Recently Answered Questions
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I am suffering from psychological stress. What to do?
Query: Hi doctor,I am a 37-year-old woman experiencing significant stress. I find it challenging to concentrate, and a persistent sense of apprehension weighs on me. I have come across information about cortisol and its link to stress, leading me to worry that my mental well-being might be adversely affect... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. I recognize your apprehensions about chronic stress, heightened cortisol levels, and their potential long-term implications for both your physical and mental health. Such concerns are entirely valid, underscoring the importa... Read Full »
I am worried about my fiance's weight gain. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I am concerned about excessive weight gain by my fiance. He is a 29 year old male, whose height is approximately 6 feet, and he weighs 150 kg. Over the last two years, my fiance had lost around 40 kg using the Banting diet, common in our country. It is based on the principles of no ca... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Based on your description, it is advisable to perform the following tests to rule out any pathological cause of the weight gain. Thyroid function tests. Liver function test. Kidney function tests. Random and basal cortisol levels to check for an evidence of Cushings'... Read Full »
When can a person have cyclical Cushing's syndrome?
Query: Hi doctor, I am 21 years now. I weigh 132 lbs and was diagnosed with cyclical Cushing's syndrome at the age of 20. I had an MRI scan for a pituitary tumor in my brain. But, the clinical findings did not match up. I went to a top end endocrinologist who is a professor in endocrinology. I have beard ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. No, there is no other pituitary in the brain and sometimes urinary test fails to detect hormones. In cyclical Cushing's, the cortisol levels fluctuate over time, making the diagnosis even more difficult. The source of ectopic hormone production should be searched for,... Read Full »
Should I use Progesterone cream for elevated estradiol values?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 50-year-old female in good health. I am not on any medication, and I eat well. My height is 5'4" and weight 140 pounds. I have an irregular period, fatigue, cyclical migraine headaches, anxiety, panic attacks, and dry eyes. My basal temperature does not indicate ovulation, and t... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Three things are important in your case- 1) High cortisol. 2) High estradiol. 3) Low vitamin D. The most common cause of high-level cortisol is Cushing syndrome (pituitary adenoma) and stress. Get an MRI to rule out pituitary adenoma. Release your stress with the ch... Read Full »
What can be done for my daughter's pernicious anemia?
Query: Hello doctor, I hope you will be able to help me with my daughter's health. The summary of her health is as follows: She was born prematurely at 25 weeks. She had to undergo PDA surgery soon after. She had Hashimoto's hypothyroidism when she was 8 years of age. She had urticaria and angioedema for m... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query and the medical history of your daughter. I have seen the detailed reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) as well. Let me answer each one of your questions. 1. Her raised cortisol is likely to be due to exogenous steroids use... Read Full »
I have extensive internal inflammation and cortisol issues. How to reduce stress?
Query: 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 tol... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query and understand your concern. From what you have mentioned, it does seem that you have a stress-induced rise in cortisol levels. To diagnose hypercortisolism, you must do 24-hour urinary-free cortisol measurements, and if that is high, we can come... Read Full »
Kindly interpret my cortisol test results.
Query: Hi doctor, I have undergone a number of cortisol tests over the past few years and have had some confusing results. Initially, when the doctor first tested my cortisol levels, there was a suggestion that I may have Cushing's syndrome. After a few salivary cortisol tests, she decided to do free urine... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. We welcome you to icliniq family. I appreciate the confidence you place in me for your healthcare consultation. If the result of the test is normal, then you do not have Cushing's disease. Cortisol levels show cyclical changes within a day. So, measuring hormone level... Read Full »
Is a Dexamethasone suppression test vital while on cortisol?
Query: Hello doctor,I am suffering from hypercortisolism and my morning cortisol level is high. I am taking oral medicine for cortisol levels and the tablet Mirtazapine. The doctor says that the Dexamethasone suppression test is worthwhile, but I am worried the results would not be accurate due to the medi... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your concern in detail and will surely help you out. Yes, the medicines that alter cortisol levels can cause abnormal results of the Dexamethasone suppression test. The best way to make the test stand true to its value is to stop these medications for thr... Read Full »
A patient has fatigue, weight loss, and headaches. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, A patient suffers from the following symptoms; 1. Worsening fatigue, muscle weakness, malaise, for the past three months, though it was present to a smaller extent over several years. 2. Unintentional 30 lbs weight loss over one year. 3. Headaches over the past month. 4.Tremors, eye fl... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query, and I can understand your concern. The symptoms do have some elements suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, orthostatic hypotension are suggestive whereas anxiety, depression, muscle twitches, eye flashes, insomnia,... Read Full »
Does Synacthen test provide accurate results regarding pituitary gland function?
Query: Hi doctor, I was diagnosed with Cushing's disease, which caused a high level of cortisol before two years. The tumor size was 2 mm. I had surgery and the pituitary gland tumor was removed. Then, I am having a low level of cortisol and T4. After the operation, I am taking Hydrocortisone (10 mg or 5 m... Read Full »
Dr. Hardik Nareshbhai Rajyaguru
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your question. I have noted all your laboratory test results (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The only doubt I want to clear is about the medicine. Did you mention cortisol PM (Post meridiem) part as after medicine? Which was the medicine you... Read Full »