Tag: Endocrinology

As a potent, active form of vitamin D, calcitriol's most significant and common adverse effect is an increase in blood calcium levels, a condition known as hypercalcemia. This medication, frequently prescribed for patients with kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism, necessitates consistent monitoring to mitigate this and other potential adverse effects.

Ozempic (semaglutide) was first approved by the FDA in 2017 for type 2 diabetes and has since gained widespread attention for its efficacy, extending its influence beyond blood glucose management to affect multiple organ systems. The systemic effects of this medication help explain its broad therapeutic impact, but for those new to the treatment, understanding exactly what part of the body does Ozempic affect is crucial.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 8-13% of reproductive-aged women, making it a common cause of anovulatory infertility [1.3.2, 1.3.5, 1.7.1]. For years, metformin was a go-to treatment, but recent guidelines prompt the question: **why is metformin no longer recommended** as the primary agent for PCOS-related infertility?

Corticosteroid-induced myopathy is the most common form of drug-induced myopathy, affecting a significant portion of patients on long-term treatment. This condition raises a critical question: does dexamethasone cause muscle atrophy, and what are the underlying mechanisms and risk factors?

The code Z79.890 is a specific, billable ICD-10-CM code that signifies long-term use of hormone replacement therapy. Understanding **what is Z79 890 hormone replacement therapy** is crucial for patients and providers alike, as it accurately documents an ongoing treatment plan for a variety of conditions, ensuring proper medical record-keeping and insurance claims.

According to the CDC, over a third of U.S. adults have prediabetes, a state characterized by high insulin resistance. For many individuals, tackling this condition requires more than just lifestyle changes, leading to the question: **What is the first line drug for insulin resistance?** The answer, widely supported by decades of clinical evidence, is the biguanide medication metformin.

Hyperprolactinemia, or elevated prolactin levels, is a potential side effect of certain medications, with antipsychotics being the most common culprits. However, patients often question whether cardiovascular drugs like the beta-blocker **does bisoprolol increase prolactin levels?**

It is a common misconception that there is a GLP-1 medication that does not affect the pancreas, but this is fundamentally incorrect as all drugs in this class target the organ to regulate blood sugar. Understanding the core mechanism of GLP-1 receptor agonists is key to addressing common safety concerns and dispelling myths about these powerful diabetes and weight-loss treatments.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemia and is the threshold at which you should not take insulin. Instead, immediate action is required to raise blood sugar safely to prevent a dangerous health event.

Pharmacological studies reveal that propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that extends its influence beyond the cardiovascular system, impacting various endocrine functions. Understanding what hormones does propranolol affect is crucial for grasping its full therapeutic and side effect profile, especially considering its interaction with stress and metabolic pathways.