Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Sexual development issues Hello, doctor. I am currently 17 years old, weighing 105 pounds and standing 166 cm tall. My pubic hair has developed normally, but my penis is less than 4 cm when not erect, and when fully erect, it measures about 14 cm. Additionally, I have very little...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the appearance of a shorter penis may be due to excess fat around the base, which can obscure the penis. Additionally, being overweight can affect the secretion of sex hormones, which may also impact physical development. Therefore,...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Exploring Combined T4 and T3 Therapy Post-Thyroidectomy in Taiwan
Total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma, with a new medication option combining LT4 (Levothyroxine) and LT3 (Liothyronine)? Hello Doctor, I underwent a thyroidectomy in July 2022 and have been taking Levothyroxine Sodium at a total dosage of 100 mcg per day. I current...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, in Taiwan, only thyroxine supplementation is available, and thyroid function is adjusted by modifying the dosage of thyroxine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Exploring Combined T4 and T3 Therapy Post-Thyroidectomy in Taiwan
Understanding Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice for Anxiety-Related Changes
Weight loss Before graduating from junior high school, my weight was around 57 kilograms. By high school and college, I gradually gained weight, fluctuating between 65 and 66 kilograms. On January 20, I weighed approximately 66.2 kilograms. In the following two to three weeks, du...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether this weight change is normal depends on food intake and exercise levels. If the food intake is normal but weight decreases by more than 10%, it is advisable to consider a detailed examination at a family medicine clinic. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice for Anxiety-Related Changes
Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Questions about creatinine test values? Hello Doctor Wu: I recently received my test results. The microalbumin level is 1.7, the serum creatinine level is 0.71 [0.72-1.18], and the urinary creatinine level is 44.2 [60-250]. I would like to ask if the urinary creatinine level bein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The serum creatinine level is 0.71, while the standard range is 0.72-1.18, indicating it is not significantly low. Conditions such as insufficient muscle mass or inadequate protein intake may contribute to this situation. For urinary creatinine, a 24-hour collection is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Is it possible for someone with no history of gout to experience a recurrence of symptoms just a few days after the first attack? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is 72 years old, has high blood pressure and her height is 153 cm w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Gout can indeed have recurrent attacks in a short period of time. Gout attacks typically present with redness and heat, so the absence of these symptoms does lower the likelihood. Eating shiitake mushrooms is fine, and consuming fish is also ac...[Read More] Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal issues? Hello, for the past few days, I've been experiencing a slight pain in the abdominal area next to my left side of the navel. It doesn't feel like typical stomach pain or sharp pain; it resembles more of a dull ache similar to back pain. I visited a gast...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is an abdominal muscle strain, possibly caused by recent exercises similar to sit-ups. Typically, allowing the abdominal muscles to rest will lead to improvement. As for any potential intestinal issues, ultrasound may not revea...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: Testing and Insights
Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? I am 28 years old and have had two kidney function tests at the hospital, both showing an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of around 80. In November 2020, my creatinine level was 1.06 with an eGFR of 89.76. In November 2021, my...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Further precise" direct "verification of kidney function" >> I believe it is not as important as -- how to maintain (protect) kidney health (kidney function) >> Indeed, direct testing of kidney function is still not widely availabl...[Read More] Understanding Low Glomerular Filtration Rate: Testing and Insights
Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Glucose Tolerance Abnormality and Dietary Adjustments Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked about the elevated fasting blood glucose level (#189944). Recently, my OGTT results came back with fasting: 911, 1-hour: 1822, 2-hour: 1263, and 3-hour: 61, indicating impaired glucose ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. Clinical diagnostic criteria for diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, 2-hour plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, or symptoms of hyperglycemia (including polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss) with a random p...[Read More] Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Recent health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels? Recently, a health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels. My height is 164 cm and weight is 44 kg. Total cholesterol is 238 mg/dL, triglycerides are 42 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 69.9 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a physician. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the physician's assessment of any risk factors you may have, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other risk factors. Additionally, it is im...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Clear Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues Hello Doctor: I recently started weight training for the past week and have been consuming weight gain protein powder, along with increasing my water intake to about 2500 ml per day. In the last couple of days, I've noticed that my urine has become almost clea...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Lin, if you notice that your urine sometimes has slight bubbles, you can follow up at the nephrology clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Clear Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining significant weight, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor advised that she does not need medication. I would like to know if the weight gain is indeed caused by the thyroid...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, based on the underlying cause, treatment can be initiated to see if it is possible to prevent further hypothyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
White blood cell count above 10,000? Hello Doctor: I underwent a health check-up at school on September 12th of this year. The results showed a white blood cell count of 10,190, a pulse rate of 96, and I have issues with being overweight and atopic dermatitis, but I do not have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The normal range for white blood cell counts in the general population at our hospital is between 3,500 and 11,000, which means that 5% of individuals may have counts below 3,500 or above 11,000, so there is no need to panic at this time. 2. However, it is important to compare...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after noticing significant weight gain, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor mentioned that medication is not necessary. I would like to ask if the weight gain is indeed caused by the t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, based on the underlying cause, treatment can be implemented to see if it is possible to prevent further hypothyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining significant weight, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor advised that she does not need medication. I would like to know if the weight gain is indeed caused by the thyroid...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, treatment can be based on the underlying cause to see if it can be resolved.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Abdominal bloating and pain? My father is 58 years old. He usually smokes and drinks alcohol, and often doesn't finish his meals, eating in several portions. Since I started visiting him last year, I've noticed he has been gradually losing weight because he feels full a...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to first visit the family medicine department or the gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic at the hospital. After evaluation by a physician, further examinations and treatments can be arranged. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Loss of appetite I have been experiencing a loss of appetite for two weeks. It started with nausea due to lack of sleep, and since then, I have not felt hungry at all, even having a constant sensation of fullness. My weight has dropped from 43 kg to 40 kg, and my BMI has fallen t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, insufficient sleep can indeed affect appetite. As for whether there are issues with the liver or other organs, such as the thyroid, a detailed examination may be necessary to determine that. It is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for a thorough evaluation. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?