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Light Headed, Tingling Like Waves Over Chest And Arms. Short Of Breath, Cold Hands And Swollen Legs. Taking Loestrin. What Could It Be?

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Posted on Thu, 7 Nov 2013
Question: I am lightheaded, tingling like waves over my chest and arms, short of breath and feel better if I can take a deep one, chills, cold hands, swelling legs and this isn't all the time and it comes in waves...The only difference in my habits lately is I started Loestrin 24 birth control.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
WAIT AND WATCH FOR A WEEK OR TWO

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Most of the symptoms you describe are common with the birth control.
These include tingling, dizziness, clammy hands, all of this coming on in waves.
If you have been taking the Loestrin 24 only for a few days, then wait for a few more days to get used to the birth control.
The hormones would take atleast 2 weeks to settle down in your body.
Also, with your history of hypothyroidism, I would ask you to have a recent TSH level measurement, if not already done, as the symptoms fit in with uncontrolled hypothyroidism also.
The shortness of breath, if severe, and recurrent, warrants a cardiac evaluation, as it is one symptom you cannot ignore or dismiss easily.
All the best.
Please feel free to ask for further clarifications.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)
The shortness in breath comes in waves with the almost panic attack feeling. I have been on the birth control for 6 days. So waiting it out for a week more? Also, I take it in the evening...does time of day and eating with it help or change any?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
DETAILED BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hi again
The birth control often takes a month for your body to get adjusted to it.
So yes, waiting for a couple of weeks more is recmmended.
Most women experience side effects when the pill is taken on an empty stomach, or first thing in the morning.
Taking it after dinner or with a bedtime snack may help.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Light Headed, Tingling Like Waves Over Chest And Arms. Short Of Breath, Cold Hands And Swollen Legs. Taking Loestrin. What Could It Be?

Brief Answer:
WAIT AND WATCH FOR A WEEK OR TWO

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Most of the symptoms you describe are common with the birth control.
These include tingling, dizziness, clammy hands, all of this coming on in waves.
If you have been taking the Loestrin 24 only for a few days, then wait for a few more days to get used to the birth control.
The hormones would take atleast 2 weeks to settle down in your body.
Also, with your history of hypothyroidism, I would ask you to have a recent TSH level measurement, if not already done, as the symptoms fit in with uncontrolled hypothyroidism also.
The shortness of breath, if severe, and recurrent, warrants a cardiac evaluation, as it is one symptom you cannot ignore or dismiss easily.
All the best.
Please feel free to ask for further clarifications.