Ask the Doctor

Does DHEA build supermen?

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Numerous over-the-counter supplements such as DHEA and herbs claim to stimulate testosterone production. As I am one of many 70-plus-year-olds who lift weights to increase strength and muscle mass before we become too old, do you... Full story

Cataract surgery often frees a person of glasses

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you please write about cataracts? My eyes feel like they have dirt in them, and my head aches all the time on top and in the forehead. -- B.P.       ANSWER: A bit inward from the pupil of the eye is... Full story

ADHD can persist into adulthood

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My daughter has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). I have no idea what it is. I understand she had it since she was a child. Can anything be done for her now? She's in her late 40s. -- Anon.    ... Full story

Moisturizing skin often ends itching

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am an 86-year-old man who is a caregiver for my 90-year-old wife, who has dementia. I try to cope with the many problems my situation entails. The latest ones have aggravated an intolerable itching. I try to resist scratching,... Full story

Age no barrier to organ donation

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am an 80-year-old woman who declares herself an organ donor every time she renews her driver's license. Is there a cutoff age when organs are not longer usable? -- D.W.       ANSWER: If more people felt... Full story

Tylenol's safety questioned

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Recently I was told by a family member that the total amount of Tylenol taken in a person's lifetime can be hazardous to one's health. I have been taking two eight-hour pain-relief Tylenol before bedtime, as I have spinal stenosis,... Full story

Exercise can bring on asthma attacks

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: At age 35 and in the wintertime, I decided to get into shape. I joined two others in daily jogging. Things went well until the end of December, when I started to cough while jogging. Sometimes the coughing was so bad that I had to... Full story

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a common, inherited nerve disorder

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I recently was tentatively diagnosed with CMT disease. Having never heard of it, I did some research myself but can you give me advice as to what I can expect? I am 53 years old and am awaiting more bloodwork results to make sure... Full story

Salt craving most often a learned yearning

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 43-year-old female. Ever since I was 5 years old, I have eaten a lot of salt. I never had a sweet tooth. I had my pituitary gland checked. I thought I might have an iodine deficiency. The gland was OK. I am an avid... Full story

IC appears to be bladder infection, but it isn't

BY PAUL G. DONOHUE, M.D.

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have suffered with interstitial cystitis for the past four years. A urologist treated me for two years by instilling heparin into my bladder. He dismissed me by saying, "I don't want to see you again." Unbelievable, but true. I... Full story

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