Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: suey43 on October 06, 2025, 09:59:24 AM

Title: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: suey43 on October 06, 2025, 09:59:24 AM
Hello there,
I've been on HRT for over 10 years but still struggle with insomnia, which I find extremely challenging to cope with. I'm currently on 50mcg Estradot, Mirena coil and testosterone. I was wondering if anyone has tried taking oral progesterone on top of the Mirena to try and provide a bit of help for the insomnia? Is it OK to do that does anyone know? Does it help with insomnia? Anything else worth trying?
Thank you so much!
Title: Re: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: CLKD on October 06, 2025, 11:28:49 AM
R U able to describe your insomnia in more detail?

Many years ago I was in a very busy responbile job which would keep me awake, then I would worry that I would be useless the next day.  One night I thought 'well this hasn't killed me yet and I've not knowingly made any mistakes' and went to sleep.  Crass but I didn't have problems after.

I have used anti-histamines or anti-travel sickness [Kwells ]. medication briefly when going through a traumatic family issue.  It enabled me. My GP gave me 5 tablets, 1 at night - I managed with 3 to get me back into a pattern: I found the 2 remaining last week in the cabinet: prescribed in 1989.   ::)

It can be a mind set.  It may be due to hormones rising/falling which causes disturbance, or even needing to pee often.  Do make sure that u remain hydrated, don't stop drinking at night because the kidneys will work harder.

I often fall asleep in my bubble bath  ;D
Title: Re: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: Ms_london76 on October 06, 2025, 04:30:24 PM
Though I understand the coil has progestrone in it?

I do quite well with oral progesterone. Perhaps the coil is not working for the sleep.

I had insomnia when my journey started. Either I could not fall asleep or stay asleep. However with oral progesterone it knocks me out within the hour.
Title: Re: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: lizzy76 on October 06, 2025, 04:36:48 PM
Yes, the progesterone knocks me out too. I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow and sleep deeply until the alarm wakes me up. I am also quite drowsy and sleepy during the day as well which is not so great- but that doesn't happen with everyone!
Title: Re: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: sheila99 on October 06, 2025, 08:33:52 PM
Utro acts a sedative so many people find their sleep improves, although it made mine worse. It may not be a great idea to have it as well as a mirena though. Insomnia can be an oestrogen deficiency symptom in which case increasing your dose would be a better way to go. Do you have other uncontrolled meno symptoms?
Title: Re: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: Therese83 on October 06, 2025, 08:58:12 PM
Yes, I have a mirena but my Dr suggested adding 100 of utrogestan to help sleep. I love it! I take it 2 hours after dinner. An hour after I've taken it I have a small snack then go to bed and I drop off so easily and sleep great for the night. Delighted she suggested it. So it's definitely worth trying.
Title: Re: Best HRT for insomnia?
Post by: CLKD on October 07, 2025, 10:48:06 AM
I hate the hung-over feelings when that alarm goes off  >:(. Until I retired I didn't realise how badly that sudden waking affected me.  If I can sleep until I wake naturally I'm much better than when we need the sudden shock of the alarm.