I posted on here a while back about continuous about-to-explode-into-flames heat generating from my chest and up. My dr. upped my estrogen dosage. No relief. I'm wondering if I should try seeing an endocrinologist. If my gynecologist can't figure out what's going on, would an endocrinologist be likely to figure out what can be done? Right now, my chest, neck, and head feel really, really hot. even when I have a big cold pack on my chest. The heat is just burning out from the inside, and nothing seems to make any difference.

Does anybody have any knowledge and/or experience with going to an endocrinologist for menopause-related symptoms? I appreciate any and all replies. Thank you so much!

I can't speak to the issue of an endocronloigst (sp?) as that may be the ONE specialist I've not seen on this crazy journey! However, I do expereince the burning feeling in the chest you're referring to. In fact, I was at my dr's today for a follow up - they did a cat scan of my chest because i've been having this chest discomfort/pain (including the burning feeling) for months now. This last month it's gotten progressively worse. So ... he's referring me to a cardiologist just to be sure it's not my heart - as heart problems can produce the burning sensation. He's also said the burning type pain can be neuropathic in nature -so that's something to be aware of too. I hope you get relief soon. I feel for you. If it's helpful to you, feel free to pm me anytime. Take care, kathleent

Dear Joan
Sorry about the annoying symptoms you are having.Actually,I believe seeing an endocrinologist might be a good idea.My husband was going to one for Testosterone problems and he had good results.It may very well be that your Hormones or Thyroid levels are giving you the heat sensation./

Actually I only remember the hot feelings when I started Menopause but they did go after I was put on the HRT.

Wishing you Good Luck
Please keep us posted
Elizabeth

All that inability to control body temperature thing, sounds very menopausal to me. I am very slim and have never felt the heat or even broken into a sweat but at menopause I felt as though I was in total meltdown on a constant basis. I have been around all this stuff for ages now and personally I can't be bothered with doctors on this one. There are very few who know enough to be of any use and most don't really care. I had to have an industrial sized fan in every room for about 2 years and now I have come through it all, my body has re-adjusted its thermostat and I am doing better. There is no doubt that menopause is a real pain but if you can stick with the problems a while it should resolve itself. If it is something much more serious, symptoms will increase and give your doctor more clues as to what is going on. The thyroid is always worth checking out if you have multiple other suspicious symptoms.
These days if I can stand up, I carry on. I have already wasted too much of my life trying to find solutions to menopause. I am now trying to grin and bear it. Oestrogen supplementation should help the hot episodes but there is a probability that it may delay the re-setting of your internal thermostat which is not such good news. Menopausal women just can't win!

Take care,

XIII

Hi Joan,
I think an endocrinologist is a great idea--if you can find one that deals with menopausal hormonal issues. You may have to travel to find one. I've been trying to get my doctors to give me a referral to an endocrinologist, but so far they have been resisting.

How much and what type of estrogen are you using? I've been thinking about an endo because I seem to need more estrogen than anyone I've ever heard of. My gyn and 2 primary care doctors can't figure me out either. I'm going to try yet another type of estrogen (compounded, sublingual) and see how that goes. If I still have problems I'm going to insist on a referral to an endocrinologist.

Hope you are feeling better.

I'm on a 1.0 mg. Vivelle Dot patch, plus a .5 mg. dose of Estrodial. Like you, I'm on more estrogen than anyone else I know (except, now, you!), and my gynecologist, who is very caring, concerned, and knowledgeable, doesn't seem to know what else to do. I have a fan in my bedroom and keep the house cool. I keep my classroom so cool that my students wear their coats in here, but I still feel like I am radiating heat. I don't have any chest pain or discomfort, which is a blessing. Geez, though, I have been dealing with these heat tsunamis for over six years now. I know there are women who've endured this misery for longer than that, but I don't want to be one of them!

I'm going to ask my GYN to refer me to an endocrinologist. I live in a small rural town but am hoping there's one that can help me in a city about 100 miles from here.

If that doesn't work, I'm going to mail my chest to Antarctica.