Why Am I Always Tired? Understanding Sleep Needs in Teens
Mom says I love to sleep? Hello, Dr. Chen! I am a middle school student. I commute to school every day, and during the summer, I have half-day classes. My mom wakes me up before 5:30 AM. After having breakfast and getting ready, I leave for school by 6:30 AM to catch the bus. I u...
Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
When a person becomes fatigued, they will naturally feel the urge to sleep in order to recover from that fatigue. As long as one adheres to their circadian rhythm, there is no need to emphasize a specific number of hours of sleep required each day. Generally, for your age, sleepi...[Read More] Why Am I Always Tired? Understanding Sleep Needs in Teens
Can Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Medications Be Taken Together?
Can medications for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism be taken simultaneously? This year, I experienced a relapse of hyperthyroidism. After three months of medication, I had a blood test, and the results showed that only one item was outside the standard range. I forgot the name...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Reply to Chen Minhua: Tapazole is used to reduce thyroid function, and sometimes thyroid function may drop too low. At this point, there are two methods to adjust: one is to lower the dose of Tapazole, and the other is to keep the Tapazole dose the same while adding Eltroxin to s...[Read More] Can Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Medications Be Taken Together?
Managing Hypothyroidism: Addressing Weight Gain and Hormonal Imbalances
Hypothyroidism Hello, I underwent thyroid nodule surgery in 1999, and a year later, I developed anemia. Since then, I have been taking iron supplements and thyroid hormone. After a few months, I developed acne on my chin, and upon re-evaluation at the hospital, it was found that ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Obvious hypothyroidism can lead to conditions such as anemia, weight gain, and elevated prolactin levels. If these issues are primarily caused by this factor, supplementing with thyroid hormones should improve these conditions. However, if there is no improvement after normalizin...[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Addressing Weight Gain and Hormonal Imbalances
Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Solutions
Sudden weight gain In the past few weeks, I've noticed that the area below my chest down to my thighs has become quite swollen. I'm not sure if it's fat gain or edema. My diet hasn't changed significantly, and I'm unsure about the cause. Could you help me...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
I apologize, but I do not know your height and weight. Additionally, what is the extent of the weight change? How many kilograms? Generally speaking, sudden weight gain should raise concerns about potential endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome. F...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Solutions
Do You Need Surgery for Hypothyroidism? Understanding Your Options
Does hypothyroidism require surgery? I am a patient with hypothyroidism, and some doctors have suggested surgery while others say it is not necessary. I really don't know what to do.
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Why is surgery necessary for hypothyroidism? It should be about supplementing thyroid hormones instead. Please clarify before making a decision.[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for Hypothyroidism? Understanding Your Options
Muscle Cramps: Are They Related to Hyperthyroidism Recovery?
Muscle cramp I have hyperthyroidism and have been on medication for nearly three months. Recently, blood tests showed that my levels have returned to normal. However, I experience muscle cramps in my hands and legs when I perform some stretching exercises. Could this be related t...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen: Muscle weakness is more common in hyperthyroidism, while hypothyroidism is associated with muscle stiffness and cramping, along with decreased muscle sensitivity. Your symptoms can be further evaluated by monitoring thyroid function and electrolyte levels.[Read More] Muscle Cramps: Are They Related to Hyperthyroidism Recovery?
Thyroid Treatment Options: Exploring Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Thyroid treatment I was diagnosed with thyroid issues in my senior year of high school and received treatment at Veterans General Hospital. After stopping medication during my junior and senior years of college, I resumed taking medication during graduate school (Mercazole/Tapazo...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Miss Madeline: If there are frequent recurrences, you may consider radioactive iodine therapy or surgical treatment. However, after the administration of radioactive iodine, there is still a possibility of developing hypothyroidism. Please discuss this with your attending p...[Read More] Thyroid Treatment Options: Exploring Radioactive Iodine Therapy
How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Regarding metabolism..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the efficiency of my metabolism affects the speed of my weight loss? How can I determine if my metabolism is within normal values? Should I get a blood test? If so, do I need to fast before the test? If my metabolic ra...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei: It is commonly understood that metabolic rate is an important factor influencing body weight; however, many studies have found that obese individuals do not necessarily have a slower metabolic rate. Therefore, measuring metabolic rate is not particularly meaningfu...[Read More] How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Understanding Lip Swelling: Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Consultation symptoms Hello, Dr. Ko... In the past month or two, I have often woken up to find my lips unusually swollen, sometimes the upper lip and sometimes the lower lip. I also frequently feel a sense of fullness in my esophagus. I had surgery for thyroid enlargement about s...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lu Meixia: The possible cause of lymphedema may be hypothyroidism. The effectiveness of topical ointment treatment is not satisfactory. It is recommended that you visit the endocrinology clinic for examination and treatment of thyroid function.[Read More] Understanding Lip Swelling: Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Related Health Concerns
Dilated cardiomyopathy I am a 23-year-old student, and recently I had a health check-up at school. The examination report indicated that I have **dilated cardiomyopathy** on the chest X-ray, **heart murmurs**, and **goiter** in the neck. What do these terms mean? Is there anythin...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Julia: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition that requires prompt consultation with a cardiologist. Additionally, the cause of the thyroid enlargement must also be investigated, as both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to cardiac complications.[Read More] Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Related Health Concerns
Understanding Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism and Its Side Effects
Treatment options for hyperthyroidism? Is there any side effect from using radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism? (I heard it might affect the ovaries and could potentially cause infertility. Is that true?)
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Sophie! The use of radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism has a very low likelihood of affecting the ovaries due to the low dosage used, and it will not cause infertility. After treatment with radioactive iodine, approximately 2-3% of individuals may develop hypothyroi...[Read More] Understanding Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Hyperthyroidism and Its Side Effects