Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Understanding Thyroid Function Changes During Pregnancy: Key Concerns
Is there a trend for hypothyroidism to progress to hyperthyroidism? Hello Doctor: I am currently 34 weeks pregnant. At the end of May this year, I had my thyroid function tested at the hospital, and the blood test results were as follows: Free T4: 0.79 (normal range: 0.89-1.76), ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are many factors to consider regarding thyroid diseases, and the complexities increase during pregnancy. It is recommended that you schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss this with your attending physician without delay. This is the most timely and effective way to add...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function Changes During Pregnancy: Key Concerns
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia without diabetes? Hello, doctor. I do not have diabetes. I had a normal lunch, but around 2 PM, I experienced hand tremors and my blood sugar was in the 80s. The second time, around 4 PM, I had hand tremors, dizziness, and sweating, and my blood sugar was only 61. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough investigation is warranted. Generally, hypoglycemia can be categorized int...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia without diabetes? Hello, doctor. I do not have diabetes. I had a normal lunch, but around 2 PM, I experienced hand tremors and my blood sugar was in the 80s. The second time, around 4 PM, I had hand tremors, dizziness, and sweating, and my blood sugar was only 61. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough evaluation is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can be categorized into f...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Dear Dr. Tseng, 1. After giving birth, I discovered that I have hypothyroidism (TSH: 29), which is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My baby underwent a thyroid screening at birth, and the results were normal. How often should my baby hav...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, I am a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Regarding thyroid diseases, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist for the most up-to-date and accurate medical information. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
High school student with hypoglycemic coma? Hello Doctor, my daughter, who is in her first year of high school, suddenly reported feeling dizzy and weak while studying at home in mid-December. I intended to check her blood pressure (her school health check and regular measurement...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough consideration of other factors is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Should You Take Medication or Seek Further Testing?
Hypothyroidism issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently undergoing infertility treatment, so I need to check if there are any issues with my thyroid. Hospital A tested and found that I have hypothyroidism, with a TSH level of 7.026 (the standard range is 0.35-5.5). They prescribed EL...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Gua: 1. Personally, I am unsure how to answer your question. 2. I can only tell you that, according to general medical principles, hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 (triiodothyronine), decreased levels of T4 (thyroxine), and increased lev...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Should You Take Medication or Seek Further Testing?
Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Abnormal weight gain Hello: I am 40 years old, 170 cm tall, and currently eat one meal a day while walking 10,000 steps. My lifestyle is regular. I have gained 12 kg in the past six months, and my endocrine blood tests have shown no issues. How should I seek medical assistance?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Aqi: 1. Factors contributing to weight gain include diet, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism; very few cases are due to single-gene mutations or specific genetic disorders. 2. Familial obesity may be influenced not only by genetic facto...[Read More] Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40
Exercise Concerns for Patients with Hypothyroidism: What You Need to Know
Concerns about exercise in hypothyroidism? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. Last week, I discovered a lump in my neck, and after visiting the clinic yesterday, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The physician mentioned that it is...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to avoid intense exercise in the initial stages to prevent overexertion. Once the medication stabilizes, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. However, it is still advisable not to push yourself too hard. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Exercise Concerns for Patients with Hypothyroidism: What You Need to Know
Managing Throat Issues with Hypothyroidism and Goiter
Throat issues I have hypothyroidism and also an issue with thyroid enlargement. Currently, my thyroid levels are normal, but I often choke when drinking water. I would like to know how to improve this issue.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have thyroid issues and are regularly taking medication or undergoing check-ups, it should not affect your ability to drink water. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a family medicine specialist to assess your swallowing function. You may consider c...[Read More] Managing Throat Issues with Hypothyroidism and Goiter
Understanding Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: Free T4 Levels and Heart Health
Thyroid issues? Hello, doctor! I have undergone a total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma. Currently, I am taking Eltroxin 0.1 mg, averaging 1.5 tablets per day. During my follow-up visits, my doctor has mentioned that my reports are normal. However, recently I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Liang: 1. After undergoing a total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinoma, secondary hypothyroidism often occurs, necessitating long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Levothyroxine (T4) is typically used for this treatment; due to its long half-life, i...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: Free T4 Levels and Heart Health
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: This is Lin, who asked you a question on March 28. The results of my blood test at the hospital in mid to late March showed that my FT4 level has risen from 3.07 to 6.57 within one to two months, and my TSH is <0.005. I have started medication. Ad...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Hashimoto's disease is indeed an autoimmune disorder; its diagnosis requires the examination of specific antibodies or antigen responses, as well as imaging studies. Additionally, it is essential to differentiate it from other thyroid diseases. This means t...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Swelling won't go down?! Hello Doctor: My father has diabetes and has recently experienced swelling in his foot, which extends beyond the sole to the ankle, but it is only affecting one foot. He has seen a metabolic specialist who found no issues. Which department should he ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Emily: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema. Generally speaking, if the edema is bilateral, one should consider heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, medication side effects, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and other potential causes. I...[Read More] Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
The CEA level is 17.78? Hello Doctor, five years ago I was hospitalized due to duodenal obstruction and was found to have a 4.5 cm benign cyst in the tail of the pancreas. I underwent surgery to remove the affected part of the pancreas that same year, and I was hospitalized for 3...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: An elevated CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level can occur in various malignancies such as colorectal cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, other non-malignant conditions like chron...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Its Impact on Thyroid Enlargement
Regarding thyroid enlargement caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis earlier this month after experiencing thyroid enlargement. I underwent an ultrasound and blood tests at the hospital. My outpatient physician inf...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I am not an endocrinologist, so I can only provide a general response. Ultimately, your question should be discussed with your physician during your clinic visit. From what I understand, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to either hyperthyr...[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Its Impact on Thyroid Enlargement
How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Could you please provide more context or details regarding the specific medication or topic related to drug efficacy that you would like Hello Doctor: The endocrinologist prescribed Onglyza (saxagliptin) at a dosage of half a tablet daily. I would like to know how long it typical...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Coffee Sugar: 1. Eltroxin® (50 mcg or 100 mcg; generic name Levothyroxine) is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism. Due to the longer half-life of Levothyroxine (T4), it is typically taken once daily. The onset of action may take 1 to 2 weeks, and it usually takes 6 t...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Short-term rapid weight gain issues? Hello Doctor: This week, I suddenly noticed that my weight has increased significantly in just a few days (from 55 kg to 63 kg). My diet has remained the same as before, but my records indicate an increase in body fat percentage, a drastic dec...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JMF: 1. If there is an increase from 55 kg to 63 kg within a week, that amounts to an approximate daily increase of 1 kg; and various extensive examinations have shown no issues. Such a rate of weight gain is extremely rare in medicine and even contradicts common sense....[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
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:
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
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:
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