Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Hot Flashes And Excessive Sweating?
Question: I am a 76 year old Female who started to have Hot Flashes and Sweats at age 49 1/2. I had a partial Hysterectomy when I was 32 years old, however, I still have my Ovaries. I took Estradiol for 25 years, however, the Doctor suddenly stopped the Estradiol at age 74. I took other medicine which was suppose to help the Hot Flashes and sweats. The 1st medicine I took was some medicine used for High Blood Pressure which was suppose to help the hot flashes. TO NO AVAIL. The 2nd medicine I took was some medicine that was for Mentally ill people that was suppose to help the Hot Flashes but that did NOT work either. The Profuse Sweating and Hot Flashes are VERY FREQUENT. My Heart races when the sweats and Flashes starts which disrupts my SLEEP. Sometimes, I have a Diary of the frequency for 2 weeks 24 hours a day, which I showed my Physician, GYN. I am so TIRED from not getting adequate sleep and the racing of the Heart. PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME. THANKS, THANKS VERY MUCH.
Brief Answer:
Tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
Although it seems quite likely your symptoms represent menopausal hot flashes, it is important to rule out reasons first such as thyroid problems and 'adrenaline spikes' due to rare condition called pheochromocytoma.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) Plasma Free Metanephrines
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
If indeed no other cause is found, then treatment for your hot flashes with prescription medication is worth considering. I can understand your doctors' reservations over estradiol which at your age genuinely has greater chance of risks than benefits. Yet another assessment of risks-versus-benefits of hormone treatment with estradiol can be initiated with your endocrinologist
Tests
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
Although it seems quite likely your symptoms represent menopausal hot flashes, it is important to rule out reasons first such as thyroid problems and 'adrenaline spikes' due to rare condition called pheochromocytoma.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH (checks your thyroid)
Free T4 (this too checks your thyroid) Plasma Free Metanephrines
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see an endocrinologist in-person.
If indeed no other cause is found, then treatment for your hot flashes with prescription medication is worth considering. I can understand your doctors' reservations over estradiol which at your age genuinely has greater chance of risks than benefits. Yet another assessment of risks-versus-benefits of hormone treatment with estradiol can be initiated with your endocrinologist
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
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
