I have developed light chest pain at the onset of menopausal hot flashes and have been screened thoroughly for heart disease; all of the tests and blood work have come back normal, although I still have a stress test to go through. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this or has ideas what the chest pain- hot flash connection might be? Thanks!

Ren

I have noticed that I have some chest pressure as well.  I haven't associated it with hot flashes but I'l start paying attention.  Mine is more noticeable when I raise my arms up high in yoga, I feel like my chest is getting squished, also sometimes when I am lying down. 

 Thank you for your response.  You might want to research costochondritus, described to me by my doctor as inflammation of the rib cartilages causing chest pain and tenderness. They usually recommend rest and anti-inflammatory drugs for it.  Since yours pain onset is connected to stretching this may be what you are experiencing. It seems like chronic chest wall pain could be so many things...it's good to get a thorough check up to rule out heart, lung problems. Take Care,  Ren

Thanks, I'll check it out next time I'm in, 

Dear Ren,

I will be 50 in July.  After my 48 birthday I had what I thought were severe chest pains - hot feelings in my chest and pain.  Blood Pressure spiked.  After 2 days I ended up in the emergency room.  Doc told me to see my OB GYN and have my hormones checked.  After several doctors and lots of bloodwork, everything looked normal.

That made for a great joke between the sisters.  Who goes to the ER for menopause.

Long story short, I'm with you.  They are definitely connected.

 Hello Ren -

I have this often -- and always at night. I wouldn't call it pain. It's a very diffuse sort of pressure & it starts in the middle of my sternum & spreads out to each side, then the hot flash hits. I told my internist about this & she referred me to a cardiologist who did a full workup -- EKG, ultrasound, stress test & nuclear stress test. All negative. I have yet to mention it to my ob/gyn; I'm curious as to whether she has ever heard anyone describe this sort of thing. I do notice that it's worse if I'm feeling stressed (which is often) and/or have had wine or other alcohol. Has anyone found anything out about this since the last post? I'm wondering why it has doctors flummoxed. How rare can it be?  How can we find out?  What does Dr. W say?

MsLeen

Could be acid reflux/GERD, which can also get worse with menopause.  Maybe see if it seems to be related to something you eat, and try some lifestyle changes - raise the head of your bed, don't eat within a few hours of bedtime, try and identify triggers and avoid them.

Just a thought

Hi Ren,

Have you had your hormones tested? You can have that done via an anti aging doctor that will do blood tests. Its amazing the negative changes your body will go through when your hormones are unbalanced.

Dawn

 Hi Ladies,

Since my last post I had an ultra-sound stress test and came through with flying colors.   The cardiologist suggested that the cause of the chest pain may be hormones and that I might want to go on HRT for a year or so.  She said hormone imbalance could, in addition to chest pain, cause palpitations too, which I have.  She also reiterated something I have read, which is that HRT is most useful (and has lower chances of negative side effects) for women who have just entered menopause; it can play a protective role in regards to the heart.  So, I guess its back to the OBGYN to talk about HRT for a year or so.  For me, I don’t think it’s GERD since it happens at all different times, not just at night or when I’m lying down. Yes, I’m wondering what Dr. Weil thinks as well. Thank you all for putting your heads together to figure this out.  

Hi Ren,

That is much better news than a heart condition. Glad to hear it. A great read would be Suzanne Somers "Ageless"

Also you may find the below article on hot flash solutions helpful.

http://www.bodylogicmd.com/patient-testimonials/wow-what-a-difference-a-few-months-make

Good Luck,

Dawn

 Dawn,

I haven't read Somer's book, but if I do I will (and advise anyone to) be cautious since HRT is such a complex issue.  See this article about her book in the NY times...

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/15/fashion/15suzanne.html?_r=1&ex=1163653200&en=94f8dd44b04370cd&ei=5070

Take Care,

Ren

Hey Ren,

I am very familiar with bioidentical hormne replacemnet therapy due to my moms friends. I also have my BS in Biotechnology, so I did study all aspects of the human body and its biochemistry in detail in college.

Bioidenticals have the same structure as our own hormones, so our bodies are more likely to accept them and they do not have the same side effect as traditional hormone replacemnt therapy. I do recommend that you see a specialist that can test you and give you more detailed information.

Have a great weekend,

Dawn