Hot flashes??

[marshmallow]

Hi everyone,
My situation is a little complicated because I have a nodule on my thyroid which is hyperactive and I am waiting for surgery.As well the hyperthyroid has given me anxiety and panic attacks. As well they have confirmed that I am in pre-menopause by doing the LH and FSH blood test.
I did get my period yesterday after 2 months without but it only lasted 2 days.
So, my quesiton is, during the day I am just sitting there and I get very hot, my arms get tingly and my heart starts racing.
Are these menopause symptoms? How long do they last - I mean how many months will this contninue? Do they happen every day or only while on your period? Are they harmful? Is there anything I can do?

Thank you

[Rite760]

I am exactly in the same position as you. I have started a premature menopause at 40 and have just started with thyroid disease too. I have all the symptoms of both. The worst for me is the anxiety and panic attacks. But I am never sure whether they are due to my thyroid or the menopause. I often get hot flushes first and then the panic, which I think is the meno. But my thyroid keeps swinging between over and underactive. So I'm getting mixed symptoms of that too. But I was told by my endo that both these conditions run together and irritate each other and that's why it's so hard to define which symptoms are caused by which. I have been on HRT for two years but with little effect. The perimenpause leading up to your final period can last for years. But it is during this time that you get the symptoms on and off as your oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate up and down. That's why some days you have good days and some bad. And sometimes it's like permanent PMT! Also, your periods can come closer together and further apart until they stop altogether. I am really struggling each day so I know exactly how you feel, it's like being on a rollercoaster. But I have been told that once you have had your final period for good, things start to get better. So roll on that day!!!!!!! Also, you are right, things are usually worst during before a period, mine definately are, it's when your hormones are at their lowest. Hope this helps.

[Kat-attack]

Hi Marshmellow,  I started having hot flashes that would come before a panic attack.  For the panic I started taking lexapro.  Since I have been on lexapro I haven't had a panic attack.  I told my O.B. about it and she said that they actually had looked at lexapro to help hot flashes.  When I decided to go off lexapro I started having hot flashes.  So for me, somehow they are connected.  Good luck!  You are definitely not alone.   Kathyq12wq12w

[Twilight_Princess]

I have to agree with hotrodgirl, everyone is different. I had a total hysterectomy 3 months ago and never started having menopausal symptoms until recently. My symptoms are beginning to become more intense - hotflashes several times a day, but they only last maybe a minute at the most. I know my face becomes red because I can feel it. Of course, I don't want anyone to notice so most of the time I turn my head away from them - LOL. I've also begun experiencing night sweats - it's not pretty!

You are right about the tests that need to be taken. I think the only thing your doctor can do for you is put you on HRT, if you are in menopause.

[hotrodgirl]

Everyone is probably different.  I did have a partial hyster...kept my ovaries, found out I was HypOthyroid and have Intersititial Cystitis.

Now, having said that, my surgery induced menopause did cause me to hot flashes during the day and at night, plus I couldn't sleep.

My hot flashes felt like a fire burning inside from maybe my chest to the top of my head...I would get soooo hot.  I starting keeping a fan on my desk at work so when I felt one creeping on, I'd have some relief.

I didn't have the tingling tho.  I do have a heart murmur so I have the heart racing thing from time to time...but I've had that for years.

I don't really know if what you are experiencing is menopause or not.  Your gyn can order a blood test and tell you if you are in menopause tho.

I'm just grateful to find something that relieved my problems.