Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Sarokel on December 20, 2020, 09:56:23 AM

Title: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Sarokel on December 20, 2020, 09:56:23 AM

Hia everyone, I had a total hysterectomy last October, everything out including ovaries. I was on 4 pumps of oestrogel but have started to get very sore boobs so have reduced to 3 pumps. As soon as I did I started to have problems sleeping, waking up not getting back to sleep etc. I don't drink, smoke or even drink caffeine. Has anyone else had experience of insomnia after a reduction in estrogen? Does it settle?
Thank you xx

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: sheila99 on December 20, 2020, 12:45:22 PM

Yes, insomnia and anxiety were my worst peri symptoms. No it didn't settle, I went on hrt after several months (I think about a year but not certain). As you're on gel you have the option to increase by part pumps so maybe try altering the dose until you find the optimum for you? There are posts on sleeping so perhaps try a forum search. I think some people have used melatonin

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Uptick on December 20, 2020, 04:12:29 PM

Hi Sarokel, my oestrogen levels have been rock bottom since menopause (4 years) and I can sleep for England, even though the hot flushes disrupt my sleep I go back to sleep in a couple of minutes. We're all different, but I am convinced it's the sudden drop in oestrogen that can be interfering with your sleep, and it will eventually settle. Fingers crossed.

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Gilla999 on December 20, 2020, 05:46:23 PM

My own experience is that it's any sudden changes in levels that cause it - and some seem to be more sensitive to it than others, myself included. Sending you lots of good vibes xx

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Sarokel on December 24, 2020, 09:54:22 AM

A few days into reducing now and I've been awake since 3am. Wouldn't have guessed that going down 1 pump a day would have such a major effect on me

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Uptick on December 27, 2020, 01:31:28 PM

Hi Sarokel, when do you use the gel, am or pm?

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Hurdity on December 27, 2020, 11:06:35 PM

I agree with sheila99,  Sarokel - 1 pump is quite a lot to reduce by all at once so if you could reduce very gradually this should have a less dramatic  effect?

Hurdity x  :welcomemm:

Title: Re: Reduced levels oestrogel and insomnia
Post by: Flan747 on December 28, 2020, 08:46:07 AM

I took the plunge and went from 4mg Sandrena to 2mg and feel so much better! I do think maybe I wasn’t absorbing quite as much as I should have been but definitely the right thing for me but we are all different