Serum Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, ACTH Test This hormone is synthesized by the pituitary gland and acts on the adrenal gland. Adrenals secrete cortisol, which is the chief hormone controlling stress and glucose metabolism, when stimulated by ACTH. Cortisol circulates in blood. Most of it is conjugated in the liver and stays in blood as inactive forms. […]
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 […]
Treating a Dry Vagina Q: Sometimes my vagina gets rather sore and itchy. It does not hurt to urinate, however. I went to my gyne about it a few months ago and she thought it could be due to vaginal dryness. I also used some Canesten cream in case it was a simple yeast infection. […]
Managing Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS Most of the women feel some changes around their menses. These include physical changes as well as emotional disturbances. These changes or symptoms are different in different women. Also, some females are more prone to having them than others. Premenstrual Symptoms To list a few, these symptoms may include: Anxiety […]
Serum Estradiol Test This test measures the level of the female hormone estradiol (estrogen) in blood. The hormone is secreted by the ovary under influence of FSH, a hormone secreted by the pituitary. Estradiol is a hormone responsible for normal sexual development of a female. When Is the Test Done? It is done when we […]
LH Blood Test and Reference Range This is a fertility hormone secreted by the pituitary. In women, it acts on the ovaries to regulate ovulation. LH induces ovulation. It also luteinizes the follicle after ovulation. In men, it helps the testes to make and secrete testosterone. When Is It Required? In work up for infertility […]
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Lab Test FSH or follicle stimulating hormone is a fertility hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. What Is the Function of This Hormone? FSH regulates the menstrual cycle in female. It stimulates the follicles. Its level varies throughout the cycle, the highest being just before the release of egg. In men, it […]
How to Treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? The treatment of PCOS aims at managing the symptoms being produced. The following strategic treatment modalities are common: If menstrual cycles are there but not regular, hormonal birth control pills are tried for some time. A cream called eflornithine may be used in area where excess hair growth occurs. […]
