How to differentiate if an adrenal node is benign or malignant?
Hello doctor,
I recently underwent a routine CT scan without contrast, which revealed a 2.8 adrenal node with a measurement of 41 HU. I want to clarify whether I have a history of cancer as I am currently experiencing no symptoms. The rest of the pelvic abdominal scan results were within the normal range. I am aware that cancer occurrences in the adrenal gland are exceedingly uncommon, often stemming from metastases originating elsewhere in the body. Despite this knowledge, I find myself deeply concerned.
As part of the ongoing assessment, my healthcare provider has recommended blood and urine tests, along with a contrast CT scan. While I understand that a high HU reading can sometimes be associated with malignancies, I am curious if there are other potential explanations for this finding.
Please clarify.
Thank you.
11 Nov 2023 - 1 min read
Hello doctor,
I had thyroid imbalance and hyperthyroid (silent or subacute thyroiditis) two years ago and had really bad anxiety symptoms (dizziness, imbalance, rapid heartbeat, body stiffness, unable to concentrate, etc.) The thyroid indexes came back to normal after three months on its own however I did not recover fully from the symptoms. I am gradually getting better and symptoms are reducing in magnitude but I have not yet fully recovered. I have tightness or stiffness on the right side of my neck, shoulder, back, hips and high anxiety or depressive feelings, and at times palpitations. All thyroid indexes are normal. I am getting better at a slow pace over the last two years but still have not fully recovered. Please suggest what should I do to feel healthy again. I am currently on cholesterol medication and took a beta-blocker during the hyperthyroid phase.
Thank you.
10 Nov 2023 - 1 min read
How to manage stress in an individual with extensive internal inflammation and cortisol issues?
Hi doctor,
I was 160 pounds and felt good and gained 40 pounds in the last two years, 25 of those pounds in three months with no diet change. I typically only eat once a day. I eat more and gain more weight. Yes, I know it is bad for me, but I cannot change it unless I get some help. I have been told over the years I have extensive internal inflammation and that I probably have cortisol issues. I have not done any testing. Then just had a saliva cortisol test says the normal rise in cortisol in the morning and afternoon sample was fine, but then cortisol goes way up in the evening and before bed. It was a typical not stressful evening. I have diligently, over the years, tried to reduce stress to the best of my ability. Now, what should I do further with it? Or will a little licorice root and whatever the others I have found fix this? Could I have been taking licorice root for the past 20 years instead of living with this? Yes, extreme stress for many years in the past. I was hypervigilant for years. This should have corrected itself by now. I take natural thyroid twice a day, Glucophage twice a day 1000 mg for polycystic ovarian syndrome, an Iodine pill to help the thyroid, and now Progesterone at night before bed. I have also had testosterone and estrogen pellets every four months. Nothing working yet. Please help.
10 Nov 2023 - 1 min read
What could be the causes of weight gain, hair loss, and osteopenia in a 46-year-old woman?
Hello doctor,
I am a 46-year-old female with regular cycles. At the age of 42, I was diagnosed with osteopenia, but doctors have been unable to determine the cause. There is no family history of osteopenia, anorexia, drug use, or autoimmune issues. However, I did experience a car accident that left me disabled, resulting in a stressful five years. Around nine months ago, I started noticing weight gain and hair loss, leading to extensive testing, including bloodwork and urine analysis. My cortisol level is within the range of 4 to 50 mcg/dL, with my measurement at 49.1 mcg/24h. Additionally, my SHBG level is elevated at 138 nmol/L, compared to the normal range of 17 to 124 nmol/L. Unfortunately, the testosterone levels were not provided in the description. After my first spine surgery five years ago, I unexpectedly suffered a fracture in the sacral region while walking. Initially, it was suspected to be a hardware issue, but further scans, such as CT and MRI, revealed the fracture without significant trauma. This prompted ordering a bone density exam, which led to the diagnosis of osteopenia, technically classified as osteoporosis due to the unexplained fracture. Subsequently, I underwent hip surgery four years ago and spinal surgery the year before. Although no medications have been prescribed specifically for osteopenia or osteoporosis, my doctor considers my bone health within normal limits. Currently, my medication includes the following:
Ambien for sleep.
An allergy medication.
Hydrochlorothiazide for edema caused by nerve damage.
Adderall for ADHD.
I take Adderall once or twice daily at a dosage of 20 mg.
I need your valuable suggestions regarding my health. Please suggest. Thank you.
09 Nov 2023 - 1 min read
Could a decrease in wet dreams and sexual arousal be linked to thyroid issues?
Hello doctor,
I am a 24-year-old male and I experienced more frequent wet dreams two and a half years ago, and I believe I had higher sexual potency back then. However, currently, I have noticed a decrease in wet dreams and experience erectile dysfunction when exposed to pornography, whereas two and a half years ago, I used to get easily aroused. I am concerned about my sexual potency. I also feel colder in the mornings, experience reduced body temperature, and notice slightly dry skin. A friend mentioned that my sexual potency might be impacted by a thyroid issue. Now, I have several questions:
Kindly provide your insight.
05 Nov 2023 - 1 min read
Endocrinology