ask-the-expert
A male friend has confided in me that he has a small lump in his left breast. I know he is very worried about breast cancer. Could these symptoms be caused by other conditions?
I am cold all the time. Sometimes I get so cold that all I can do is take a really hot shower or bath. Then I wrap up in pajamas, a robe, and three or four blankets and just ride it out. This even happens in the summertime. I also cannot stand the wind blowing on me. It has gotten to the point where being so sensitive to the cold interferes with my work and life. What causes this problem, and what can I do?
I understand that many of the antidepressants on the market are used to treat both depression and anxiety. I have tried three different antidepressants to treat my depression (Celexa, Zoloft, and Effexor) and they all cause me to experience anxiety as a side effect. Since these drugs are also used to treat anxiety, can you explain how this is possible?
I’m a 48-year-old woman. I found out four years ago that I have thyroid disease. I’ve been taking Synthroid, but recently my husband lost his job, and with it our health insurance. I’ve been off the medication now for a month. What will happen if I’m unable to take Synthroid because I cannot afford it anymore? Is there a substitute that I can take until my husband finds a job?
Is it possible that, after 4 months of jogging three times a week for 45 minutes that the dosage of my antidepressant, sertraline, would need to be adjusted downward because my body is now creating the same antidepressant effect on its own?
I have developed kidney stones. Is there anything that I might be eating or drinking that could have caused them? I drink two to three cups of mint tea daily-could that be the problem?
I am a 45-year-old female. I recently noticed dark greenish discharge from both breasts. What could be causing this?
I am a 52-year-old man with a family history of heart disease. My doctor says my blood pressure and cholesterol are great. My latest LDL cholesterol was 98 and my HDL was 45. I exercise regularly and I try hard to stick to a Mediterranean type diet. Is there anything else I should do?
My calcium levels are high. I was told that this may affect my heart and kidneys. What should I do?
I have been diagnosed with inflamed saliva glands. I've lived with this condition for almost five years and it is driving me crazy. I have seen numerous doctors and none of them has been able to get rid of the problem. I have had some glands removed and have been tested for everything you can imagine. Please give me some advice on where I can turn next.