menopause during chemo and insomnia

[amrine]

Hi,Im 46 years old and had my second dose of chemo and have not had my period?I heard chemo might start my menopause earlier, is that true?I can't sleep at night either, the doc gave me some tablet called Ativan but it helps fall asleep but im awake 2,3 hours later.is anybody experiencing the same thing?plz help.im also depressed.It has been more then a week where im getting only 4 hours max of sleep in 24 hour.I feel depressed and tired.:(

[katarina777]

Yes, amrine, this comment could be from me. I never had another period after I started chemo, and that was in 2007 when I was 48?

I cannot sleep either, and either,and I feel like you, often irritated and depressed.

I just read an article that says that about 50 % of those who had chemo continue having insomnia even when they are done.

if you will have hormonal treatment, that will not help your problem, either.

And when I finally fall asleep like at 5-7 in the morning, then I can often not wake up at all until afternoon.

Katrin

[SueYoung55]

Chemo will stop your period but that doesn't mean you are menopausal. And for the sleeping issue, ask your doctor if you can have AMBIEN CR for sleep but be prepared to sleep 8 hours! :)

About the menstrual cycle.. I had my last period March 2008 during chemo. But my blood tests still showed that I was not menopausal until about 2 months ago, and this is 2009. Please follow up with blood tests regularly until you become menopausal. It's important to know.

You are doing great with your treatment and your hair will not really come back until you're close to being done with chemo. You look gorgeous as you are! :)