cycle till I went to my doc.
I don't have any advice, what I am doing may not work for you, I still struggle so much with sleep waking up last night for example soaked from night sweats. Might want to talk to your doc.
Ya, my friend who writes a lot about sleep issues says she's read too much melatonin can be counterproductive, but since I didn't have a citation I didn't mention it earlier. But @Corr_Paisley your 8 mg may be too high a dose as well.1 -
tcunbeliever wrote: »You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?Corr_Paisley wrote: »No bath in this rental, but definitely keeping that in mind any future stays away from home that do have baths available! Thanks.
You can take magnesium supplements instead, but first find out which form of magnesium is the one that can help for sleep. I take magnesium formed from L-Aspartic Acid and it does nothing for sleep.1 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
When do you take the CBD oil as a sleep aid? We have it for our son to help with focus during homeschooling but he suffers with insomnia. We're waiting for a doctor's appointment, but that's not until March. So any help would be welcome.
As to the topic of the original post, I had sleep issues for years. When I was at the stage you're describing, I found that if I stayed up past the point I should have gone to bed, that's when I struggled most falling and staying asleep. Gradually moving my going to bed and waking time earlier helped a lot. So did getting exercise every day.3 -
All I can say is ((HUGS)) because I'm right there with you. I'm going down the HRT route (and very happy so far), but I know that isn't for everyone.3
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Corr_Paisley wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.
I also take CBD oil for insominia. I'm just a year older than you. CBD oil also helps some with anxiety so you may want to check it out.
@GottaBurnEmAll - I take 25mg about 15-20 min before sleep sublingual and I have a CBD lavender rub for my fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I take at the same time.
2 -
leanjogreen18 wrote: »Corr_Paisley wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.
I also take CBD oil for insominia. I'm just a year older than you. CBD oil also helps some with anxiety so you may want to check it out.
@GottaBurnEmAll - I take 25mg about 15-20 min before sleep sublingual and I have a CBD lavender rub for my fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I take at the same time.
Thanks!1 -
I turned 50 in Sept, done all the sleep tricks possible. I took 10mg meletonin and it harmed my sleep instead, the dose too high. Finally went to my doctor, doc said up to 3mg only. Funny thing is we don't know what we are depleted in order to supplement properly, serotonin is a big part of this and depleting female hormones, I would not supplement with things that can cause issues your anxiety medication. For me this was vicious cycle till I went to my doc, calorie deficits are definitely hard.
I don't have any advice, what I am doing may not work for you, I still struggle so much with sleep waking up last night for example soaked from night sweats. Might want to talk to your doc.
I definitely plan to talk to my doc about this and a few other issues that seemed to have recently ramped up over the last few weeks. I seem to, thankfully, be past the night sweats & heat flashes for the most part, but no sooner did that end and the other things got worse. Thank you for the information regarding the melatonin too! I'll definitely back off on the dose. Thanks so much!1 -
kshama2001 wrote: »tcunbeliever wrote: »You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?Corr_Paisley wrote: »No bath in this rental, but definitely keeping that in mind any future stays away from home that do have baths available! Thanks.
You can take magnesium supplements instead, but first find out which form of magnesium is the one that can help for sleep. I take magnesium formed from L-Aspartic Acid and it does nothing for sleep.
This should be something my doctor could advise me on though, right? I'd rather have someone with some knowledge in this area already give me some direction than me, myself, try to understand or sort out what the correct form would be. Thanks so much for your suggestions! I truly appreciate your time helping.0 -
mom23mangos wrote: »All I can say is ((HUGS)) because I'm right there with you. I'm going down the HRT route (and very happy so far), but I know that isn't for everyone.
I'll have to talk to my doctor about that route. I had been put on the HRT route a few years ago when I had a period that lasted over 6 months, and it worked beautifully at correcting that. I had forgotten about that. It's definitely something I need to talk to her more about. Thanks!0 -
Corr_Paisley wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.
Many find it's excellent for anxiety. I don't have anxiety, but did find that it evened out my never ending menopause irritability. It was like a "PMS" "pre menopause syndrome". CBD helped the most. It's also helped the most with hot flashes. (and lingering bursitis)2 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
When do you take the CBD oil as a sleep aid? We have it for our son to help with focus during homeschooling but he suffers with insomnia. We're waiting for a doctor's appointment, but that's not until March. So any help would be welcome.
As to the topic of the original post, I had sleep issues for years. When I was at the stage you're describing, I found that if I stayed up past the point I should have gone to bed, that's when I struggled most falling and staying asleep. Gradually moving my going to bed and waking time earlier helped a lot. So did getting exercise every day.
I typically use CBD 3 times a day. Morning, mid afternoon, and at bedtime.
That seems to help me.
My BES BEST BES sleep was when I was taking Prometrium (100mg progesterone) at night. LOVED that.3 -
leanjogreen18 wrote: »I also take CBD oil for insomnia. I'm just a year older than you. CBD oil also helps some with anxiety so you may want to check it out.
@GottaBurnEmAll - I take 25mg about 15-20 min before sleep sublingual and I have a CBD lavender rub for my fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I take at the same time.
I'll definitely talk to my doctor about this and see what she says. I also deal with restless leg, where abouts do you get your CBD lavender rub from? We have different shops around here that offer CBD oils, etc, and am wondering if they may actually be the ones that would offer it.
1 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
When do you take the CBD oil as a sleep aid? We have it for our son to help with focus during homeschooling but he suffers with insomnia. We're waiting for a doctor's appointment, but that's not until March. So any help would be welcome.
As to the topic of the original post, I had sleep issues for years. When I was at the stage you're describing, I found that if I stayed up past the point I should have gone to bed, that's when I struggled most falling and staying asleep. Gradually moving my going to bed and waking time earlier helped a lot. So did getting exercise every day.
I typically use CBD 3 times a day. Morning, mid afternoon, and at bedtime.
That seems to help me.
My BES BEST BES sleep was when I was taking Prometrium (100mg progesterone) at night. LOVED that.
Ya, I used to take Prometrium two weeks on and two weeks off, and there was definitely an improvement in sleep during the on weeks.0 -
Corr_Paisley wrote: »leanjogreen18 wrote: »I also take CBD oil for insomnia. I'm just a year older than you. CBD oil also helps some with anxiety so you may want to check it out.
@GottaBurnEmAll - I take 25mg about 15-20 min before sleep sublingual and I have a CBD lavender rub for my fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I take at the same time.
I'll definitely talk to my doctor about this and see what she says. I also deal with restless leg, where abouts do you get your CBD lavender rub from? We have different shops around here that offer CBD oils, etc, and am wondering if they may actually be the ones that would offer it.
I went to the local smoke shop. I did a fair amount of research on CBD oil before going in so I had a genearal idea of what I wanted, but they were knowlegable and helpful too.
The lavender rub was a tester I tried while at the shop, on my hands which bother me and it was a nice cooling sensation and lavender smell. It doesn't last a long time but I like it at night because it's just enough relief to get to sleep especially on my foot that I broke last year that is giving me a lot of trouble since I started back walking and hiking:(
1 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »Corr_Paisley wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS
I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.
I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).
I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group
feel free to join us.
Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.
Many find it's excellent for anxiety. I don't have anxiety, but did find that it evened out my never ending menopause irritability. It was like a "PMS" "pre menopause syndrome". CBD helped the most. It's also helped the most with hot flashes. (and lingering bursitis)
My brother has recently started taking CBD for situations in which he is likely to have social anxiety, and it is helping.
Also, his neighbor gives it to her dog for anxiety and my massage therapist gives it to her dog for same, and both say it does help mellow their dogs out.
My massage therapist has recently started using topical CBD oil for pain - all I remember is that she is happy with it and will get more details next time I see her.2 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »There is a product called Calm, which is a magnesium supplement, that can help. I buy it off Amazon.
Hubby uses a product called Rest In Peace by Insane Labz.
I don't like that name.....1 -
I am in menopause and use a product called Neuro Night - it has a proprietary blend of melatonin, valerian and other herbs and vitamins - I find that within 5 or 10 minutes of taking it I drop off - here is the link to it if you were interested.
- https://www.shop.neurogeneticsolutions.com/Neuro-Night-NN1000.htm0
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