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People experience hypogonadism when their sex glands, or gonads, produce insufficient levels of sex hormones. In adult women, the ovaries don’t secrete enough estrogen, leading to hot flashes, changes in mood and energy levels, and irregular or stopped menstruation. In men, an absence or lack of testosterone manufactured in the testicles causes low sex drive and loss of muscle tone, as well as gynecomastia (the development of breasts) in rare cases....

The terms immunized, vaccinated, and inoculated are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Vaccination describes the act of receiving a vaccine. Immunization and inoculation describe the process of becoming immune through vaccination. Those differences may seem minor. Still, using terms correctly can prevent misunderstandings with your healthcare provider. This article explains the differences, what vaccines do, and why their timing is important. Vaccination vs. Immunization vs. Inoculation The World Health Organization (WHO) says vaccination and immunization are related terms....

Infusion therapy involves medications administered through a needle or a tiny tube inserted directly into your veins. People with osteoporosis (a condition that causes weak and brittle bones) can get certain drugs by infusion. Depending on the medication, people who opt for infusion therapy will get an infusion as frequently as once every three months, or rarely as once a year. Some find this treatment option more convenient and with different side effects than oral osteoporosis medications....

Intubation is the process of inserting a tube called an endotracheal tube (ET) into the mouth or nose and then into the airway (trachea) to hold it open. Once in place, the tube is connected to a ventilator, a machine that pushes air in and out of the lungs. When that’s not accessible, healthcare providers will connect the tube to a bag that they squeeze to have the same effect....

Ebola is a virus that causes fever, internal and external bleeding, and organ failure. Around 50% of those infected will die, often within days or weeks of the first appearance of symptoms. Perhaps the scariest thing about Ebola is that it is so easily spread through bodily fluids (including saliva, mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, breast milk, urine, and semen) and contact with items recently contaminated with bodily fluids. In recent years, there have been suggestions that the Ebola virus is rapidly mutating and may be increasing in virulence (ability to cause harm)....

Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be tricky because there isn’t a specific test for MS and the symptoms can overlap with many other conditions. Instead, the diagnosis is usually based on a combination of your history, imaging scans, and tests to rule out other conditions. Blood tests are frequently part of this process. This article discusses the role of blood tests in the diagnosis of MS. Early Symptoms of MS As with most autoimmune illnesses, the symptoms of MS and their severity vary from person to person....

Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) is an over-the-counter treatment for diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Sometimes referred to as “the pink stuff,” Pepto-Bismol is safe and effective for short-term use. Side effects of Pepto-Bismol are generally mild and can include a black tongue, black stool, and constipation. More serious side effects can occur but are rare. This article discusses Pepto-Bismol, how it works, and potential side effects. Uses Pepto-Bismol is primarily used for the short-term treatment of the following digestive symptoms in adults and children aged 12 and older:...

A peripherally inserted central catheter, also known as a PICC line, is a long, flexible tube (catheter) that is inserted into a vein in your upper arm. After insertion, the catheter is threaded to a central vein near the heart. The PICC line can be used to deliver fluids and medications, draw blood, or perform blood transfusions. Having a PICC line reduces the need for repeated needle sticks. It’s meant for safer, longer term use than an intravenous (IV) line and your doctor can then remove it when you do not need it anymore....

For years, researchers have been looking at how brain and gut health are connected. Now, a new study has found another connection between the two. Key Takeaways New research has shown that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and certain mental health conditions are closely linked through shared genetic pathways.Researchers found that environmental factors might be more likely to lead to IBS than genetics alone.According to doctors, treating anxiety can often help with IBS symptoms....

Spinal stenosis surgery is considered for symptom management after conservative measures have resulted in little improvement in spinal stenosis symptoms. The operation will be decided upon by you and your healthcare provider if you are an appropriate candidate for spinal stenosis surgery and scheduled at a hospital several weeks in advance. Make sure to arrive early several hours before the time of your scheduled surgery to give yourself time to navigate the hospital and fill out all necessary paperwork....

Surgery for lung cancer can often be curative when it is caught in the earlier stages, but there are many factors to consider in deciding whether it is right for you. This includes the type of surgery recommended, the stage of your cancer, the location of your cancer, and your general health and lung function. Everyone is different, and being your own advocate can help you get the best care focused on your specific needs....

Because the news has been dominated by the novel coronavirus, it can be easy to forget another infectious respiratory virus that also poses a threat—influenza. There are four main types of influenza viruses that circulate each year. Typically, some variant of the flu infects millions of people annually. The winter before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, there were about 38 million reported cases of influenza in the United States alone....

Thrombocytopenia in people with cancer is commonly caused by chemotherapy. Defined as a decreased number of platelets in the blood, it can sometimes be serious, with some chemotherapy drugs more likely than others to result in low counts. A low platelet count can, in turn, result in bleeding and/or the need to delay chemotherapy. Symptoms may include easy bruising, joint and muscle pain, and bleeding, such as heavy menstrual periods, nosebleeds, and rectal bleeding....

Tomatoes have traditionally been considered a gout-friendly, nutrient-rich food, but some research suggests that tomatoes can increase uric acid levels, which can trigger gout. The research is based on self-reporting and more needs to be done to determine if tomatoes are a trigger for gout. Tomatoes do offer many health benefits and are a low-calorie, tasty food that is recommended for most people, but it’s always helpful to learn all the facts before making a decision about your diet....

What Is Transderm Scop? Transderm Scop (scopolamine) is a prescription transdermal patch placed on the skin to prevent nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness or anesthetic medication. Transdermal patches deliver the medication through the skin. This medication is called an anticholinergic, meaning it works by blocking the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that has many actions in the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves of the organs and the skeletal muscles)....

The kidney and urinary systems produce urine to help the body eliminate liquid waste and balance electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Urine is mostly water and typically has little to no odor. However, urine odor can sometimes vary from sweet to foul depending on the foods and drinks we consume, medicines we take, infections, and other health conditions. In most circumstances, the urine of healthy people will not have a strong odor....

A virtual colonoscopy, also called CT colonography, is a special type of computed tomography scan that is offered as an alternative to a conventional colonoscopy. As a colon cancer screening test for people at average risk, a virtual colonoscopy is comparable to a conventional colonoscopy in its ability to detect colon cancer and polyps (at least those larger than 6 mm in diameter). It differs in a few ways, however, including how it is performed: A virtual colonoscopy uses a series of X-rays to create a 3-dimensional image of the inside of the colon, rather than requiring the insertion of a scope through the rectum and colon (large intestine)....

Two new Omicron subvariants—BA.4 and BA.5—now account for 13% of new COVID-19 cases in the United States, a sizable leap from early May when the variants only accounted for 1%, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Takeaways Two new versions of the Omicron variant, called BA.4 and BA.5, are taking hold in the U.S.Early studies and some real-world data suggest these variants are more transmissible than earlier Omicron variants and more likely to cause breakthrough infections....

Allicin is a compound that may help ease inflammation and block free radicals that harm cells and tissues in your body. The compound is one of garlic’s primary active components and gives it its distinct taste and scent. Alliin is a chemical found in fresh garlic. An enzyme called alliinase is activated when the clove is chopped or crushed. This enzyme converts alliin into allicin. Here’s what to know about allicin’s possible health benefits, risks, and how to use it....

Antepartum depression, also called prenatal depression, is a mood disorder that begins during pregnancy. It is less well known than postpartum depression, which begins in the first year after the baby is born. Together, antepartum and postpartum depression are referred to as perinatal depression or major depressive disorder with peripartum onset. Those with perinatal depression may experience extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue, which can make it challenging to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves or others....