Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with anti-microsomal antibodies at a titer of 1:1600 in 2009, and my T4 and TSH levels were normal, indicating Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). From 2009 to June 2021, I took Eltroxin 50 mcg daily, but ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Since everyone's situation is different, some people resume medication after stopping or reduce the dosage. It depends on individual circumstances for adjustments. Regarding the other issue, it requires an in-person evaluation to provide a response, so I cannot addres...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Loose Stools: When to Seek Medical Advice
Loose stools? In the past two weeks, my stools have been looser; they are formed but break apart when flushed. This used to happen occasionally, but this time it has lasted longer. There are no other symptoms. Dr. Hsieh, do I need to seek medical attention or undergo any tests? T...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: These symptoms may be related to the food you consume or your own emotional state. Additionally, functional gastrointestinal disorders can also present in this manner. It is important to monitor any weight loss; if you experience this, you may need to visit a hospital for ...[Read More] Understanding Loose Stools: When to Seek Medical Advice
Impact of Nighttime Sports Drinks on Kidney Health and Diabetes Risk
Kidney problems, diabetes? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you a few questions. For the past two years, I have been drinking half a bottle (about 300cc) of sports drinks, such as Fun or Pocari Sweat, every night before bed. Recently, I have been feeling unwell frequently. 1....
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. There is no research confirming whether drinking sugary beverages at night or during the day makes a difference, but consuming them before bedtime may lead to weight gain more easily, and being overweight increases the risk of diabetes. 2. It is unlikely, but if there i...[Read More] Impact of Nighttime Sports Drinks on Kidney Health and Diabetes Risk
Managing Kidney Health: Concerns About Sports Drinks and Weight Loss
Kidney issues, diabetes, and constitutional problems? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you: 1. For the past two years, I have been drinking sports drinks mixed with some water from morning till night. I have developed a habit of drinking sports drinks, and drinking plain water ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Drinking plain water may cause nausea; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Long-term consumption of sugary beverages can increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. If there has been a significant recent weight loss, i...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Concerns About Sports Drinks and Weight Loss
Understanding Prediabetes: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Changes
Prediabetes Hello, doctor. My height is 173 cm and my weight is 42.2 kg. In March, my weight was 45.2 kg. Due to weight loss, I underwent blood glucose and thyroid tests. The results showed fasting blood glucose of 96 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c of 5.7%, eAG of 117 mg/dL, free T4 of 1....
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The normal range for fasting blood glucose levels is typically 70 to 100 mg/dL, and the normal range for hemoglobin A1c is 4 to 6%. I'm not sure what your laboratory's standard range is. For prediabetes, dietary changes and exercise can be effective in managing t...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Changes
Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus: Understanding Insulin Resistance
19 years of long-term distress..? I have always wanted to lose weight and have been working on it for a long time. I found a lot of information online. My weight is 131.5 kg, and my height is 182 cm, which is really heavy. I have tried going to the gym and measured my body compos...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Based on your situation, it is recommended that you go to the hospital for a comprehensive examination to rule out any abnormal conditions in your body. Then, you can proceed with the next steps.[Read More] Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus: Understanding Insulin Resistance
Understanding Starch Digestion Time and Food Emptying Rates
Starch digestion time 1. If a person consumes two slices of toast with a little strawberry jam, is it possible for most adults to have digested and emptied about 40% of that amount within 30 minutes from the start of eating? If it is not possible to digest and empty around 40% of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I am unclear about what you mean by "emptying" and which part you are referring to. After 30 minutes, most of the food is still in the stomach, and the proportion that enters the duodenum can vary significantly depending on individual physiology, making it diffic...[Read More] Understanding Starch Digestion Time and Food Emptying Rates
Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Mother's height and weight issues? Hello, doctor. My mother is 58 years old, and I would like to ask about her health check-up report. The report shows that her height and weight are normal, but she has been losing a few millimeters in height each year, totaling a decrease o...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience a decrease in height, you can visit an orthopedic clinic to check for osteoporosis. If you have experienced weight loss, you can go to a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes or thyroid dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Height and Weight Changes in Aging: A Guide for Families
Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Weight gradually decreases year by year? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking you this question. I'm not sure if this is something for an internist. My mother is 58 years old. Although her weight is normal according to her health check report, it has decreased by 2 kilogram...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can be evaluated at a metabolism clinic to check for thyroid antibodies or diabetes. A systolic blood pressure below 130 is preferable; it is advisable to reduce sodium intake and then monitor changes in blood pressure.[Read More] Understanding Unintentional Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Regarding blood sugar and the kidneys? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month, I visited a nearby clinic due to a urinary tract infection. My postprandial blood glucose was measured at 217 (more than one hour after eating). After a blood test, my hemoglobin A1c was found to be 5...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your situation is complex, and it is difficult to convey through text, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is recommended to seek assistance from a specialist in endocrinology, nephrology, or urology. Thank you. 109.12.24[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Creatinine: Differences Before and After Exercise Hello Doctor, during the company health check, my creatinine level was found to be 1.38 mg/dL, and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 63.9 mg/dL. My cholesterol level was 205 mg/dL. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, obese, and h...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Intense exercise or an increase in muscle mass can cause a slight rise in creatinine levels, which does not necessarily indicate a decline in kidney function. If the levels are not continuously rising or accompanied by proteinuria, it is generally acceptable to monitor the situat...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Esophageal sensitivity? Hello, doctor. I have a question about a friend who seems to be using vomiting as a weight loss method. I'm curious if eating food without any liquids makes it difficult to vomit. Even if she can vomit, would it only be a small amount because the food...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, inducing vomiting can be easy primarily due to the sensitivity of the throat, which varies from person to person. Long-term vomiting can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, resulting in esophageal burns. Prolonged injury to the esophagus may increase the risk of esophageal ca...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been continuously declining? I would like to inquire about my health check report. My glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 78, creatinine is 1.09, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 13.2, and uric acid is 4.9. All other reports are normal, and th...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a variable value. If the GFR is <60 ml/min and persists for more than three months, the likelihood of a diagnosis of renal failure is high. If the GFR is >60 and there are no other pathological findings (such as renal biopsy), ...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: When to See a Nephrologist?
Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Lymphedema caused by dialysis? Hello Doctor: My father has a long history of dialysis due to a family history of hereditary diseases. As a result of the dialysis, he frequently experiences various side effects (such as weight loss, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea,...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the lack of direct examination of the patient, it is difficult to distinguish what you refer to as "lymphedema" from the "general edema" seen in dialysis patients. If it is general edema in dialysis patients, enhancing dehydration should resolve the iss...[Read More] Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Sebaceous Gland Disorders: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Sebaceous gland abnormalities Symptoms: 1. Several small white spots on the inner side of the lips (appeared at the end of October, confirmed by a dentist as sebaceous glands). 2. Dense small white spots on the upper eyelids and around the eyes (have been present for some time, c...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Excessive hair loss and weight loss can be evaluated for thyroid function abnormalities, while sebaceous gland issues should be referred to a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding Sebaceous Gland Disorders: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Potential Diabetes and PCOS: Symptoms and Management
Suspected diabetes / polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, and I appreciate your patience. About mid-last year, I consulted an endocrinologist because I felt that my weight loss efforts were ineffective, and I suspected i...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can discuss your condition and how to monitor it with your physician. Most doctors are willing to engage in a collaborative discussion with you, but please clearly communicate your concerns. You may eat between meals, but it is important to avoid foods that could affect your ...[Read More] Understanding Potential Diabetes and PCOS: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Diabetes Treatment Options: Medication vs. Lifestyle Changes
Diabetes Treatment Guidelines Hello Dr. Lee, My basic information is as follows: I have a family history of diabetes and was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago, with a fasting blood sugar of 113 and an HbA1c of 7.1 at that time. My weight was in the 80s (kg). Since then, I ha...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. Lifestyle modifications combined with medication management yield better results; relying solely on diet and exercise to control blood sugar is more likely to fail. Having medication assistance makes it easier to achieve targets. 2. If significant weight loss can be achieved...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Treatment Options: Medication vs. Lifestyle Changes
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Understanding Weight Loss Challenges: Insights on Mild Obesity and Health Metrics
Obesity issues Hello doctor, I am 160 cm tall and weigh 73-74 kg, which indicates mild obesity according to my BMI. I have been controlling my diet, but my weight hasn't changed much. I drink more than 2000 cc of water daily and have bowel movements 1-2 times a day. I had bl...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Obesity is related to both genetic factors and environmental influences. In addition to thyroid hormones, other hormonal abnormalities may also contribute to obesity. Currently, one of the weight loss methods highly endorsed by mainstream medicine is intermittent fasting. For mor...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss Challenges: Insights on Mild Obesity and Health Metrics
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Concerns for Pre-Diabetes
Please consult a doctor regarding blood sugar issues. Thank you! This year, at 42 years old, I have a standard build (166 cm / 55 kg) and a history of gallbladder removal surgery as well as kidney stones. My father and grandmother have a history of diabetes. In early January, a b...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your initial glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 6.5 and your relevant family history, you can be diagnosed with diabetes according to diabetes management guidelines. However, diabetes patients are not completely unable to metabolize glucose; the body retains var...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Concerns for Pre-Diabetes