What Causes Discomfort In The Upper Middle Abdomen When Diagnosed With GERD?

Posted on Tue, 29 Aug 2017

Question: I am experiencing abdominal discomfort in the upper center of my stomach and have been diagnosed with GERDS. Have been on Dexilant for over two weeks with little result. Have had a toxic liver before with taking Atorvistatin and as a heart patient with 10 stents continue taking lipitor on a minimal basis. I am also taking Lysinopril, and metropolol . I have had surgery for diverticulitis, femoral hernia as well. I have left sided neuropathy. I have also been experiencing hot flashes with profuse sweating, an irregular heartbeat and general feeling of lethargy. I am a 69 year old active female and have been off estrogen for two years. Any ideas?

Could these symptoms be associated with Hypothroidism?

One last thing is that I had a complete hysterectomy after my fourth child in 1979.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Good to do thyroid blood works

Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your question.
GERD can explain your abdominal symptoms and I presume you has an endoscopy and tests to rule out Hpylori infection.
Since you are off estrogen for sometime, that could explain why you are getting hot flushes.
You may try Evening prim XXXXXXX oil and Lyrica.
Lyrica can help with your neuropathy symptoms as well.
None of your symptoms are soecefic for Hypothyroidism. However testing is recommended since most symptoms of hypothyroidism are nonspecific. Please get a Free T4 and TSH test done. It may be good to do a vitamin B12 level as well I'm view of fatigue.
Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 hours later)

Could I still be experiencing the Hot Flashes after the two year time period of not taking estrogen supplement.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
may happen after few years too.

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
If your symptoms involve feeling of warmth followed by sweating which is episodic, lasting for few minutes with recovery and if it is largely limited to your upper body, it is likely to be due to hot flushes.

We have seen this happening on many people several years after onset of menopause. However, if the symptoms are more intense and if associated with flushing, palpitations, high blood pressure, you may need to consult a dooctor to rule out few other hormonal conditions like pheochromocytoma ( wwhich is very very rare and unlikely).
You may also need to rule out certain thyroid conditions including nodules hich can cause these symptoms.

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. Yogesh D