Idiopathic orthostatic cyclic edema as a unique etiology for vasomotor flushing in a normal estrogenic woman with normal day 3 follicle stimulating hormone--case report.

PURPOSE: To describe a unique cause and therapy for vasomotor flushing.

METHODS

Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol, renal and liver function studies and urinalysis were performed as well as a water load test.

RESULTS

All laboratory tests were normal but the water load test showed inadequate four-hour urine excretion when she was erect but normal when supine. Complete relief from vasomotor symptoms occurred shortly after treatment with sympathomimetic amines.

CONCLUSIONS

Idiopathic orthostatic cyclic edema can cause vasomotor flushing even with normal estrogen and serum FSH, and treatment of the edema state with the drug of choice dextroamphetamine sulfate can effectively control these symptoms.