INSOMNIA

Sleep disturbances including difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep are common occurrences among perimenopausal and menopausal women. Sleep occurs when body temperature begins to fall. Heat is lost through the skin and we become drowsy. Shifting hormonal levels during the night upset the mechanisms our bodies use to regulate our body temperature and as a result, we no longer obtain a good night’s sleep. Also, due to fluctuating hormonal levels, women are often awakened by night sweats or hot flashes in the middle of the night, making it difficult to sleep soundly enough to feel adequately rested. These changes in sleep may begin as early as 10 years before menopause. Trouble falling asleep as well as frequent weight gain are common occurrences which leave many women chronically fatigued. This is a result of hormonal changes occurring with menopause. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help women regain the youthfulness of their 30's.