HRT

[kb324]

I stopped HRT in late Nov. after 12 years (I was on a very low dose) and am now struggling with sleep.  I can fall asleep just fine but wake up every 45 min- 1 hour all night long.  Even sleeping pills like Lunesta and Halcion don't get me through the whole night, I am awake by 2 or 3 am and then off and on for the rest of the night.  I did not have any problems with sleep while on HRT but each time I've tried to go off, I have trouble with sleep.  I have cut out caffine, drink wine only occassionally, exercise 5-6 times a week (not at night) have a BMI of 23.

I don't have a history of breast or other cancer in my family, I'm 57 with normal BP and quite low cholesterol.  My question is:  if I take a very low dose of HRT, how much am I really increasing my chances of breast cancer?  The lack of sleep is numbing and makes it very difficult to function and impossible to feel good.

[Strike3]

I think there is some misleading information in the previous response.

1. Changes in hormones (as in menopause) are known to contribute to insomnia

2.  Exercising too close to bedtime can elevate adrenaline and make it difficult to fall asleep. Although, regular exercise at an appropriate time of day is known to help sleep.

Here's a link to a reputable source for tips about sleep.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthnews/13364/tips-for-better-sleep/;_ylt=As76ylzil_v5Zv9vYf8RhOEKAdAF

Also:

http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/ask_expert/2008_08/index.jsp

From the BreastCancer.org Ask The Experts.  This has some information about insomnia as related to hormone depletion and may be a useful place to start learning more about remedies.

There is a lot of other information about this. Many women experience sleep disruption due to hormonal changes and breast cancer treatments. Discussing this with your physician is a good thing to do. She/he will have heard of this and will have suggestions on how to manage your difficulties.

There has been some success with a low dose of anti-depressants that may be of use to you. Not for depression, but for the symptoms you're experiencing.

Good luck.

[japdip]

Have you discussed this with your prescribing Physician? I see no connection between a low does hormone and not being able to sleep. HRT definitely increases your risk of developing breast cancer but if you are willing to take the risk, then do so but I would explore all other causes of your insomnia first. The recommendation is the lowest dose for the shortest time and 12 years isn't a short time. Have you tried exercising before bedtime ?? You might give that a try.