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What Causes Inflamed Blood Vessels, Bloating And Stiff Neck?
Question: I think I need to talk to an endocrinologist. I'm 43 and am just undergoing hormone tests. My MD said I shouldn't be going thru menopause yet. I haven't had a period in a year. The year before that it was sporadic. I'm depressed, tired, bloated, severe brain fog and all those typical symptoms but my main concern is that my brain feels tight. I think the blood vessels are inflamed. It comes and goes but I get it more often now. My vision is getting worse and my ears feel full of pressure. I feel like I have meningitis. My neck is stiff and I feel like my head is going to explode. I feel out of breath too. I've never had my hormones checked before. I've been googling and I wonder if I have severe hormone problems. Also, can this be reversed?
Brief Answer:
Hormones
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your medical challenges.
Yes hormones can disrupt menstrual cycles. And in view of all the other symptoms you are experiencing I suggest you undergo a comprehensive check up that will begin with a thorough physical examination.
When I see someone like you in my practice I refer the patient to the ER for the severe headache itself, where typically a CT/MRI scan of the brain is performed. Checking the blood pressure is vital to make sure it is under control. Very high blood pressure can cause severe headache too. And treating that can avoid an urgent trip to the emergency room.
Once emergency problems are dealt with, then a systematic evaluation begins that should include the following tests
CBC
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
Electrolytes
Calcium
Prolactin
FSH
LH
Estradiol
TSH
Free T4
8 am cortisol
Further choice of tests will be determined based upon the findings on physical examination and the results of the first round of testing.
Some problems are reversible such as a high prolactin level can be treated with oral medication and the periods often normalize.
Hormones
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your medical challenges.
Yes hormones can disrupt menstrual cycles. And in view of all the other symptoms you are experiencing I suggest you undergo a comprehensive check up that will begin with a thorough physical examination.
When I see someone like you in my practice I refer the patient to the ER for the severe headache itself, where typically a CT/MRI scan of the brain is performed. Checking the blood pressure is vital to make sure it is under control. Very high blood pressure can cause severe headache too. And treating that can avoid an urgent trip to the emergency room.
Once emergency problems are dealt with, then a systematic evaluation begins that should include the following tests
CBC
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
Electrolytes
Calcium
Prolactin
FSH
LH
Estradiol
TSH
Free T4
8 am cortisol
Further choice of tests will be determined based upon the findings on physical examination and the results of the first round of testing.
Some problems are reversible such as a high prolactin level can be treated with oral medication and the periods often normalize.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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