this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2023
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Menopause

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'Menopause isn't really that bad'...said no woman ever.

For those who are approaching or experiencing 'the change' (think reverse puberty), a time where hormone levels decline either through the aging process or by medical/surgical means.

Menopause and Perimenopause (the transitional time before Menopause) are unique to every person, and while there's no one-size fits all, we support each other on this roller coaster ride of wacked out hormones, absurd mood swings and random sweaty hot flashes.

Be kind. Be respectful. We are all in this together!


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I used to be able to sleep like it was my job. Those days are long gone. Nothing helps me sleep anymore. My THC gummies used to work wonders but the insomnia got worse and now nothing short of xanax helps. I have done all the obvious things...exercise, no caffeine or sugar, winding down earlier at night etc to no avail. Fortunately I work from home so I can catch a brief nap during the day. And yes, I have forgone naps in order to sleep hard the following night--that doesn't work either. Is there some secret technique, pill, whathaveyou that my menopausal friends know about and can share? Do you have something other than what was mentioned above that works for you. I'd love to know. I'm willing to try.

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[–] curiously71 5 points 1 year ago

I went through it for many years. I'm amazed I'm still functional. I've cycled many different sleep herbs in combination with liquid sleep aids. I'm trying to get off the liquid. Wild lettuce, Hops, Magnolia bark, passion flower are the main ones I have used with some success. 5htp as well. Can't take melatonin, I have the worst and trippiest dreams. What I wouldn't give for a lifetime supply of Valium.

[–] Rosebunny 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The only thing that helped me was HRT mostly estrogen. I did everything you did except smoking weed, including Ambien, Xanax, gabapentin, thc gummies and more.

I’m now on 2 (1mg) patches and 200mg progesterone and sleeping 6-8 hours a night. Progesterone doesn’t work for me without estrogen. Hope this helps.

I think I confused who is the OP

[–] CrabbieBish 4 points 1 year ago

I am doing HRT too but I will talk to my doctor about changing things up. Thanks

[–] femmerockstar 3 points 1 year ago

I so feel you, I don't know what I'll do if my THC edibles stop working - I use the kind with 5mg THC + 5mg CBN and sometimes lately I do pop awake through them. And I think that good pre-sleep hygiene is important, like lack of screens/caffeine/take a warm bath etc, but if those things weren't the problem to start with, they are unlikely to be the full solution even if they're helpful in setting the mood.

I did notice the other night that my sleep edible kicked in unreasonably quickly for some reason and in the midst of trying to negotiate my night routine while uncomfortably high, I accidentally took a second 5mg gummy because the jar was still sitting next to my night supplements and I was operating on muscle memory. I did sleep like a rock that entire night, I think I got 9 hours. I don't want to double my dose again, but maybe taking 7.5mg instead of just 5 will help? Have you tried upping your THC dose to check?

[–] marfphh 3 points 1 year ago

My insomnia has also been somewhere between absolutely debilitating and just bad. Melatonin sometimes helps. I also have had some minor success with CBD/CBN tinctures. I use plenty of THC too, but the isolates of CBD/CBN are touted as more sleep-focused, and sometimes they help a bit. Have you tried allergy meds that cause drowsiness like Benadryl? Those kinda help me sometimes too. Insomnia is the devil! Good luck, friend!

[–] getitoffmychestpleas 3 points 1 year ago

Oh I hear you and I empathize. I wish I had a secret remedy for you because I'd surely be taking advantage of it as well.

[–] greenappletwostep 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I’ve had insomnia since I was 29 (trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep). I’ve tried everything under the sun. The only thing that worked for me is doxepin and rozeram (together). And I still have to be fanatical about my sleep hygiene. Interestingly enough, my sleep has been better since getting the mirena iud. Who knew? I’m sorry you’re not sleeping- it super sucks. Hugs! (BTW- love your user name!!)