feeling warm alot

I am not sure wear to post this question, so i'll try here. I have come off hrt and I think they are hot flashes that have returned.But I also get a warm feeling alot of the time. When I get what i think is a hot flash, my pulse seems to go up somewhat. Does anyone else in this forum ever experienced this feeling of warmth?

[utahmomma]

Got it going on right now too!  I'm coming off HRT (too many family members with breast and ovarian cancer - not worth the risk) and I'm six weeks out from RAI so my TSH levels are decreasing.  I've scheduled an appointment with my endo to run labs and see if I need to cut back on the Synthroid (sniffle) or if it's just the estrogen/progesterone.

It's 21 degrees here and I've got a fan on me right now and a window cracked.  I'm too hot about 70% of the time and freezing the other 30%.  It's not a passing hot flash either, it's a slow roast.  I'll put on a sweater and heavy coat in the morning then I'm shedding it by the time I hit the car.  Sleeping is no fun - three blankets then throwing them off and sweating.  Argh.  Hope this resolves before the summer!

Have you had your thyroid labs run lately?  I've read that changes in female hormone levels can affect thyroid levels and it's recommended to have your labs checked after a major hormonal change (menopause, female surgery, HRT, birth control, etc.).  This would be a good one for GravesLady to address.

Hang in there (I think I'm making my own global warming!)

[hashi]

Do you have any comments about this awful hot problem? Would be greatly appreiated.I did have my thyroid levels checked and they are okay. I do know that my estrogen is low and I am taking premensil. It is red clover. I think it may be helping,but not sure with this warm feeling happening.

[GravesLady]

I can't be of help on this one ladies.  I am the opposite, I am always cold.
They are saying that hypos are cold and hypers hot - sometimes I think they've gotten this backwards.  My sister is hypo and she is hot, where as, I am hyper and cold.

Other than menopause and/or hypo, I am at a loss.


Sorry Ladies!

[utahmomma]

Okay, I did some digging and have found quite a few articles saying you need to have your thyroid levels carefully watched when changing your HRT.  Most of these sites are on hysterectomy related sites (go figure) but, for those of us messing with our estrogen levels, it is something to remember.

here's a pretty good overview: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_97225.htm

I dunno Hashi, I'm trying to figure out my sudden hot flashes too.  I'm trying to get my labs run ASAP but we'll see what ASAP means to my doctors.  :-)  I'll keep you posted if you keep us posted!

[hashi]

Thanks for the info. You know when I'm out shopping and I get a hotflash or what ever they are My back and chest feel like they are on fire. I;m wondering if it is not soemthing else. My hotflashes before were never like this.

[artsyrose]

hmmmm...interesting...I have been having the very same problem lately. I went off HRT over 6 months ago, but am having what seems like "hot flashes" of late. Except they are much worse. I am either hot or I am freezing. I used to always be cold, usually freezing...I am bordering on the hypo end...with Hashi's...

This is MOST aggravating! the extra blankets...throw them off...the extra showers ...all that stuff...due for bloodwork on Friday...thankfully all levels of everything are to be checked. I do know that my estrogen levels are non-existent...I had a complete hysterectomy several years ago. That is why I was on HRT, but went off because I really got worried about the breast cancer risk. don't know though. I may have to reconsider.

[utahmomma]

Hashi,

I don't know what happened to the link, it's working for me.  here's part of the article:

THYROID AND ESTROGEN

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones controlled by the pituitary gland. The pituitary sends out ThyroidStimulating Hormone (TSH) to tell the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine,which affects metabolism, heart rate, body heat, hair and skin growth, mood swings, periods, memory, and energy level (see symptoms listed below). Youcan see that estrogen and thyroid deficiencies are related! After beginning any estrogen therapy or after an oopherectomy, a woman should get tested for thyroid function.

Thyroxine, like estrogen, can be either bound (for storage) or free (for use) in the blood. Only the free hormone does anything (is biologically active). Estrogens increase thyroid binding (meaning that there is less for use), while androgens decrease thyroid binding. In addition, there is a complex feedback system of messages between the thyroid/pituitary and the ovaries that isn't totally understood yet. Menopause often brings on thyroid problems. Surgical menopause can only be more likely to create problems.

There are a series of tests to get a precise picture of what's happening.

Your thyroid should be monitored as you change your HRT. Changes in thyroid happen slowly, so wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after a change in your thyroid dose before testing again. Normal ranges can vary depending on the laboratory.

ARTSYROSE:

I had both ovaries removed (PCOS) so that's why I'm on HRT.  Since I went on it last year I found that my aunt had Stage III breast cancer (estrogen dependant) and an aunt on the other side of the family died of ovarian cancer.  I'm chickening out on the HRT because I don't know if the is BRCA1 or BRCA2 in my family and I don't want to take the chance.  I know that I already have an increased risk of developing a secondary, primary cancer so I'm not helping it at all.  The hot flashes are HELL though!  I am taking baths/showers twice a day, throwing off covers, shedding clothing, opening windows and it's bitter cold outside.  This is nuts.  (Hence checking my TSH levels too)

Isn't being a woman fun??!!  :-(

[hashi]

I went to that website, but did not know what article you were referring to. sorry. I had my labs checked in Nov. and I have been of hrt for a few months. They wre apparently okay. Tsh was .58 I\if I remember right and thyroxine was 17, which is right in the middle at my lab.

[utahmomma]

Talk to your endo *AND* your OB/GYN.  I'm going through exactly the same thing and I'm not sure which it is either . . . so I have appointments with both.  I'm also going to get a thyroid panel run this week since my dosage hasn't been changed since RAI.

Hey, we'll be the only two women stripping in the mall in January!  We're not exhibitionists, we're thyroid patients!  :-)

[utahmomma]

Hello Hashi,

I had my TSH tested today and it was 0.17!  Yikes.  I'm seeing the endo on the first appointment he has (next week).  No wonder things are really warm.  :-)

GravesLady
I'm watching for signs of thyroid storm - so far just heat intolerance and agitation - no palpitations or fast heart rate.  How low can the TSH go before there is a problem??

[GravesLady]

Probably to an undetectable level - that is, it can't be registered on the Lab test, or, something like .001 or lower.  

Your TSH .17 is not all that bad however I wouldn't keep it there for long, unless doctor wants it there, or at a depressed level which would be a level of .01 or lower.

I had a TSH level of .03 Labs before last. I didn't have any unordinary problems. But of course doctor lowered my dosage.

You will be alright.  Just keep your endo appointment and until then be aware of all that is going on with you - never hurts to be alert.  

Good luck with endo appointment - let us know the results.

[hashi]

I don't know what to get my doctor to check me for. I'm just all confused and upset.

[utahmomma]

I know, it's overwhelming.

Have your doctor check all of your thyroid levels and for antibodies.  Also have your doctor check your hormone levels.

You might want to do what quite a few of the rest of us have done, also talk to your doctor about depression.  Any hormone change (thyroid, estrogen, whatever) can mess up your brain chemistry and throw you into depression.

Hang in there.

[hashi]

I had my thyroid levels checked a couple of months ago. I have hashimoto disease, so I know the antibodies are there. I had my estrogen and progesterone checked and am going to my doc on Monday,8th to discuss what I can do about them because they are low. Saw my doc's hubby and he told me they were low, and would be best to discuss them with her. I guess I am a little depressed or down. Believe me I know what depression is because I had it after my 2nd child and I was put in a mental health centre. I wrote the book on that one.  Right now I just finished having a cry. My husband wanted to make love and of course, my libedo is entirely gone. But I acommadated him and now he is fast asleep and I'm upset and at the very end of my rope. I noticed I am geting vaginal dryness a little because it kind of hurt and burned. He says there are lubricants. I just don't want sex!!!!!!!!!!! I don't feel like a woman anymore, sexy or anything like that. Do you ever feel that way? It just seems to be one thing after another, health wise with me,from thyroid ,menopause, tennis elbow, calcification on my tendon(waiting surgery)arthritis,etc. I love my husband, but right now I miss my first husband (dearly departed) I could cry forever. I guess I have alot of issues to deal with and these hormonal changes are not helping me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your answers. Your a true menopasual friend.

[utahmomma]

Yes, I'm going through the same things - all of them.  I didn't know if it was from the thyroid roller coaster, the surgical menopause, stopping the HRT, the pain from two herniated disks, or the enormous amount of stress.

Do me a favor tomorrow?  Call your doctor and get another TSH run and talk to him/her about your depression.  If your TSH is still as low as it was in November you shouldn't be this depressed (because of thyroid levels).  I care about you and want to see you doing well, physically and emotionally.

The only thing that has pulled me through the roughest few months of my life has been this forum and every one's support.  

Hang in there Hashi, hot flashes and all!  :-)

[hashi]

Just what is the definition of heat intolerance? Another thing I have had the odd cramp in my throat area, as best as I can describe it. What do you think it could be? From my thyroid?

[hashi]

I have been feeling okay. I still don't know if my symptoms are menopausal or something else. My doc says they are. I am wondering if there are some tests I should be having.I am at a loss.I'm worried about me too. I don't know what more I can say to my doc.

[utahmomma]

Throwing off all the covers, stripping off coats and jackets in a cold room, not being able to handle the heat on in the house or vehicle.  Even hot drinks make me start melting.  It's maddening!

How are you feeling?  Did you talk to your doctor??
I've been worried about you.

[monro]

Hey, I feel the same way. I am always hot. I feel like there is a heater going under my skin. I don't know if it's hot flashes or not because it never seems to stop. I am too warm at least 80% of the time. I did stop taking my HRT about 2 months ago. But I think it's more than that because shouldn't hot flashes just come and go and not just stay? I need some suggestions, don't know what to do.

[moojy]

I read all the posts here with great interest.  I don't have hot flashes...it more like heat rushes.  So intense you could warm yourself being next to me.  Might have to try frying an egg on my forehead.  I have not only ceiling fans in each room, but also floor fans too.  Can't get enough.  
I keep small cooler freezer packets in baggies for the real bad attacks.  I look crazy (only do this at home) but I use them on me when I have too.
Some days it can be so bad I can feel water running down my back.  How attractive is that?
I am miserable and no one understands it.  They blame it on menopause.  NOT.  I had a complete hysterectomy 25 years ago.  Never had anything like this then either.  
Going to a new Dr. on Wednesday and hopefully she can help.  Will let you know.

[medicmommy]

When I was hyperthyroid, I felt exactly the same as you two...I was HOT constantly with occasional surges, I could feel my heart pounding in my ears, my periods stopped, I had multiple bowel movements (not diarrhea) every day, I had sleep problems, dry skin, and my eyes bugged me terribly...I couldn't stand being in the sun and my heart rate was hitting 160 beats/min with little exertion. Temp was slightly elevated as well...But I GAINED weight (how unfair is that!)...Yep. This can really throw your body off...have not only the TSH levels monitored, but the free t-3, free T-4 also...My TSH was .001 and my free T-4 was 85.0! I was put on Inderal (beta blocker med that slows the heart rate) and i felt a bit better... Hope this helps...                                                        ~MM

[SweatyLady]

I am 58 years old and have always been "warm", even as a child.  I went throught the "change" years ago and experienced the hot flashes for several years.  For the past 5 years or so, I am continually breaking out in sweats, hair soaking wet and waking up totally sweaty.  I am anxious to hear what your MD has to say about what could be causing this terrrible problem.  DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A VITAMIN OR  A NATURAL OVER THE COUNTER REMEDY TO TRY?

Sweaty Lady