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What Causes Increased Body Temperature Post Birth Control Withdrawal?
Question: I have been having an increase in my body temp since coming off birth control in XXXXXXX Since then, my temp is around 97.9 and 98.4 degrees. I know this is NOrmal, but my temp was always lower. I need to know whats going on with me. I Have had numerous blood work done, and the levels are always perfect. I have had a mammogram, colonoscopy, endoscopy, ct scan of chest, ct scan of abdomen, and ct scan of sinus, ultrasound of abdomen, and the only thing found was a fatty liver. I don't know what else to do, but I am not feeling myself. I cannot handle this increase in body temp, and I cannot handle waking up and feeling like a foggy head all the time. I am totally fine when I sleep at night, but during the day, its torture. I also am pretty tired during the day as well. I never used to feel like this prior. I have seen my reg doc, endo, rheumatologist, and allergist . what can this be??? also, my eyes burn and my throat burns everyday. I have another ct scan with XXXXXXX set up for Monday as I always feel a weird dullness on my left side of abdomen. any suggestions??
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are related to the use of birth control pills.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your query and concern.
The cause for the elevated body temperature and sensation of hotness is related to the recent use of birth control pills.
Birth control pills are known to alter the thermal set point in a region called hypothalamus in the brain.This alteration will cause sensation of hotness.
Since all your blood work up and radiological study is normal,you can be rest assured.
All you require is good reassurance.
I advise you to take tab Paracetamol 500 mg once or twice a day for 3-5 days.
Drink cool liquids before bedtime.
Tepid/Cold sponging will also help.
Most of your symptoms should resolve spontaneously with time.
I would also like to advise you not to expose yourself to unnecessary radiation in the form of CT scans.This would be harmful in the long run.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Your symptoms are related to the use of birth control pills.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your query and concern.
The cause for the elevated body temperature and sensation of hotness is related to the recent use of birth control pills.
Birth control pills are known to alter the thermal set point in a region called hypothalamus in the brain.This alteration will cause sensation of hotness.
Since all your blood work up and radiological study is normal,you can be rest assured.
All you require is good reassurance.
I advise you to take tab Paracetamol 500 mg once or twice a day for 3-5 days.
Drink cool liquids before bedtime.
Tepid/Cold sponging will also help.
Most of your symptoms should resolve spontaneously with time.
I would also like to advise you not to expose yourself to unnecessary radiation in the form of CT scans.This would be harmful in the long run.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
that doesn't make sense. I feel dizzy, and tired as well. Since coming off end of Dec, I started a new birth control pill about 2 weeks ago. the pill I stopped using end of dec was called reclippsen. I had my period every 3 months. the one I just started is called lomedia. I understand I should not be going through ct scans, but I am scared there is something wrong with me. I feel hot all day long, and my eyes burn, its scary. how long does this last for?
Brief Answer:
Lifestyle modification and drug therapy can help you most.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
You have mentioned the usage of Reclipsen(till December) and Lomedia(started 2 weeks) ago.
Both these drugs contain common estrogen component called Ethinyl estradiol.
Ethinyl estradiol is responsible for many symptoms like hot flushes,fatigue,mood changes,dizziness,burning eyes and nose etc.
I can assure you that you need no feel scared. Many women on birth control pills experience all such effects.
I suggest you few conventional measures that can help you to prevent these symptoms.
1.Eating a well-balanced diet
2.Exercising regularly
Avoid Hot flush triggers like-
Drinking alcohol.
Consuming products with caffeine.
Eating spicy foods.
Being in a hot room.
Being stressed.
Wearing tight clothing.
Smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke.
-Few women are able to manage their hot flashes with some simple tools or techniques.I list them below for you.
Dressing in layers, even on the coldest days, so you can adjust your clothing to how you are feeling.
Sipping ice water at the start of a hot flash.
Wearing cotton night clothes and use cotton bed linens.
Keeping a thermos of ice water and an ice pack on your bedside table.
Finally drug therapy in the form of Gabapentin or Paroxetine will help in an efficient manner if the lifestyle changes does not improve your symptoms.
You can also consult your physician for alternative forms of contraception with minimal side effects.
Finally do not get discouraged.You should be well soon.
Thank you.
Lifestyle modification and drug therapy can help you most.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
You have mentioned the usage of Reclipsen(till December) and Lomedia(started 2 weeks) ago.
Both these drugs contain common estrogen component called Ethinyl estradiol.
Ethinyl estradiol is responsible for many symptoms like hot flushes,fatigue,mood changes,dizziness,burning eyes and nose etc.
I can assure you that you need no feel scared. Many women on birth control pills experience all such effects.
I suggest you few conventional measures that can help you to prevent these symptoms.
1.Eating a well-balanced diet
2.Exercising regularly
Avoid Hot flush triggers like-
Drinking alcohol.
Consuming products with caffeine.
Eating spicy foods.
Being in a hot room.
Being stressed.
Wearing tight clothing.
Smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke.
-Few women are able to manage their hot flashes with some simple tools or techniques.I list them below for you.
Dressing in layers, even on the coldest days, so you can adjust your clothing to how you are feeling.
Sipping ice water at the start of a hot flash.
Wearing cotton night clothes and use cotton bed linens.
Keeping a thermos of ice water and an ice pack on your bedside table.
Finally drug therapy in the form of Gabapentin or Paroxetine will help in an efficient manner if the lifestyle changes does not improve your symptoms.
You can also consult your physician for alternative forms of contraception with minimal side effects.
Finally do not get discouraged.You should be well soon.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
This has been going on for 3months now. Sometimes I actually feel like I have a fever. Also I have been on reclippsen for three years before coming off of it. I never felt hot while I was taking it. Only after I came off it. I started the new one about 2 weeks ago and have no change.i am worried this can be something worse. Please help
Brief Answer:
Further worsening is unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Further worsening is unlikely if you can adopt all the healthier measures I mentioned in my earlier answer.
The issues usually pop up at the time of drug termination eg Reclipsen as in your case.
Its also the time for you to think of alternative form of contraception like IUCD's-Intrauterine contraceptive devices.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Further worsening is unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Further worsening is unlikely if you can adopt all the healthier measures I mentioned in my earlier answer.
The issues usually pop up at the time of drug termination eg Reclipsen as in your case.
Its also the time for you to think of alternative form of contraception like IUCD's-Intrauterine contraceptive devices.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am on a new form. I'm taking lomedia right now. I am worried I have something bad and it's not making anything better. The one doctor told me I had fibro. Any suggestions ?
Brief Answer:
Fibromyalgia is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Fibromyalgia is a rare possibility in the current context of symptoms.
Take Lomedia as prescribed,but think of IUCD at some some point of time.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Fibromyalgia is very unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Fibromyalgia is a rare possibility in the current context of symptoms.
Take Lomedia as prescribed,but think of IUCD at some some point of time.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
why do you say fibro is unlikely? I do have some tender points that hurt and I am not everyday. I don't know this can be so related to my birth control? Would something have shown in my blood if this was bad... I am freaking out thinking the worst. I have a hot throat and my eyes burn everyday when this happens. Please help
Brief Answer:
Antipolymer antibody assay is helpful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
In addition to chronic, widespread pain and tenderness, the diagnostic criteria require fibromyalgia patients have significant symptoms of fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, and cognitive dysfunction (difficulties with thinking and remembering), along with numerous somatic symptoms.
However, fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion and patients must be thoroughly evaluated for the presence of other disorders that could be the cause of symptoms before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made.
Because of this ,I still believe that oral contraceptive pills are the main cause of symptoms in your case.
In case if you still feel fibromyalgia as a major cause of symptoms,I advise you to for antipolymer antibody assay.
This is positive in more than 50 % individuals with fibromyalgia.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Antipolymer antibody assay is helpful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
In addition to chronic, widespread pain and tenderness, the diagnostic criteria require fibromyalgia patients have significant symptoms of fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, and cognitive dysfunction (difficulties with thinking and remembering), along with numerous somatic symptoms.
However, fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion and patients must be thoroughly evaluated for the presence of other disorders that could be the cause of symptoms before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made.
Because of this ,I still believe that oral contraceptive pills are the main cause of symptoms in your case.
In case if you still feel fibromyalgia as a major cause of symptoms,I advise you to for antipolymer antibody assay.
This is positive in more than 50 % individuals with fibromyalgia.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor, please explain to me why you feel this is related to me coming off birth control. I recently started a new birth control over 2 weeks ago, after stopping the one at the end of Dec, and nothing has changed yet. I get hot throughout the day, but never record a fever. I have had numerous tests done, ct scan of abdomen, chest ct scan and x ray, mammography, colonoscopy, endoscopy, seen a rhemotologist, endocrinologist, and my reg doctor. what would my next step be? I seem to be getting no where and no doctor seems to care! its so frustrating. I do get the burning throat certain days, but I cant seem to figure out what triggers it yet. I do have gastritis, not sure if this is causing this, but I feel like my eyes are dry and they burn throughout the days as well. I cannot live without knowing why I all of a sudden am feeling this way. My hormone levels all checked off normal, except for high testosterone, and I had low ferritin. Since then, I have been taking a multi vitamin for my ferritin, but other than that, I haven't had anything else. I had a UTI about2 months ago, and I started taking a antibiotic, but I never finished it, because I didn't think I needed it. I hope that it didn't affect me negatively and is causing any kidney issues. I am due for another ct scan tomorrow of my abdomen one last time, because I am paranoid. what else do I look for? I had one test come back slightly elevated with my rhemotologist. It was the antiphoslipid one.. Not sure I am spelling this right, but that one was a little high. she said she would do my blood again soon and see if its still elevated, but I feel like everyone is missing the one thing making me feel like this. I had pain under my collarbone almost everyday.. pains on my arms, and I feel like I am in a fog at work, its strange. like a bubble. I get fluctuations of temp throughtout the day, I feel cold one min and then I am hot and then at times I feel normal and I wish it stays like that, but again, it changes. I am typing now and I feel like I am in this bubble, its weird. when I sleep, I don't feel much heat. I don't sweat at all. the other day I got hot while I was sleeping and I don't know if it was over thinking it, but other nights I am fine. I just need to know what to do and how to fix this.this is beyond annoying, and has taken over my life. I feel tired through out the days, and I don't wake up feeling like I slept. I feel as If I didn't even sleep and I never felt like this before. what else do you suggest??
Brief Answer:
Consider Axon reflex test for anhidrosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
The next step would be to consult your Gynecologist and discuss about IUCD.
IUCD are infrequently associated with hot flushes since they release the drug in micro quantities.
Sleep pattern can be improved with medications like Nexito forte one tab a day at bedtime daily for 3 months.
Low ferritin needs immediate correction with Tab Conviron forte one tab thrice a day for 3-6 months.
This will correct iron deficiency and improve symptoms of low stamina and fatigue.
Let us also wait for CT abdomen and its result.
To confirm Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome,I advise you to retest the blood again.
Sweating can be improved with superficial cold sponging.
It may not be possible to prevent hypohidrosis, but you can take steps to avoid serious illnesses related to overheating.
Wear loose clothing and don't overdress when it’s hot.
Stay inside if possible, and take care not to overexert yourself when it’s hot.
You can also take steps to cool your body off and avoid overheating.
This includes applying water or cool cloths to your skin to stimulate sweating.
When the water evaporates, you will feel cooler of the body.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Consider Axon reflex test for anhidrosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
The next step would be to consult your Gynecologist and discuss about IUCD.
IUCD are infrequently associated with hot flushes since they release the drug in micro quantities.
Sleep pattern can be improved with medications like Nexito forte one tab a day at bedtime daily for 3 months.
Low ferritin needs immediate correction with Tab Conviron forte one tab thrice a day for 3-6 months.
This will correct iron deficiency and improve symptoms of low stamina and fatigue.
Let us also wait for CT abdomen and its result.
To confirm Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome,I advise you to retest the blood again.
Sweating can be improved with superficial cold sponging.
It may not be possible to prevent hypohidrosis, but you can take steps to avoid serious illnesses related to overheating.
Wear loose clothing and don't overdress when it’s hot.
Stay inside if possible, and take care not to overexert yourself when it’s hot.
You can also take steps to cool your body off and avoid overheating.
This includes applying water or cool cloths to your skin to stimulate sweating.
When the water evaporates, you will feel cooler of the body.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Consider Axon reflex test for anhidrosis.*** What is this even mean? Please speak in my language. Also I don't even know what IUCD is? Please explain. I am currently on LOMEDIA birth control right now for almost one month now. My ferritin level was 11. my doctor didn't even seem concerned, not sure why! and she didn't even tell me to take anything for it. I am only taking a multi vitamin now, nothing else. I have these pills in my office called feosol. should I start taking these? I had a ct scan about one month ago, without contrast which showed nothing. I am having another one on Monday with contrast, I requested it just incase. also you keep saying sweating, I don't sweat. I don't produce sweat even whem im hot. I used too, but I haven't recently.. I just get over heated now at certain times. I still cannot figure out what is triggering this. its beyond frustrating. how does a ct scan with contrast differ from one without contrast?
Brief Answer:
Possible autonomic dysfunction contributing to absent sweating.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
Not producing sweat even while you are hot itself indicates a state called Anhidrosis.
These individuals when exposed to an elevated ambient temperature or physical exercise,may present with symptoms of heat intolerance, dizziness, weakness, flushing, dyspnea, or palpitations and may be at risk for heat exhaustion and hyperthermia.
For this Axon reflex test/QSART is used for diagnosis.
The QSART is a test that measures the autonomic nerves that control sweating.
The test is useful in assessing autonomic nervous system disorders, peripheral neuropathies and some types of pain disorders.
The test requires a mild electrical stimulation on the skin,which allows acetylcholine, a naturally occurring chemical, to stimulate sweat glands.
The QSART measures the volume of sweat produced by this stimulation.
Considering your low normal Ferritin,you can proceed with the use of Feosol for 3 months.
Regarding IUCD,its a contraceptive/birth control device placed inside the uterus,it slowly releases the drug in micrograms over 5-10 years and prevents pregnancy.
CT scan with contrast can additionally pick up abnormalities concerned aberrant vasculature ,tumors etc.
It will help you much to arrive at diagnosis in your case after a normal plain CT scan .
Multivitamins are alone not enough .
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Possible autonomic dysfunction contributing to absent sweating.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
Not producing sweat even while you are hot itself indicates a state called Anhidrosis.
These individuals when exposed to an elevated ambient temperature or physical exercise,may present with symptoms of heat intolerance, dizziness, weakness, flushing, dyspnea, or palpitations and may be at risk for heat exhaustion and hyperthermia.
For this Axon reflex test/QSART is used for diagnosis.
The QSART is a test that measures the autonomic nerves that control sweating.
The test is useful in assessing autonomic nervous system disorders, peripheral neuropathies and some types of pain disorders.
The test requires a mild electrical stimulation on the skin,which allows acetylcholine, a naturally occurring chemical, to stimulate sweat glands.
The QSART measures the volume of sweat produced by this stimulation.
Considering your low normal Ferritin,you can proceed with the use of Feosol for 3 months.
Regarding IUCD,its a contraceptive/birth control device placed inside the uterus,it slowly releases the drug in micrograms over 5-10 years and prevents pregnancy.
CT scan with contrast can additionally pick up abnormalities concerned aberrant vasculature ,tumors etc.
It will help you much to arrive at diagnosis in your case after a normal plain CT scan .
Multivitamins are alone not enough .
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so you are saying that the ct scan I had about one month ago was not enough to pick things up without the contrast? what can this miss that the contrast will not miss? can it show if I have inflammation in my intestines or colon? will this cause a hot feeling? does ct scan with contrast show the gall bladder and its functioning? will ct scan with contrast show any ovarian cysts?
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound is superior to CT in detecting ovarian cysts.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your query.
I have gone through your lab report in detail.
You seem to elevated levels of free testosterone ,high LH to FSH ratio.
This suggests you might have possible Polycystic Ovarian syndrome.
This can also cause all such symptoms you mentioned.
Likewise it also has metabolic implications/disturbances on liver function as well.
This is evident in your case with elevated liver enzymes.
Ultrasound abdomen is an excellent tool for detection of cysts,but not CT with contrast.
CT with contrast can certainly show the gall bladder.
Drugs like Metformin and Spironolactone will be helpful in your case.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Ultrasound is superior to CT in detecting ovarian cysts.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your query.
I have gone through your lab report in detail.
You seem to elevated levels of free testosterone ,high LH to FSH ratio.
This suggests you might have possible Polycystic Ovarian syndrome.
This can also cause all such symptoms you mentioned.
Likewise it also has metabolic implications/disturbances on liver function as well.
This is evident in your case with elevated liver enzymes.
Ultrasound abdomen is an excellent tool for detection of cysts,but not CT with contrast.
CT with contrast can certainly show the gall bladder.
Drugs like Metformin and Spironolactone will be helpful in your case.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Pradeep Vitta
I had an ultrasound done about two months ago though. This was of abdomen. This wouldn't show the ovaries? What is the XXXXXXX for ? The gyno put me on this pill three years ago.. ?
Brief Answer: XXXXXXX is used to antagonise the effects of elevated testosterone.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Its the tranavaginal ultrasound rather than transabdominal ultrasound that is more useful in detecting the ovarian pathology like cysts.
XXXXXXX is used to antagonise all the effects of elevated testosterone.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.
I understand your concern.
Its the tranavaginal ultrasound rather than transabdominal ultrasound that is more useful in detecting the ovarian pathology like cysts.
XXXXXXX is used to antagonise all the effects of elevated testosterone.
Thank you.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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