Causes of Vaginal Itch Itch in the vaginal area implies some irritating stimulus there. The irritation may be some chemical irritant, fabric, any infection, dryness or even cancers. So, each time you ask yourself, why is my vagina itchy, you know there are many causes and evaluation is required. Let us pick them one by […]
Vaginal pH Balance In a healthy female body, the vaginal pH levels are slightly towards the acidic side, somewhere between 3.8 and 4.5. This is natural and for the protection of the region down there. This pH is maintained by a constant supply of vaginal secretions, and certain beneficial bacteria that stay there and help […]
What Does Brown Vaginal Discharge Mean? A brown discharge from the vagina is not always abnormal, specifically if there are no associated symptoms. The vaginal canal is lined by numerous glands which secrete mucous secretions which keep the canal moist and lubricated. Also, this is a part of natural cleaning of the vaginal canal, where […]
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 < […]
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Test The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test reflects the activities of most of the coagulation factors and inhibitors. So, its value indirectly tells us about the functioning of various factors involved in coagulation. Normal Reference Range Full term infant, 0-5 day old 25.0-60.0 seconds Full term infant, 6 days-3 months […]
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. […]
Serum Acid Phosphatase Lab Test Acid phosphatase is an enzyme present chiefly in the prostate gland and the semen. Some amount is present in blood throughout the body. In a healthy individual, it lies within the normal range. Conditions Associated With Elevated Levels The test is done to diagnose and assess the following conditions: Prostate […]
Thumb Injury With Hematoma Q: About 2 months ago I fell pretty hard on my right thumb. I hit the middle joint of it. The area that was hit was black for a while and then it went away. Now there is a hard lump in that area. It hurts if I touch it but […]
How Long Will Marijuana Take to Get Out of the Body? Q: Hi, my name is Matt. I had been using marijuana daily for 7 months. However, recently I have stopped. I have 32 days today clean. I took a urine screen 7 days ago and tested positive for marijuana (THC). I have been given […]
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 […]
