What Causes Hot Flashes In Arms And Legs Upon Waking Up?

Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016

Question: During the night I have been waking up with hot flashes in arms and legs. They get hot and almost feels like my nerves are on edge. I only get this when I am sleeping. I'm 52 and a male. I have had anxiety in my job and wonder if this is a cause. I did take citalopram for two weeks and stopped three days ago because of side effects. I'm 5'10 and 170 and normally healthy. My doctor did give me a script for sleeping pills which have helped but wanted to try it without and still have issue. Could it be low testosterone? Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hormone tests

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about these symptoms that are bothering you.

It could be due to an overactive thyroid or low testosterone.

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 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Total Testosterone
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

None of these tests require any fasting but must be done in the morning before 9 am

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

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

could you recommend a testosterone supplement to try? would they sell something like that at GNC? I did have blood work done about a month ago for prostrate and everything regarding the prostrate came back normal. Thanks for your help..... XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
No it is not advisable to try any such supplements. It is important to make a correct diagnosis first and consider only approved medical options for treatment

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