Menapause

[snt79]

My friend at work is going through the menapause. She is suffering from severe insomnia and say this is the worst time of her life. She does not want to take hrt as there is a history of heart problems etc in her family. Does anyone have any suggestions of how she can get some much needed sleep? THANKS

[Mooria]

My mum used to take Black Coash (i think thats it) You can get it from Boots, its �10 fr a month supply, but she found them really good, and felt a lot better, throughout her menopause.

[weeal]

calming herbal things like Lavender or Camomile, whether in a hot bath or under a pillow can be soothing - worth a try

[Gowergirl]

Wild Yam Root worked for me.You get it in Holland & Barratt

[snt79]

Thanks for your suggestions shes willing to try just about anything.x

[masma]

Evening Primrose was my life saver.

[mango juice]

Talk to the GP. I don't know how things work in the UK, but from where I am working now (New Zealand), post menopausal women who doesn't want HRT to deal with symptoms could either try Remifin (Black Cohosh) or antidepressants.

Now I'm not saying that your friend is depressed, but antidepressants has a wide range of therapeutic purposes. You can try Venlafaxine (SNRI) that works almost 80% of the time or other forms of antidepressants such as citalopram etc.

But drugs like venlafaxine isn't something you can get OTC because it has to be prescribed by a consultant so you will have to see your GP, and your GP would probably make a few phone calls, and get you a prescription of it.

Hope this helps. :)

[Ice.Maiden]

With respect to mango juice, I wouldn't go anywhere near citolopram. It's excellent for some anxious or depressed people, but has side effects like any other drug of its kind - including insomnia!! That's the last thing your friend wants.
The herbal suggestions seem best, with camomile tea and oil of evening primrose being probably two of the more gentle relaxants.
Black cohosh has been discovered to have side effects as well - notably stomach complaints and headaches, in some people. There've also been reports of it causing liver damage, although this hasn't been substantiated. However, mixtures containing black cohosh sometimes give warnings that it shouldn't be given to people with liver complaints, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
Another tip for your friend, snt79, is that she might like to try relaxation tapes. These've helped friends of mine. x