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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
Managing Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism: Risks of Mixed Medication Use
Mixing medications for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? Hello! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2010 and have been taking medication regularly until 2015. However, at the beginning of 2016, I found out that I had developed hyperthyroidism. I have been taking hyperthyroid...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding issues related to the thyroid, it is best to discuss treatment options directly with your attending physician. Thank you for your message![Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism: Risks of Mixed Medication Use
Understanding Low TSH Levels After Thyroidectomy: Causes and Implications
Hypothyroidism I underwent a total thyroidectomy about 4 years ago and have been taking thyroid hormones since then. My T3 and T4 levels are maintained within the normal range, but my TSH levels have consistently been very low. I would like to know the reason for this. Is it beca...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ting: 1. This question should be directed to your attending physician, as it involves what specific thyroid disease you have, the reasons for total thyroidectomy, whether you are taking other medications, if there are any other endocrine issues, and if there are any oth...[Read More] Understanding Low TSH Levels After Thyroidectomy: Causes and Implications
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Interpreting Your Lab Results and Treatment Options
Hypothyroidism - Supplement Consultation Hello Director Hsiao, thank you for your detailed response to my previous question. However, regarding the recent test results, FREE T4: 0.85 (reference range: 0.71-1.85) and TSH: 52.913 (reference range: 0.55-4.78), do these indicate that...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JJ: 1. The results show Free T4 at 0.85 μg/dl (reference range: 0.71-1.85 μg/dl) and TSH at 52.913 μIU/ml (reference range: 0.55-4.78 μIU/ml), indicating a tendency towards hypothyroidism. Whether this condition is worsening or improving must be assessed based on the p...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Interpreting Your Lab Results and Treatment Options
Understanding Hypothyroidism Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Hypothyroidism Consultation Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is 65 years old and has a history of atrial fibrillation. From March 2014 to July 2015, she was treated with Dronedarone (Multaq). During the treatment, she developed hypothyroidism, and her attending physician prescribed Lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear JJ, Based on the information you provided, the medications and units may be as follows: Cordarone® 200 mg (Amiodarone), Eltroxin® Tablets 100 mcg (synthetic Thyroxine), Rytmonorm® 150 mg Film-coated tablets. The lab results are as follows: T3: 0.8 ng/ml (reference range: 0....[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Hypothyroidism I have hypothyroidism and secretly stopped taking my medication for a year. A few days ago, I visited an endocrinologist, and my thyroid levels were within the normal range. The doctor said that since I am not taking medication, I should at least return for a follo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, bradycardia, weight gain, cold and swollen extremities, rough and dry skin, brittle nails, numbness in fingers, absence of sweating, hoarseness, snoring, hair loss, anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and loss of libido, among o...[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Hypothyroidism I am a patient with hypothyroidism and have not taken thyroid hormone for a year. I have not had regular follow-ups for a year, and recently I have experienced symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, along with slightly elevated blood pressure and a slightl...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment and inform the physician about your recent medical situation, including information about medications and tests.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Why Continuous Medication is Essential
Hypothyroidism I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the age of sixteen and took thyroid hormone replacement for two years. Later, I secretly stopped taking the medication. A few months ago, I had a blood test due to chest pain, and the doctor suspected hypothyroidism, but the r...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: You should first understand the cause of your hypothyroidism. In young women, it is often caused by autoimmune issues, which require long-term medication. If it is due to a short-term inflammation or certain medications, long-term medication may not be necessary. Please co...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Why Continuous Medication is Essential
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Solutions
Goiter Hello, doctor! I have had an enlarged thyroid for a long time... since kindergarten or elementary school, and it is still enlarged now! I don't feel any discomfort. However, many people keep saying that this is abnormal and that I should see a doctor! I have seen doct...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, there are many causes of goiter, commonly including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and a small percentage of thyroid tumors. Clinically, in addition to symptoms and physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound examinations, or other im...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Solutions
Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Medication discontinuation issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the side effects of long-term discontinuation of Anastrozole. Since I have had a total thyroidectomy, what are the potential consequences of stopping Anastrozole without medical supervision? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. After a total thyroidectomy, the body can no longer produce thyroid hormones necessary for maintaining normal metabolic functions, which can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition affects various systems, including cardiovascular, hematologic, digestive, integ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects
Thyroid medication issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent diagnosis. I was referred to an endocrinologist for thyroid function tests due to keratitis. My blood test results showed TSH: 0.011 and Free T4: 1.47 (at the normal borderline), leading the doctor to be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Amy, thank you for your message. I am not an endocrinologist, so I only have knowledge of some medication side effects and monitoring methods. For more detailed monitoring strategies or when to discontinue medication, it might be helpful to compile your questions and discus...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects
Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Thyroid-related issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. My mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently showing stable and improving recovery. Due to her atrial fibrillation, her attending physician prescribed Dronedarone for treatment, and sh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Amiodarone is a commonly used medication for the treatment of arrhythmias, and it is quite effective. However, it can affect iodine metabolism, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary. If such conditio...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Understanding High Cholesterol: Good vs. Bad Levels Explained
High cholesterol Hello, doctor. Since my university health check, my cholesterol levels have consistently been high (>200 mg/dL). However, I rarely eat seafood or organ meats, my diet is mostly light, and I enjoy eating vegetables and fruits. I also maintain regular exercise, ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your questions, here are the responses: (1) Persistent hypercholesterolemia should be monitored to determine if there are other underlying causes, such as hypothyroidism. (2) Both hospitals and clinics can perform tests for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or low-d...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: Good vs. Bad Levels Explained
How Dr. Lee Diagnoses Thyroid Issues: Key Signs to Watch For
Thyroid issues? How does Dr. Lee identify thyroid issues?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: Thyroid diseases can be classified into two main categories: based on function, there are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; based on morphology, there are diffuse goiter and nodular goiter (such as thyroid adenoma, thyroid cyst, and thyroid cancer). When there i...[Read More] How Dr. Lee Diagnoses Thyroid Issues: Key Signs to Watch For
Thyroid Issues and Poor Sleep Quality: Understanding the Connection
Thyroid issues and poor sleep quality? Hello doctor, I had a thyroid check-up in March this year, and my report showed values approximately ten times higher than normal. Since then, I have been taking medication regularly, at the highest dosage, three times a day. I have experien...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
After treatment for hyperthyroidism with medication, it is generally necessary to monitor thyroid function. It is important to consider the possibility of developing hypothyroidism, as well as any potential drug-induced reactions.[Read More] Thyroid Issues and Poor Sleep Quality: Understanding the Connection
Managing Itchy Skin While Treating Hyperthyroidism with Methimazole
Hyperthyroidism medication can cause skin itching? Hello, doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been taking medication for a month and a half. Recently, I've started experiencing severe itching on my skin, particularly on my shoulders, sides of my abdomen, arms, calves, an...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Antithyroid medications are relatively prone to causing skin side effects. If the skin reactions are not severe, it may be considered to switch to another antithyroid medication. Radioactive iodine treatment is another option. Hypothyroidism is a common result following radioacti...[Read More] Managing Itchy Skin While Treating Hyperthyroidism with Methimazole
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Concerns About Nodules and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a hard lump in my neck. I had it checked two years ago (the doctor inserted a needle into my neck to extract material from the lump), and the doctor said I only need to follow up every six months. However, I am still worried because my gran...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Most patients with thyroid nodules have normal thyroid function. Weight loss is one of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism, and it occurs in only a small number of patients with thyroid nodules. Blood tests are necessary to confirm this. Generally, the effectiveness of medicati...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Concerns About Nodules and Treatment Options
Can Growth Hormone Treatment Affect My Height at 17?
Questions regarding growth hormone? I am currently 17 years old and received growth hormone treatment two years ago, which helped me grow nearly 20 centimeters. However, I stopped the treatment afterward. I would like to ask the doctor if this will affect my current height growth...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many reasons for short stature, including both primary and secondary factors. Primary factors include genetic disorders, congenital bone metabolism abnormalities, short stature in parents, and delayed bone age. Secondary factors include chronic diseases, chronic kidn...[Read More] Can Growth Hormone Treatment Affect My Height at 17?