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What Causes Sudden Hot Flashes While Waking Up In A Person With High BP?

Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015

Question: I have a hot flash every mirning when I wake up. It effects mainly my upper body, all the way down my arms and hands. I have had hot flashes at other times, but not at predictable times. I have has erratic periods and haven't had one since July. I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure and am taking 10 mg if Lisinopril.i am also taking 50 mg of synthroid because I am hypothyroid. I have lost 13 pounds in the past 2 months by watching my sodium intake. I am worried I am hyperthyroid now. My last blood test in October showed low normal TSH. Any thoughts as to why the hot flash occurs every morning when I wake up?

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Menopause

Detailed Answer:
You are correct in surmizing that these are most likely hot flashes.

Some of the symptoms of hot flashes such as heat intolerance and excessive sweating can be worsened by a hyperthyroid state.

So as you have rightly deduced, it would be worthwhile checking your thyroid labs now to make sure the synthroid dose is not too much for you.

Losing significant weight as has been the case with you often warrants a reduction in dose of the synthroid.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Calcium
HbA1c
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
TSH
Free T4
Anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
FSH
LH
Estradiol

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

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (41 hours later)

Should I be concerned it couldbe something else? I also seem to get hot flashes when I am stressed out or upset, but the morning hot flash upon waking is predictable. I am worried these issues are related to high blood pressure or possibly something else like lymphoma or an adrenal tumor.
I did have a metabolic panel done about 8 weeks ago before I began watching my sodium and I lost weight. Everything was within normal ranges. I am only 5'6" and now weigh around 155.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Well as I mentioned earlier, a physical examination is necessary to diligently consider each possible cause.
It will be all right to check for Pheochromocytoma , the adrenal tumor you are alluding to by doing the following test:
Plasma Free Metanephrines

This does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day.

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