Do You Really Need Thyroid Medication for Life? What New Research Reveals
New research reveals that maybe not everyone on thyroid medication needs to be on it for the rest of their lives. Not all hypothyroidism should be treated the same. You may benefits from discussing your diagnosis with an endocrinologist if you were started on levothyroxine for a mildly evaluated TSH with a normal free T4, if you were prescribed medication based on a single abnormal thyroid test, if you were prescribed medication for nonspecific symptoms, or if you are unsure why treatment was originally started.
Can Hormone Therapy Improve Weight Loss With GLP-1 Medications?
Some research shows that peri/menopausal women on hormone therapy and GLP-1s lose more weight than peri/menopausal women on GLP-1s alone. There still isn’t enough evidence to prove if the correlation is the actual cause for greater weight loss, or if there are other factors contributing. Estrogen and progesterone have an influence on hunger and appetite, and reducing menopausal symptoms can improve sleep and overall wellbeing for some which may contribute to the additional weight loss see in recent studies. Women who are candidates for both menopausal hormone therapy and obesity medication may benefit from receiving both, but weight gain alone is not an indication for hormone therapy. Learn more with endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini!
The Hidden Risks of Compounded Weight-Loss Medications: What Patients Deserve to Know
Did you know that compounded GLP-1s are not the same as the brand name medications? Compounded medications may have different potencies, unapproved ingredients, and are subject to dosing errors. Sharing an active ingredient does not establish equivalent pharmaceutical quality, safety, or clinical effectiveness. If you are considering GLP-1 therapy, have concerns about a compounded medication, or would like to explore weight management options, schedule with board certified endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini today!
Hypertension: The Silent Threat to Your Long-Term Health
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often called a “silent condition” because it can go undetected for years while silently damaging vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and brain. As one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure deserves attention—even if you feel perfectly healthy.
While maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can support healthy blood pressure, lifestyle habits alone don't always prevent hypertension. Genetics, hormonal imbalances, and underlying medical conditions can also contribute to elevated blood pressure.
If you have a family history of hypertension, consistently elevated blood pressure, or blood pressure that is difficult to control despite lifestyle changes or medication, specialized care may help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehdia Amini, endocrinologist at Evora Medical Group, to explore potential underlying causes and develop a personalized approach to managing your blood pressure and protecting your long-term health.
Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease We Often Diagnose Too Late
1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture during their remaining lifetime. However, osteoporosis is still under-diagnosed and under-treated. Bone loss begins earlier than most people realize in both women and men. A single hip fracture can cause an individual to lose their independence and lower their quality of life. It is important to take action in preventing bone loss by speaking with an endocrinologist today.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism: What an Elevated Calcium Level Can Mean
If your lab values show too high of calcium levels, it may be time to see an endocrinologist. Calcium is required for many health pathways, but too little or too much of it can cause issues as well. Primary hyperparathyroidism is one of the most common causes of persistent hypercalcemia. If you’ve been diagnosed with primary hypercalcemia you have two options: monitoring or surgery. Which is right for you? Speak with board certified endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini.
GLP-1 Medications and Blindness: What the Research Actually Shows
There isn’t enough research to say that GLP-1 medications commonly cause blindness. However, the population of people that are at risk for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and diabetic retinopathy are commonly overlapping with the population of people most likely to be prescribed a GLP-1. NAION is extremely rare and large reductions in A1c can temporarily worsen existing diabetic retinopathy. Anyone who develops sudden vision loss, a new dark or missing area of vision, or rapidly worsening vision should seek urgent ophthalmologic care.
An Adrenal Nodule Was Found on Your CT Scan. Now What?
Incidental finding on a CT can cause major anxiety. If you end up with an adrenal mass discovered on a CT or MRI that was unexpected, here is what you should know!
What does an Adrenal Nodule Look Like?
Can the Nodule be Producing Hormones?
Could it Be Cancer?
Does Every Adrenal Nodule Need Surgery?
Do Adrenal Nodules Need to be Followed for Years?
Does it need to be Biopsied?
Consult with endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini if you have an incidental finding of adrenal nodules on imaging to get answers today!
Why the Menopause Transition Is About So Much More Than Hot Flashes
Hot flashes might be the most discussed symptom of menopause, but there is so much more and some women will never even have hot flashes. Changes in hormone levels can impact mood, sleep, cognition, weight gain, palpitations, bone loss, muscle loss, gut microbiome, urinary symptoms, vaginal health and so much more. The menopause transition effects way more than just your menstrual cycles or hot flashes and you don’t have to just wait it out. There are many ways we can help. Schedule with Dr. Amini to learn more!
The Testosterone Pellet Boom: What Women Should Know
Testosterone pellet therapy is currently booming, and you should know that it isn’t all that it’s made out to be and you have options for other formulations of testosterone. Testosterone pellet therapy can be harmful as the dosage cannot be readily titrated. Testosterone pellet therapy is marketed to fix fatigue, brain fog, muscle gain, mood changes, and so much more. However, testosterone only has evidence for treating low sexual desire in women and too high of a dosage can lead to permanent changes in voice deepening, clitoral enlargement, or hair loss. Read to learn more!
Peptides Are Trending…Here’s Why I Don’t Recommend Them.
Trending medical interventions are not always studied to be proven safe or effective for patients. Peptide therapies many be “natural”, but they can change cellular signaling, metabolism, growth and physiology. Learn why unproven peptide therapy may cause more harm than good by reading the blog, written by board certified endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini.
Are Your Adrenals Really Tired? An Endocrinologist’s Take on “Adrenal Fatigue”
Cortisol is the “stress hormone”, but we actually can’t live without it! And being under constant stress doesn’t make your adrenal glands “tired”. Adrenal Insufficiency can’t be diagnosed on symptoms alone. Sometimes adrenal insufficiency is because of the adrenal glands themselves, sometimes it is from the pituitary or hypothalamus, and sometimes it can come from long term glucocorticoid use. Read the blog to learn more from endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini!
GLP-1s: 5 Myths, Debunked
GLP-1 medications are currently EVERYWHERE, but so is misinformation about them. Here are 5 common GLP-1 myths:
1) People with thyroid disease can’t use GLP-1s
2) GLP-1s make your hair fall out.
3) GLP-1s damage your kidneys.
4) GLP-1s cause muscle and bone loss.
5) Taking a GLP-1 for weight loss is cheating.
Learn why each of these statements are myths by reading the blog, or by scheduling with board certified endocrinologist, Dr. Mehdia Amini.
PCOS/PMOS: 10 Common Misconceptions and What the Science Actually Shows
Read more to learn about 10 common myth with PCOS/PMOS. PCOS/PMOS is not one disease that looks the same in every woman. For some, irregular cycles or infertility dominate the clinical picture. For others, androgen excess, insulin resistance, excess weight, prediabetes, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, or other metabolic concerns become more important. That variability is exactly why effective PCOS/PMOS care requires more than treating an isolated symptom or laboratory value.
Nourishing Your Body: Eating with Your Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a natural and intricate process that involves various hormonal changes within a woman's body. These hormonal shifts can have a significant impact on not only your mood and energy levels, but also your appetite and food preferences. As a result, paying attention to what you eat throughout your menstrual cycle can be a powerful way to support your overall well-being. Explore how to eat in sync with your menstrual cycle to optimize your nutrition and feel your best. Read the blog to learn more from registered dietitian, Audrey Miller!
Why Do I Crave Different Foods Right Before My Period?
Research supports measurable changes in food intake across the menstrual cycle, with overall energy intake tending to be higher during the second phase of our menstrual cycle, the luteal phase. With your estrogen and progesterone levels changing there are real affects on appetite, energy, and mood which may be why your body is craving different foods throughout your cycle. Read the rest of the blog to learn more!
Why Do I Always Crave Sugar?
Persistent sugar cravings are rarely random. More often, they are one of the earliest signs that the body’s metabolic balance has begun to shift. Long before diabetes develops and before routine blood work becomes abnormal, the hormones that regulate hunger, blood sugar, and energy metabolism can begin sending signals that something is no longer functioning optimally. Rather than viewing cravings as the problem, I encourage patients to view them as valuable information. Understanding why your body is asking for sugar is the first step toward restoring metabolic health. As an endocrinologist, I often tell patients that our bodies are remarkably adept at communicating when something is out of balance. The challenge is knowing how to interpret the message. Fortunately, persistent sugar cravings are often reversible once the underlying cause is identified and addressed.
Why One Bad Night of Sleep Makes You Crave Junk Food
One night of insufficient sleep is enough to alter the sophisticated communication network between your brain, your hormones, and your metabolism. The result isn’t simply that you feel hungrier. Your body actually begins to prioritize calorie-dense, highly rewarding foods because your biology is trying to compensate for perceived energy deprivation. In other words, after a poor night’s sleep, your brain doesn’t just ask for food - it asks for the fastest source of energy it can find.
Why Lifting Weights Doesn’t Always Change Your Body Composition
Lifting weights doesn’t automatically lead to a more muscular physique, but it does have amazing health benefits! Read the blog to learn more about the difference between strength, muscular endurance, and muscle growth, and how muscles are actually a huge part of your metabolic system. The most valuable outcome of resistance training isn’t the amount of weight you can lift. It’s the development of metabolically healthy muscle - a tissue that influences inflammation regulation, blood sugar regulation, longevity, and a better overall quality of life.
Do Weight Loss Medications Like Wegovy and Zepbound Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is one of the most common concerns I hear from patients taking GLP-1 medications. Many patients become alarmed when they notice increased shedding after starting weight loss medications such as Wegovy or Zepbound, and naturally assume the medication itself is damaging their hair. The truth is more nuanced. Read the blog to learn more or schedule with Dr. Amini to discuss your symptoms!