Hot flash with pins and needles

[OnlyOneLondon]

I'm new here..but hoping someone can advise. I'm currently on 75mg of Levothyroxine and have had no problems since starting on it four years ago. A few days ago while sitting on the sofa I felt pins and needles in my left hand -simultaneously I also began to feel very warm and began sweating. As it was my left hand, i thought i was having a heart-attack..! I felt so hot i had to go outside into the cold. During the day I experienced the same thing but not as intense. Then two days of nothing. Then today tingling in my right leg and frequent, much lighter hot flashes, almost like i experienced when going through the menopause. The stand-in doctor thinks it's carpal tunnel syndrome in my hand..!!? and the hot flash is my body's way of redistributing heat..! I have just had a thyroid blood test and am awaiting results..but wanted to know if anyone else had experienced something similar - hot flashes with the pins and needles/tingling in limbs..?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Do you know if you have Hashimoto's diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Low vitamins are common, but especially with Hashimoto's

Low B12 can be responsible for pins and needles

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

Link about antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you so much. The Doctor i saw was useless - despite having my notes there she didn't even mention my thyroid might be the cause of the problem. I even had to remind her to give me the form for the blood test.

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to SlowDragon]

Sorry, forgot to add, pretty sure I have Hashimoto's diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies - but not 1100% certain. I do eat healthily - lots of fresh fruit and veg, so will be interesting to see what the trest comes back with. Although i wasn't told to fast and not take my Levothyroxine. Knowing more makes me feel so much better. Thank you for taking the time to respond - much appreciated.

[Marz]

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Scroll down in the above link to read the neurological signs of LOW B12 - results under 500 can be the cause of neurological symptoms - pins and needles being one ....

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to Marz]

Thank you very much. A brilliant site. I'll Will wait to see what comes back from the blood test - although i wasn't told to fast or not take my Levothyroxine - so not sure now how accurate the results will be.

[Clutter in reply to OnlyOneLondon]

OnlyOneLondon,

Results will be accurate whatever time of day or night you have them. TSH is highest early morning and drops after eating and drinking hence the advice for fasting early morning test for those wanting a diagnosis or dose increase or even to avoid a dose reduction.

Don't know your age, but could you be menopausal because that can cause hot flushes?

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to Clutter]

Ah, OK - thanks for clarifying. Am 52 and have been through the menopause and hot flush free for the best part of two years now, hence the confusion as to them starting again. apparently this can happen but it's the simultaneous pins and needles and hot flashes that are concerning me. am going to call the doctor now as i'm sure if i don't they won't get round to calling me with the results. thanks for getting in touch. much appreciated.

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to Clutter]

So thyroid blood test has returned normal. i now have to wait for a telephone consultation next week to talk through my symptoms. oh well.

[Clutter in reply to OnlyOneLondon]

OnlyOneLondon,

You are entitled to know what your results are not just an opinion that they are normal. Normal is a very broad range and you need to know where in range the results are to see whether you are optimally dosed on 75mcg. Ring the surgery and ask the GP receptionist to read your results and ranges or to print them off for you. Post them in a new question for advice.

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. I'll do that now.

[OnlyOneLondon in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter. A quick update..I went back to see my proper doctor who has requested additional vitamin and hormone blood tests. Should have them back tomorrow/Wed. However tonight I am finding it impossible to sleep tonight - strange tingling feeling all over my body - feeling anxious and scared to sleep. Have a very early morning for work tomorrow, so that's adding to anxiety. Beginning to feel something is seriously wrong with me.

[Clutter in reply to OnlyOneLondon]

OnlyOneLondon,

It will probably be a vitamin deficiency which will be corrected in a couple of months with supplements.

Try to relax. Look up mindfulness and relaxation exercises online if you are unable to sleep and still online.

Post your results and ranges in a new question tomorrow/Wed and I'll look out for your post.

[KajA794]

I have the same thing I get hot flushes with a small feeling of pins and neadles. Mainly on my shoulders but also on arms and legs. I think it could be nerve related because I have back issues and I crack my back to loosen it up. I think it may have come from that. It could also be blocked pores but I doubt it.