Diabetes : Statin benefits for patients with diabetes
When I finished medical school, I had a solid foundation in physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and more. However, I didn’t fully grasp the importance of reviewing evidence and understanding what evidence-based medicine truly meant. The Influence of Ideologies Early in my career, I could be swayed by ideologies or potential mechanisms rather than real evidence. Ideologies […]
Diabetes : Limitations of fasting Insulin Levels and Insulin Resistance
Fasting insulin levels are often tested repeatedly, despite not being a recommended screening or monitoring test for insulin resistance (IR). Many patients mistakenly believe they have insulin resistance and avoid carbohydrates based on high-normal fasting insulin levels, even when they have no other clinical or biochemical evidence of IR. Diagnosing insulin resistance based on fasting […]
Diabetes: Why Am I on Metformin if I Have Lean PCOS and No Insulin Resistance?
It’s a common question: “Why have I been put on metformin if I have lean PCOS and don’t have insulin resistance?” This question highlights two important points: 1️⃣ Insulin resistance (IR) can occur in all body types. 2️⃣ Current tests for IR are not perfect. Understanding Insulin Resistance and PCOS In IR, cells become resistant […]
Pregnancy: The Truth About Fertility Testing and AMH
I was recently taken aback when I saw an online fertility business offering a discounted price of $300 for fertility testing. This test essentially included measuring Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and pituitary hormones like LH and FSH. AMH is produced by ovarian follicles and serves as a marker of ovarian reserve, indicating how many eggs a […]
Pregnancy: Understanding PCOS and Fertility: Can I fall pregnant
After a recent podcast, someone messaged me saying they had been diagnosed with PCOS and thought it meant they would never be able to fall pregnant. They were relieved to learn that this isn’t necessarily the case! When you search for information about PCOS, one of the first things you might see is that it’s […]
Pregnancy: The Realities of “Eating for Two” During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
We often hear the phrase “eating for two” during pregnancy, but the reality is that exclusive breastfeeding demands even more energy than pregnancy itself. During breastfeeding, a mother continues to provide all the calories and nutrients needed for her baby to grow and develop, but now the baby is much larger than it was in […]
Pregnancy: How effective is egg freezing and what age should it be done?
Egg freezing can sometimes be misunderstood as either a guaranteed path to fertility or as an unnecessary procedure. While it’s not a 100% guarantee, the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy is generally high, depending on the quantity and age at which the eggs are frozen. Costs and Considerations “Social egg freezing” (a term often […]
Pregnancy: The Egg Freezing Journey – What to Expect?
Egg freezing generally takes 12-14 days from the first injection until egg retrieval. The Process 1️⃣ Initial Appointment: 2️⃣ Injections: 3️⃣ Egg Retrieval: Costs and Considerations Impact on Fertility Personal Experience
Pregnancy: Understanding Post-Partum Thyroiditis (PPT)
What is Post-Partum Thyroiditis (PPT)? Post-partum thyroiditis (PPT) is a common condition that can cause both hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormones). PPT typically occurs within the first few months after birth but can develop within the first year. Why Does PPT Happen? During pregnancy, the immune system is suppressed. After pregnancy, […]
Pregnancy: What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)?
What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)? Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It is different from having pre-existing diabetes before pregnancy. When Does GDM Occur? GDM generally occurs in the third trimester and is due to a combination of genetic and modifiable factors. During pregnancy, the body develops […]