What Causes Exhaustion, Sweating And Abdominal Cramps During Periods?

Posted on Mon, 6 Jun 2016

Question: I am a 53yom, I am having usually 2-3 times a week periods of complete exhaustion, EXCESSIVE sweating, confusion, sever abdominal cramps w/diarrhea, +N,+V followed by "controlled syncope" (i can sit or lay down) and what i & others describe as going to sleep for anywhere between 30min and 4hours. I am a FF/Paramedic/RN. I have normal BP during these episodes, HR 60, NSR with occ PAC, Borderline .18 PR,R-24, T-99.0. My initial thoughts w. vasovagal, but the activity at onset varies from sitting, to just being outside doing non-intensive labor. ie. Taking VS, unfortunately driving when i was able to move the vehicle off the roadway and just sit in high AC for 30 min........ I think i added way to much or? any suggestions when i talk to my MD
PS: HX of Adrenal insuff. 6+years ago, corrected with prednisone for 2years.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hormone tests

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note your symptoms. There can be a few endocrine conditions that need to be ruled out. One is a thyroid condition. A simple non fasting blood test called TSH is helpful. The other one is Pheochromocytoma. Again a non fasting blood sample for Plasma Free Metanephrines will be useful. You will be best served by seeing an endocrinologist in-person. When I see someone like you in my practice I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination : CBC, SGOT, SGPT, creatinine , electrolytes, HbA1c, TSH , Free T4, 8 am cortisol, Plasma Free Metanephrines. Based on the findings on physical examination it may be relevant to check Serum Testosterone levels. This test needs to be done in the morning too

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