Thank you your question. Lamtrigine is an anticonvulsant that first appeared on the market in 1994 and was approved for use for the treatment os epilespy. In 2003 it was approved for use in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Recently it has been approved forthe treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). In some case it is used along with another antidepressent in the treatment of major (unipolar) depression. I recognize your concern. If it is your desire for your daughter to be taking off the medication, this can be done, however I would caution you to do it under the direction of your primary care physician (PCP). I also think this should be done very gradually depending on the length of time she's been taking the medication. Your PCP can carefuly monitor her symptoms and make further recommendations. Thak you for your question. If you need further assistance please feel free to contact my office @ 916-736-2225. Enjoy your weekend. Karen"Kitty" Hart, MD

Actually there is such a diagnosis as "borderline diabetes". The actual medical term for it is "glucose intolerance". This essential means that your fasting blood sugar is not abnormal enough for you to be considered a diabetic. Let me explain. A normal fasting blood sugar (glucose) is 69-99 mg/dl. The diagnosis of diabetes can be made one way by having a fasting blood sugar greater than 125 mg/gl. You likely had a recent fasting blood sugar that was less than 125 mg/dl (required to make diagnosis of diabetes) but higher than 99 mg/dl (indicating there is a problem with glucose metabolism). This is actually a good stage for the condition to be identified in because, baring any severe genetic or metabolic condition, it is likely this can condition can be reversed with lifestyle modification. For instance with weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes. Feel free to discuss some of these issues with your doctor and any future treatments plans. Thank you for question.

Thank you so much for your very timely question. More and more in my practice I am encountering a number of women who present with similar complaints. Now there are several reasons a women might experience a decreased libido. Some of these causes include painful intercourse as the result of hormonal changes, vaginismus (spastic tightening of the vaginal introitus or vaginal opening), vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva), vaginitis (inflammation or infection of vaginal cavity), or vestibulitis (inflammation of glands of the labia). There are many causes all of which can be investigated by your primary care provider (PCP) or gynecologist. WIth the right amount of time and questioning by your health care provider and a good physical exam the underlying cause can be identified and treated appropriately. Hormones aren't necessarily the answer. Rather making the correct diagnosis and creating an appropriate treatment plan is. If you don't have a PCP or GYN you are welcome to come to my office. We would be happy to see you. I hope this information was helpful. Take care!

Thinning hair is a common phenomenon among older adults, although you are correct, as a rule it is something "men go through" and is less common in women. When men loose hair with advancing years it is usually at the hairline, temples, or top of the head. When women loose hair with advancing age it usually manifests itself as thinning throughout. There are multiple reasons for hair loss. Its primarily genetic. Other factors include diet, your overall general health, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disorders, medications, and infection. To name a few. It is important to consult your primary care doctor (PCP) who will take a complete history and conduct a physical exam focusing on your skin and looking for any visible signs of an underlying medical condition. Hair samples and/or a scalp biopsy may be performed. You may also be referred to dermatologist. Based on the findings a diagnosis can be made and even treatment given. Please consult with your PCP for an evaluation. If you don't have a PCP you are welcome to come to my office. We would be happy to see you. I hope this information was helpful. Take care!