Irritable Bowel Syndrome DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Functional disorder of the large intestine with no evidence of accompanying structural defect. • Characterized by some combination of: — Abdominal pain — Altered bowel function, constipation,…

  Menopause DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Last spontaneous menstrual period 12 months prior. • Average age of onset is 51 years. • Symptoms can, but do not necessarily, include hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations,…

  Insomnia DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Difficulty falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia) • Frequent or early awakening (maintenance insomnia) GENERAL CONSIDERATIONSI Insomnia is an extremely common complaint with many causes. Causes of Insomnia* Sleep-Onset…

  Immune Support DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Frequent infections • Chronic infections that do not resolve • Cancer GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The immune system is a complex integration of synergistic segments that are continuously barraged…

  Hyperthyroidism DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Weakness, sweating, weight loss, nervousness, loose stools, heat intolerance, irritability, fatigue • Tachycardia; warm, thin, moist skin; stare; tremor • Diffuse, nonpainful goiter • Increased thyroxine (T4), free T4,…

  Hair Loss in Women DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Increased hair loss not diagnosed as alopecia. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Physiology of the Hair Cycle There are 100,000 to 350,000 hair follicles on the…

  Fibromyalgia Syndrome DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Affects 2%-13% of population, 80%-90% of which are female. • Chronic widespread pain involving axial pain; pain on left, right, upper, and lower parts of body….

  Gallstones DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • May be asymptomatic or cause biliary colic with irregular pain-free intervals of days or months. • Real-time ultrasonography provides definitive diagnosis. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Gallstones are a “Western…

  Fibrocystic Breast Disease DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Very common: 20%-40% of premenopausal women. • Pain or premenstrual breast pain and tenderness common, although the condition is often asymptomatic. • Cyclic and bilateral with…

  Dermatitis Herpetiformis DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY • Pruritic, blistering rash usually on extensor surfaces. • Most common in middle-aged white males, although may present in individuals of any age. • Immunoglobulin (Ig) A deposits…