What Causes Chills In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Fri, 21 Jul 2017

Question: I experienced an episode of I broke out in a sweat and in seconds I was literally dripping water all over. I had to tell myself to breathe. I was watching tv had a stomach cramp and by the time I reached the bathroom I was sweating like this in seconds. It lasted for a long time. This happened two nights ago and I have had heat flashes and chills ever since and feel very nauseous. I am 64 yr. old woman.

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
menopause

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question on HCM and I do understand your concern

With such a presentation in my clinic, I would first rule out [menopause] so for it I may recommend blood tests like [FSH and TSH]. So regarding medication you may be prescribed a hormone like [estrogen]in low dose for your hot flashes.If you have vaginal dryness then you can be advised a vaginal estrogen cream.you can also take oral [calcium] regularly to prevent bone loss.

Besides it you may need some lifestyle change like this -:

1)Try to avoid caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, hot weather,

2)Get enough sleep at night

3)Do deep breathing exercise like meditation regularly

4)Do Kegel exercise daily to strengthen your pelvic floor.

5)Eat balanced diet which includes fruits and vegetables

6)Try to avoid smoking

So nothing to be worried at all

Hope that helps, please let me know if you have further questions before meeting your primary care Doctor.

Thanks and wish you a good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (1 hour later)

I am not menopausal. I had a histericmy when I was 28 yrs old. I went off all of my Meds in April cold turkey due to I lost my Dr. I took Depression, Anxiety & Ambiem. I only take over counter sleep aide now and I only sleep maybe 3 - 4 hrs. a night if I'm lucky. Please re-evaluate

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Menopausal symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your follow up question

As per your reply, I may say that [hysterectomy] is a procedure to remove your uterus but not your ovaries so it doses not cause immediate menopause. Although you no longer have periods, your ovaries still release eggs and produce estrogen and progesterone.

So due to this hormone deficiency over a period of time, you can get symptoms similar to menopause after many years and it depends upon person to person only.

There are many medications which are prescribed to patients but all are not necessary so discuss with your doctor regarding low dose hormone replacement regularly which, I'm sure, will help you a lot.

Hope that clears your doubt
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (20 minutes later)

I still don't think it hormonal. Could a black widow spider do this to me

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Menopause

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your follow up reply

As per your reply, I may say that it is not possible due to black widow spider and I am sure you will feel better from the first day of taking medications as suggested.

Thanks

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee