Understanding Androcur for Acne: Side Effects and Alternatives Explained
Treatment for acne includes taking Androcur? To treat acne, I underwent blood tests that showed elevated testosterone levels and have been taking Androcur for several months. However, my libido has significantly decreased. Previously, I would wake up with an erection every mornin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Cong: 1. Androcur® (50mg, generic name: Cyproterone) is indicated for the treatment of prostate tumors, severe hypersexuality, significant masculinization symptoms, hirsutism, acne, and more. Potential side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, slight we...[Read More] Understanding Androcur for Acne: Side Effects and Alternatives Explained
Understanding Diabetes Risk and Weight Loss: Key Insights for Health
Regarding diabetes and weight loss? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Last year's health check report indicated that my fasting blood glucose was elevated (101 > 100) and my hemoglobin A1c was normal (5.7 < 6.7). The year before, my fasting blood glucose was 85 (normal < 100) and m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. ABC: Please read the following two points: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for 8 hours or more, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral g...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk and Weight Loss: Key Insights for Health
Feeling Hungry but Nauseous: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
I'm hungry, but halfway through eating, I feel like throwing up? Approximately three years ago, symptoms began to appear, with the duration of these symptoms varying. There were periods of six months to a year where normal eating was possible, but there were also times when ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Anonymous, 1. After eating, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and unpleasant sensations in taste and flavor, which can have many causes. In addition to gastrointestinal issues, it is important to consider problems related to the esophagus, liver, endocrine system, renal ...[Read More] Feeling Hungry but Nauseous: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues
Long-Term Effects of Thyroxine on Normal Thyroid Function
Thyroid tumor I have a 1 cm tumor on my thyroid, and the doctor prescribed Levothyroxine Sodium 100 mcg/tablet, to take half a tablet daily. My thyroid function is normal. Will taking this medication long-term lead to thyroid resistance or hypothyroidism? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. The diagnosis of thyroid nodules typically involves the use of thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology, with regular monitoring of size changes as needed. Surgical intervention or radiation therapy may be required if necessary. Most thyroid nodul...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Thyroxine on Normal Thyroid Function
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left abdominal pain? After researching various materials and sharing experiences online, I have realized that I am experiencing discomfort in the upper left abdomen, approximately near the bottom left rib. The pain is not very severe (it feels more like a dull ache), but it has p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Abdominal ultrasound primarily serves to diagnose the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, head of the pancreas, portal vein, superior mesenteric artery, and the biliary system, among other visceral organs and circulatory structures. 2. Upper gastrointestina...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Post-thyroid cancer surgery considerations for fertility planning? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I underwent thyroid cancer surgery in early October 2015, which involved a total thyroidectomy and partial lymphadenectomy. I received radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment in early November 2015, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. H: 1. The half-life of iodine-131 is approximately 8 days. You may want to consult your attending physician regarding the dosage at that time to estimate the current residual amount in your body. Logically, from November 2015 to the present, it should theoretically have...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Constipation Hello, doctor. A few months ago, I was having regular bowel movements at least once a day. Recently, I have experienced a small amount of bright red blood during bowel movements, accompanied by severe pain. Now, when I feel the urge to go again, I am afraid to do so ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsiao Lai: 1. Generally speaking, the presence of blood in the stool is indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary diagnoses to consider clinically include hemorrhoids, colon ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious bowel diseases, colorectal canc...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Breathing Issues, Abdominal Pain, and Insomnia: Seeking Medical Guidance
Difficulty breathing, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, dull pain in the right abdomen, chest tightness, and insomnia? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing long-term sleep deprivation due to staying up late. Since January of last year, I have had difficulty with my exh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Tu, 1. Difficulty in breathing and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat may lead clinicians to consider issues related to otolaryngology and thoracic conditions. Pain and discomfort in the right upper abdomen and rib area may raise concerns about liver, gallbladd...[Read More] Breathing Issues, Abdominal Pain, and Insomnia: Seeking Medical Guidance
How to Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
How to improve postprandial blood sugar levels? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I recently had a physical examination, and the results are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level after more than 8 hours is 89 mg/dL, b. Postprandial glucose level after 2 hours is 162 mg/dL, c. HbA1c (glycate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Chubby: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), c...[Read More] How to Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Is Seaweed Calcium Safe for Patients with Hyperthyroidism?
Is it appropriate for patients with hyperthyroidism to take seaweed calcium? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My mother is a patient with hyperthyroidism. After treatment and several years of follow-up, her thyroid levels have returned to normal, and her thyroid has not been surgically removed. ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Hank: 1. There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, toxic diffuse goiter, and thyroiditis, among others. The majority of patients fall under Graves' disease, while the others are relatively less common. 2. I am not familiar with the ...[Read More] Is Seaweed Calcium Safe for Patients with Hyperthyroidism?
Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Is it irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I would like to ask you some questions... For the past few months (over 3 months), I have been experiencing some unusual bowel habits. I have been having bowel movements 4-5 times a day, and about 10 minutes after eating, I feel t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacks effective physical examination or biochemical blood markers. It is generally accepted that abdominal pain lasting more than three months, occurring more than three days per month, along with any two of the f...[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
The difference between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose after breakfast? Hello Doctor, during my first pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes, and I did not follow up or manage it after giving birth. During the early stages of my second pregnancy, I underwent t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Anna: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (gly...[Read More] Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Digestive Issues: What Your Stool Color and Changes Mean
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor: Two weeks ago, I noticed that the color of my stool was very dark, but it wasn't as black as melena. I also feel that my bowel movements have decreased; sometimes I have one stool, sometimes two. Additionally, I have the urge to defecate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Sam: 1. The color of feces is influenced by many factors, including bilirubin pigments, food, enzymes secreted by the intestines, bleeding and its location, medications, and other influencing factors. If there is a presence of black, tarry stools, one should consider up...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: What Your Stool Color and Changes Mean
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Body Heat: Causes and Solutions
Dizziness and a feeling of warmth in the body? Hello, Doctor. I often experience dizziness and have undergone numerous examinations at major hospitals, but nothing has been found. Recently, the frequency of my dizziness has increased, occurring 3-4 days a week, and I also feel a ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The differential diagnosis of dizziness generally begins with distinguishing between central and peripheral causes. If the dizziness is due to a central lesion, it is often associated with more serious issues such as tumors, strokes, epilepsy, meningitis, or enc...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Body Heat: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Gynecomastia I went to see a doctor for gynecomastia, and I have stretch marks on my abdomen that resemble those associated with obesity. The doctor mentioned that it might be influenced by steroids. The blood tests I need to undergo include ALT, ALK, and alpha-fetoprotein. I loo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir, 1. The causes of gynecomastia in males are numerous; the fundamental pathological mechanism is due to an increase in the action of female hormones. In fact, female hormones, male hormones, adrenal corticosteroids, aldosterone, and others can interconvert within the end...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Post-Thyroidectomy Complications: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Complications after total thyroidectomy? Hello, Director Hsiao! My mother (75 years old, 155 cm tall, 45 kg) underwent surgery for a right thyroid nodule on March 24 of this year (she had surgery on the left side for a nodule over a decade ago). She is now without thyroid functio...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsiao Tsai: 1. Eltroxin® Tablets are available in different dosages of 50 mcg and 100 mcg, primarily used for thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which may be necessary in cases of hypothyroidism or post-thyroidectomy. Generally, the therapeutic effects and symptom imp...[Read More] Post-Thyroidectomy Complications: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Can Diabetes Medication Affect Fertility in Men?
Diabetic patients I already have a child who is currently 3 years and 7 months old. I have been wanting to have another child, but I later found out that my husband is taking medication for diabetes. Could this be a reason why it is more difficult to conceive? Thank you for your ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Cupid: 1. Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Approximately 40% of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, 20% to female hormonal issues, 30% to female pelvic factors, 5% to an u...[Read More] Can Diabetes Medication Affect Fertility in Men?
Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Diabetes medication consultation? Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old and has symptoms of diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar around 120). He is currently taking diabetes medication. My father has a lean body type and is not obese, follows a vegetarian diet, and avoids greasy food...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Paul Chen: 1. The first-line medication for most patients with type 2 diabetes is Metformin, which you referred to as Asures®. Regarding medication choices for leaner diabetic patients, there can indeed be some controversy in the medical community. It is advisable to in...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Foods to Avoid with Hormonal Imbalance: A Comprehensive Guide
Endocrine disorder Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what other foods should be avoided in addition to fried foods and chocolate for endocrine disorders?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The endocrine system primarily includes the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Each of these axes has its own stimulation and feedback mechanisms. Additionally, the pa...[Read More] Foods to Avoid with Hormonal Imbalance: A Comprehensive Guide
Managing Hypoglycemia: When to Seek Further Testing and Dietary Changes
Management of Hypoglycemia Hello, Doctor! I have experienced symptoms of hypoglycemia since elementary school, occurring about ten times a year. After entering high school, these episodes have become more frequent. My records show that I average a blood sugar test in the school h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Olivia: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia, the most common being medications used by patients with diabetes. Other causes include renal failure, certain tumors, liver disease, hypothyroidism, muscle starvation, congenital metabolic disorders, adrenal insufficien...[Read More] Managing Hypoglycemia: When to Seek Further Testing and Dietary Changes