Ill Effects of High Altitude

Q: I flew from New Jersey to New Mexico. The following morning, I woke up with a sharp pain over my left eye. I then I got out of bed, I felt very light-headed and cold.

Even in the shower, I had the chills and was sweating. After showering, I was unable to move, felt nauseated and my heartbeat was very fast. I blacked out for a few seconds.

After an hour of bad cramps and a horrible headache, I was able to get myself together. Since I never suffer from my period, someone said the problem may have been altitude. Does higher altitude have an effect on one's period?

A.L.
Hoboken, NJ

A: Altitude can affect one's period, but usually only by changing the timing of your bleeding or causing you to skip a period or two. If you were flying to an elevation above 7,000 feet, you may have been experiencing altitude sickness alone. Symptoms include headache, nausea, chills, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and shortness of breath. See Altitude Adjustment for more information about altitude sickness.

Most symptoms fade in one to two days, but if they're severe during the flight, or if you are staying at a high altitude, treatment is immediate descent and oxygen. If this was altitude sickness, you may be at risk to get it again.

Preventive measures are to ascend slowly, drink plenty of water, stay well rested, limit physical activity for the first couple of days at altitude and avoid alcohol and tobacco. Some physicians also prescribe a medication called Diamox to particularly susceptible individuals.

Your experience sounds horrible. If I had to guess, I'd say it was a combination of dehydration, altitude sickness and your premenstrual state. You might also read SOS about PMS for more information about premenstrual syndrome.

Since your problems were so severe, you should definitely see your physician for a complete physical. Tell her what happened in detail - and write to let me know how things are going.

About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and a UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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