This is my last week before the holidays and it always seems to be super busy for some reason. Do you have that too? Or am I just too organized? I am having huge sleeping problems which I blame menopause for. But back to last week.
Sleeping problems
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- In our favorite Asian restaurant, I hate my hair like that.
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- This is so delicious!
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- Are you getting hungry already?
I was still very tired and slept badly. Seems to be part of the menopause. But I’m not talking about lying awake for an hour, no lying awake for hours and when I finally fall asleep I’ll wake up after two hours and I’ll be staring at the ceiling for another hour. Deadly tiring. That’s why I ordered sleeping pills from the GP. Unfortunately, she does not look further at what can be done about it ….. yes, the health care here in the Netherlands really leaves a lot to be desired.
Gerben came home Monday morning at nine o’clock in the morning, from work at night, and we decided to go to the national park in the afternoon. Get out into nature, get some fresh air through your head. We had thought that the heather would be in full bloom but that was disappointing. But it was nice to get out. Then we went to eat at an Asian restaurant. Love this kind of unexpected treats!
Ever heard of a menopause counselor?
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- It looks black, but this outft is a green skirt and green blazer and a purple top. I am goung to the hairdresser Wednesday and I really need it…..
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- Gerben made this dinner, so delicious!
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- And this one , mushroom risotto.
Tuesday night we had a birthday of a nephew who turned 21. Was good to see him and his family again! A lot of blogging too, all work in advance. A lot of ironing that was left behind and of course has to be finished before the holidays. So nothing special, just trying to take it easy a bit.
I made an appointment with a menopause counselor last Friday. The sleeping problems really break me down. A menopause counselor explanes to you what happens in your body when you are in menopause and what can be done about it.
Not only do I have sleeping problems, but they are the worst. I’ve had hot flashes for 7 years, vaginal dryness and lately I’ve also been a bit stiff. And I’m pretty much done with it!
The weekend was a lot of fun. First worked out on Saturday of course and then picked up my new bike! Afterwards I sat in the garden for a while and in the evening we went out for dinner with friends. We sat outside all evening! That’s wonderful. And so pleasant to catch up. Saturday night I only fell asleep at half past five and I had to get up at eight! That’s just freaking bizar!
On Sunday morning an ex colleague of Gerben came for coffee with his wife, that was also very nice! We ate early and I went to bed at half past eight. Luckily slept well! Do you also have sleeping problems because of the menopause?
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- Enjoying a bit of the heather,
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- and our gorgeous national park.
I feel you on the menopause stuff! I sleep with a thing called the BedJet because of my terrible night sweats. It has really helped. I went to my primary doctor and she gave me a low dose prescription of anti-anxiety pill that helps with menopausal symptoms. It’s been a game changer. Praying that you find some relief may friend!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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Thanks Kathrine!
If you’re having trouble sleeping — I had BAD insomnia — a friend told me about lemon balm tea. Sounds woo-woo, but it really worked.
You get loose lemon balm tea at a health food store (maybe Whole Foods?) and with a tea ball, steep the leaves in boiling water.
Drink about 30 mins. before bed.
It might have been placebo, but it really, really helped me.
Hang in there,
Wendy TheInspiredEater
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I could try it! Thanks!
Ugh! Not sleeping is the worst. When I was going through menopause, hot flashes were waking me up repeatedly. And I was working. I finally went on hormone replacement in order to get some sleep. But that was 10 years ago and they may have better solutions now. I’m glad you are seeing a menopause counselor.
Also, I recently purchased the book Menopause Manifesto written by a gynecologist and activist on behalf of women, Jen Gunter. The book is a wealth of information. I haven’t read all of it, instead reading the parts that pertain to my situation. I don’t know if there is a section that discusses sleep issues specifically, but she discusses vaginal dryness. We all have that at times, I think.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
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I think so too but for vaginal dryness there are some good creams. My GP said yesterday that sleepness has nothing to do with menopause……she googles everything…… I think I am better of with the counselor.
Sleeping issues are no fun! Hope you find a way to alleviate that insomnia! I am thinking about going to the hairdresser too but have to make it work with hers and my schedule as I drive an hour to get it cut and I will be babysitting my niece for a week starting next week. I think I will schedule something after my birthday!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
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That’s a trip to see the hairdresser!
I loved the look with the skirt, they made you very elegant. I loved the content of your blog, and I’m already following you on twitter.
Kisses and have a good week.
https://beperes.blogspot.com/
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Thank you very much!
Going through the menopause isn’t much fun, I know. I’m glad I’m over the worst of it, as I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights and the most horrible night sweats. Crossing my fingers and touching wood at the same time, but that at least seems to be a thing of the past. Still getting the odd hot flush, though. Apart from taking a natural over the counter supplement I just went along for the ride. I’ve heard far worse than what I was going through … Here’s to hoping that menopause counselor brings you some solace!
Glad to hear you had a fun weekend, though. We’ll be going away in September too. Always so much to do before going on holiday. xxx
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I have had hot flashes for 7 years now. I think I have had my share, lol.
I do have some sleep issues now and then; mostly when I’m having a hot flash though. The national park views look so pretty.
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THanks Joanne!
Sorry to hear you’re having sleep problems. I feel dreadful if I don’t get enough sleep, I just can’t focus on anything. I hope you find a solution soon.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
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Me neither, I can’t even think. I now take sleeping pils….
Not sleeping is horrible – I had a sleepless night last night and I am definitely not fully functioning today!
I hope you find a solution soon and that the menopause counsellor is helpful (I have never heard of one before, but I think it’s a great idea !)
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
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I think so too and my GP didn’t even mention such a counselor! How stupid is that!
Sleep problems are no joke – they really affect every aspect of your life. I am unable to get a good night’s sleep unless I use a supplement and I have also found that if I have any alcohol it makes it worse – boo! I have never heard of a menopause counselor but happy you met with one and I hope you got some help!
xo,
Kellyann
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Yes I agree that alcohol doesn’t help with sleeping!
Sleep problems are really tough…they mess with everything. I hope you find some relief! Looking good in that skirt! Enjoy your holiday!
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Thank you very much Heather!
I’m glad you have a menopause counsellor, Nancy – it’s not like we come with a manual that tells us what the heck is going on with our bodies!
I am woken up by hot flashes nearly every night. Ugh. They suck. I also have dryness, “brain fog” and a very low tolerance for bullshit. 🙂 Not all menopause side effects are bad!