Hormones and Sleep

Peri-menopause, menopause and andropause can leave you caught in a ruthless cycle: poor sleep that affects hormones, which increases appetite, dulls mental acuity and starts to endanger cardiac health. Changes in other hormones cause sleep disturbances and an overall decline in sleep quality and health.

Dr. Rohde explains that sleep related conditions and inability to concentrate can be warning signs that your hormones need regulation. Hormonal changes, whether during peri-menopause, menopause or andropause, can have a profound affect on sleep. The most common symptoms include awakening in the early morning hours and an inability to return to sleep. Using an individualized program that includes bioidentical hormone therapy integrated with proper fitness and nutrition we can help regulate your systems so they can recover healthful, regenerating sleep.

Beyond faltering estrogen and testosterone levels that come with age, hormone problems including poorly balanced melatonin are among of the most common reasons for sleep disturbance. Clinical trials indicate that low dose melatonin supplementation, in addition to other hormone replacement, can improve sleep. Further, melatonin’s anti-aging benefits also may include a stronger immune system, more positive response to stress and enhanced well being.

Weight - being overweight or obese increases the risk for sleep apnea - a very common cause of poor sleep and daytime fatigue. This too is a vicious cycle - imbalanced hormones lead to weight gain which leads to more hormonal imbalance and further weight gain - a deadly spiral!

Need help getting your ZZZs? Try the following:

1. Wake at the same time each morning
2. Exercise during the day
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially at night
4. Eat a balanced diet
5. Cultivate a relaxed mind; stressful thoughts are an open invitation to insomnia
6. If you are a woman experiencing peri-menopause or menopause, or a man going through andropause, arrange a consultation to learn how bioidentical hormone therapy and lifestyle change can help

There is no doubt that good sleep habits affect overall health - seeking treatment for the hormonal imbalances associated with sleep issues – and aging – can be the key to better sleep and enhanced quality of life. Get started today!