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I Am 50 Years Old (female). Several Years Ago I

Posted on Wed, 9 Jan 2019

Question: I am 50 years old (female). Several years ago I started having occasional episodes of dizziness when walking. These worsened and became more frequent this past year, where I felt I would pass out. I also became very anxious. In May, I missed my cycle and then it came back, but I have now missed it again since October. Before, I had very heavy cycles so I don't think this is menopause. Also in October, I started having daily headaches, getting worse through the day. At first, they were excruciating, now just constant (tension like). I also have suprasternal swelling and supraclavicular swelling since October (supraclavicular swelling seems to get worse also as the day goes by). I have had a head CT and brain MRI which were interpreted as normal except for a hyperdensity in an area thought to be just space. A cortisol suppression test was normal, although I still have to do a midnight saliva test. I am scheduled for a soft tissue neck CT and CT chest next week and am going to see my OBGYN for another US in the new year. I can't figure out what this constellation of symptoms means and I am very worried.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably hormonal imbalance due to menopause,some examination should be don

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern.

Based on the information in the query the symptoms to be related to hormone disbalance.

This hormonal disbalance is probably due to menopause.

I would recommend to do a blood test to check FSH and estrogen level to confirm or exclude this diagnosis.

I would also recommend a complete blood count to rule out an infection.

Meanwhile, I would recommend using over the counter anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen 400 mg three times a day.

After the examination you can contact me again for further evaluation and specific treatment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

How does hormonal imbalance cause suprasternal and supraclavicular swelling?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably swelling is due to water retention.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

The suprasternal swelling can be related to water retention.

Water retention is very common during menopause due to estrogen imbalance.

I recommend doing the examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

You should not be worried, because it is as normal as it can be.

I suggest you to eat foods that are natural diuretics such as artichokes, asparagus, beets, brussels sprouts.

Take care dear,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad