Strange Postpartum problems

[billie123]

I am a 31 y.o. woman, 8 months postpartum.  After delivery
of my baby, had problems with hypertension, and was re-admitted
2 days postpartum for treatment of possible post partum pre-ecclampsia.  Turned out that I did not have the ecclampsia, and
was sent home on BP meds.  I continued on the meds, gradually
decreasing the dosage, and discontinued the meds in November '03. as sometimes my BP would drop to the 98/60 range.  My BP is currently normal.  However--I continue to have "spells" where I just simply do not feel right.  I have had a very complete blood work-up, and everything is normal.  I have also seen an endocrinologist, and all has checked out normal there?  The Spells seem to occur on a monthly basis, and are worse about 1 week prior to my menstrual period.  Could there be some correlation with my monthly cycle?  Seems strange to me that everything started upon delivery of my baby, and not during the pregnancy?  I am a very healthy individual, I am not overweight, do not drink or smoke.  I am about to my wits end with going to different doctors who can't seem to tell me anything?  Any advice from anyone--or has anybody else experienced anything similar?  I have thought that maybe it could be Graves Disease, but all of my thyroid tests are normal.  Could it still be?  Thanks for the help.

[MAE3057]

A related discussion, Postpartum illnesses NEED HELP PLEASE was started.

[billie123]

I am now almost 11 months postpartum, and I have also had problems with palpitations, etc.  However, mine only seem to occur once a month.  My family practice Dr. did some hormone tests and found that my estradiol level was very low.  You may have your hormone levels checked.

[badgergal]

I also had gestational hypertension and have been having weird BP problems and other strange things since (I'm 5 months postpartum), including weakness, heart palpitations only when I stand up and shortness of breath all the time. I have no idea what is going on. I have been examined by a cardiologist, neurologist, family practice physician and obstetrician, and they're all stumped. It seems to be something caused by the hypertension. I definitely think it's hormone related. My next appt. is with a rheumatologist because I'm being tested for lupus, but I don't think it's that.

[billie123]

Thank you for your reply.  However, I don't think that I made my situation clear.  My blood pressure was only dropping really low when I was taking the BP medication.  Since I have dc'd the meds, it has returned to a more normal level.  When I have the spells, my blood pressure tends to rise, not fall. And the spells may last for a couple of hours, or a couple of days. I have visited my physician and will be having some hormone tests at different times during my cycle to check for a possible connection.  Again, thank you for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would consider a a cardiac evaluation.  Any drop in blood pressure can be heart related.  Being 31, I would suggest an EKG and echocardiogram - which can evaluate for structural abnormalities.  A holter or event monitor can be also considered.  The latter test can detect arrhythmias when you have the episodes.  

Depending on the cause, it is possible that it may be related to your menstrual cycle.  A cardiology referral can be considered to discuss the tests mentioned above.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.