[meganb22]

Hi, guys!

I will try to make this short. About a year ago I started getting these weird hormone type symptoms. I would get hot flashes, and gradually being hot was my constant state. I was sweaty and flushed and hot all the time. Then I started noticing that I was getting more acne. I've been blessed with good skin. Even through my teenage years, I would only get one or two pimples. Now I have a lot of acne. More than I've ever had in my entire life. I'm emotional and have little to no appetite. Although, sometimes I get bad cravings and eat A LOT.

I got my thyroid, cortisol and hormones tested and they all came back fine. But I know that something hormonal is going on. I'm trying out birth control hoping that will work, but I'm just frustrated. Has anyone gone through this sudden onset of hormones? And even if my hormones are in a "normal" range can I still be getting these types of symptoms?

Thanks!

[Chris Altman]

Are you taking any medication?

[pinkflower17]

IDK. A bunch of things can cause hot flashes, but yours really does sound hormonal. Let us know if the BCPs do any good. If it's really interfering with your life, you can always ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.

[pinkflower17]

Actually, looking at your meds, I wonder it they are responsible for part or all of your symptoms. How long have you been on them? Lithium commonly causes acne, Seroquel commonly causes "impaired temperature regulation", which I suppose could cause hot flashes and Abilify can either increase or decrease your appetite. Lithium also commonly causes some other hormonal imbalances, primarily hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. I know you said your thyroid was fine, but hypoparathyroidism can causes anxiety, which could causes hot flashes as well as numbness and tingling in your extremities, among other things. That's probably a stretch, but if nothing else checks out, maybe something to look into.

[Quarter life]

General practitioners all too often dismiss hormonal issues as generalised depression or signs of aging. The ealier suggestion of consulting an endocrinologist is sound advice..They will check everything more thoroughly. As a suggestion…write down a list of all your symptoms including the severity and how they impact on your day to day life…this will enable your endocrinologist to determine which tests to perform.