How to Recognize and Treat Hyperthyroidism? Over active thyroid gland results in hyperthyroidism. This condition is characterized by the production of excess of thyroid hormones. Recognizing Hyperthyroidism Though the symptoms mimic other conditions encountered in day to day life, a careful observation followed by investigations may reveal the condition. Common Symptoms Loss of body weight, […]
Reasons Leading to Virilization in Women Virilization refers to an abnormal development of male physiological characteristics in females. This may include excessive hair growth known as hirsutism. Let’s discuss briefly the mechanism and causes of virilization and hirsutism in women. Detection of cause is made on the basis of symptoms and age group. A general […]
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5HIAA) 24 Hour Urine Test 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is the major metabolite of serotonin. Increased amount are found in intestinal carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine tumors, especially when carcinoid syndrome is present. Carcinoid syndrome is characterized by serotonin producing tumors, flushing, heart problem, and some degree of hepatomegaly. Normal Reference Range 2-10 years < […]
Hirsutism and Virilizing Signs in Post Menopausal Woman Q: Hello, my name is Dan. My wife, who is 60 years old, suffers from hirsutism with virilizing symptoms. Her testosterone levels are in the male range, and her LH is elevated. DHEA is normal. After a pelvic exam and transvaginal ultrasound, it was determined that she […]
Monitoring Diabetes Q: My fasting sugar is 80 to 100. But after meals within one hour it reaches 220. After 2 hours it come down to 150. Normally the postprandial sugar level are measured after 2 hrs of meals. But in my case at what time should I measure my postprandial sugar? If the sugar […]
Blood Pressure Medicine in Diabetics Q: My dad is 60 years old. He was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension 8 years ago. He has been on Metformin 1000 mg twice daily, Gliclazide 160 mg twice daily and Amlodipin 10 mg once daily. HbA1c varies from 7.6 to 8 %. Blood pressure is 163/92. Should he […]
Vitamin D Hydroxy (25-OH) Testing and Deficiency 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test is done to check the vitamin D level in our body. This form of vitamin is converted into a more active form by the kidney. This active form is directly responsible for controlling calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. The normal range […]
Testing Calcium in Blood and Understanding Its Results Calcium is an important mineral required for many important functions of the body, including muscle contraction, impulse transmission in the nerves, heart muscle functioning etc. Distribution of Calcium in the Body 98% of body’s calcium is present in the bones and teeth. It’s only the remaining 2% […]
What Is Glycosylated Hemoglobin (Hb A1c) Test? Our red blood cells have a protein molecule called hemoglobin in them. This molecule is responsible for holding the oxygen molecules and carrying them throughout the body. When the blood sugar levels are high, free sugar present in the blood gets attached to the hemoglobin molecules converting them […]
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome With High DHEA Q: I recently got a pelvic transabdominal ultrasound to exclude PCOS. It was found that I have a large left-sided adnexal cyst 10.2×9.0×7.5 cm. My family doctor suggested I get another ultrasound. But I am worried. Can this be a tumor? I am in my early 20s and have […]
