How long does hormonal imbalance last?

[behandsandfeet]

I'm now halfway through my first 30 and I'm still having major insomnia/trouble staying asleep for the last week. I'm awake anywhere from 1-4 hours each night. I believe it's related to a hormonal imbalance. I posted this earlier this week:

 

http://forum.whole30.com/topic/36591-major-sleep-problems-on-week-2freaking-me-out/

 

Afters speaking with my doctor, they recommenced I try melatonin first before taking magnesium, so that I don't add too many potential factors into the pot at once. The first night the melatonin kicked in within 30 minutes, calmed me down and did help my sleep (I still woke for 1 hour but was able to go back to sleep). Last night it did no good and I was awake for 5 hours. I know the natural calm magnesium supplement is safe but how do I really know if I have a magnesium deficiency? And why would that deficiency pop out now as opposed to before my W30?

 

Does anyone have experience with how long it takes for hormones to balance out? I've never had dietary issues or sleep issues before the W30 and I'm honestly regretting doing the W30 at this point. I'm not sure if quitting would help, as I've read on some paleo sites that too low carb of a diet, especially for lean, high active women, can affect sleep. I do eat starchy veggies at each meal though so I'm super confused. And if I do go off the W30 and start reintroducing certain foods (e.g. a bowl of oatmeal, rice with dinner- not wonder bread and candy), I don't know if hat will further complicate my hormones. I'm so discouraged and frustrated but feel very stuck. Thoughts/suggestions?

[Oksana Banana]

If you are talking to your doctor, she can do some lab work for you. She can test for hormones, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

As the general information goes, most women are in fact magnesium deficient.

You can also try Gaba, valerian or a combo oof both. Lavender oil or in epsum salt is also very effective.

With regards to your question, I would also like to know about hormones timelines. Especially estrogen progesterone imbalances.

[missmary]

Afters speaking with my doctor, they recommenced I try melatonin first before taking magnesium, so that I don't add too many potential factors into the pot at once. 

 

hmmm. I agree with your doctor that you should try one thing at a time, but I would have gone for the magnesium first. Taking melatonin reduces the amount of melatonin your body produces, so leads to dependency if you take it consistently over time.

 

Most people are already deficient in magnesium (you don't make this; it comes from foods), so taking that doesn't have so much of a downside.

[SugarcubeOD]

OH gosh.... please stay away from Valarian... I mean, yes, go ahead and take it but be warned that it can cause EXTREMELY realistic and terrifying nightmares... The first night I had valarian root tea I slept like a log... the second and third and fourth night I had nightmares that would wake me up screaming... I called my mom (because duh, mom!) and she said it does the same thing to her... Just be aware it's a very real potential side effect.

[Oksana Banana]

Oh wow, SugarcubeOD, this sounds horrible. Are you also sensitive to caffeine?

[SugarcubeOD]

Oh wow, SugarcubeOD, this sounds horrible. Are you also sensitive to caffeine?

It was absolutely terrible... traumatizing!

 

I think i metabolize caffiene quite slowly so I can have coffee before bed and not have a problem sleeping, but I only have one cup of coffee a day during the week that I make sure is done by 1030 and two cups on the weekend, also making sure I'm done drinking it by 1030.