J.R.
Sounds like you are experiencing classic peri-menopausal symptoms. Often times, the first hormone that wanes as we age is progesterone. This leaves our bodies with an "excess" of unbalanced estrogen which can cause any number of symptoms: insomnia, anxiety and depression being among them. By taking a progesterone supplement, whether cream or orally, you are simply restoring your hormonal balance. I started taking bio-identical hormones about 9 months ago and it's as though I have a new lease on life. I SLEEP, I have hardly any anxiety, can handle life's challenges with more equanimity, and just feel better physically. There is a lot of information out there about side effects of hormone replacement therapy but after thoroughly reviewing that information and discussing it with my naturopath, I decided it was worth the risk and I've never regretted it. Taking a progesterone cream at night is one of the least toxic and invasive things you can do to improve your health - way better than sleeping pills and anti-depressants which is what some docs would prescribe. You have a lot on your plate.. I hope the progest. makes you feel better.