sleepless in Iowa

I am still looking for a Dr. that will work with me on bioidentical hormones. I am not having alot of luck. I am on the vivelle dot .05 and I am 9 weeks post op. I have not been sleeping. I go back to work next week and I am worried about that. I am just wired. I am doing alot to make myself tired and I have experimented with some progesterone cream that I had from before surgery. Still having nights that I am not sleeping. Any suggestions?

Hi gds

Vivelle Dot is a bioidentical hormone. I am wondering if you are having any other symptoms, as in night sweats, hotflashes, along with the insomnia? If so, it might be that your .05 dose is not quite enough. Here is an article that lists symptoms associated with low estrogen:

Too Much/Too Little

Some ladies find that progesterone is the missing link and helps them sleep better, while others do not. Depending on how old your progesterone cream is and the ingredients (it should contain USP progesterone) it may not be appropriate. In addition, here in the Jungle, it's generally thought to be a good idea to try to balance out on estrogen first before adding in another hormone.

Unfortunately, sleep difficulties are common for a lot of us during the early months of recovery and while we are trying to find the right hormonal balance. Here is another article from Post-Op hints that might be helpful:

Dealing with Post-Op Insomnia

I hope some of this helps.

's

Have you tried any OTC sleep aids that are the "PM" medicines? When I take one I have to make sure I can get a full 8 hours in, because it will knock me out that long. I realize everyone is different, but it would be a simple thing to try if you have not already.

Best wishes,
Susie

Thanks gals, I have not been taking the progesterone at all for almost a week and a half now and I have been walking and working outside. I have not been napping and I have been drinking nothing with caffeine. I have tried the bath thing and last night the hot tub thing. I have tried the hot tea thing. I have noticed that I don't have much of an appetite either. Other than that I think this patch has helped with the hot flashes and the night sweats seem to be better. I am not feeling depressed and I don't think I am really anxious either. I am still having some swelly belly so I know there is healing still happening. I slept well the first 5 weeks. Just happened more recently. I have taken the tylenol pm but that does not seem to help. Something is not right but I cannot tell what. I have been journaling to see if I can find a pattern. Not yet. I appreciate this page though and all the information it has given me. I talked to the Dr. about it and he blew me off. Thanks for the replys and I will let you know if I come up with an answer.