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What Causes Hot Flashes And Panic Attacks?
Question: Where the last two years, during menopause, I have had severe panic attacks and hot flashes. No medications or hormone replacement seem to work. I have tried everything from Effexor which was most effective but had a horrible side effects, almost to schizophrenic day dreams. I have tried hormone replacement as well. It makes me jittery. The only thing that works is a calming medication for panic attacks such as a fast acting Xanax. I knowof Clonopin as well but that does not work either.I am beginning to think I am taking a completely wrong path, as the mental health therapy is not working and everything feels completely physiological. I have also gained over 40 pounds in the last four months.
Brief Answer:
Adrenal
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note how you feel.
The symptoms sound like hot flashes but there are 2 other conditions that are worth ruling out:
1 An over active thyroid
A simple blood test called TSH will effectively eliminate this possibility. Fasting is not required for this test and it can be done at anytime of the day.
2 Pheochromocytoma
This is a rare condition associated with excess adrenaline-type hormones in the body. It causes symptoms that can be similar to hot flashes. A simple way to screen for this is to do a blood test for Plasma Free metanephrines. Again this does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
If this is positive then there are confirmation tests such as 24 hour Urine fractionated catecholamines and metanephrines, that need to be done
Adrenal
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note how you feel.
The symptoms sound like hot flashes but there are 2 other conditions that are worth ruling out:
1 An over active thyroid
A simple blood test called TSH will effectively eliminate this possibility. Fasting is not required for this test and it can be done at anytime of the day.
2 Pheochromocytoma
This is a rare condition associated with excess adrenaline-type hormones in the body. It causes symptoms that can be similar to hot flashes. A simple way to screen for this is to do a blood test for Plasma Free metanephrines. Again this does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day.
If this is positive then there are confirmation tests such as 24 hour Urine fractionated catecholamines and metanephrines, that need to be done
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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