Suggest Remedy For Hot Flashes, Stress Ans Insomnia

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 41 and experiencing hot flashes. I eat well, have a great deal of stress and only exercise 3 x a week. I was an athlete about 6 yrs ago, but had a child and as a single mother have not been able to get back to my previous life style.
I now get these hot flashes, insomnia and have anxiety from time to time so I have been smoking cigarettes to manage the stress. I know this is a bad decision, but not sure how to get my health back or even figure out what is wrong.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This could be due to hormonal changes

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.

The common cause of hot flashes are

1. Early menopause
2. Increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism)
3. Adrenal disorders- rare
4. Thyroid nodules - rare

The initial tests we do in hot flashes are thyroid function tests and serum FSH. Blood pressure has to be monitored. Treatment depends on cause.

If no cause is found, drugs like pregabalin, gabapentin and amitryptillin can decrease your symptoms.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar