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In men, testosterone is one of the main androgenic steroids produced in the Leydig cells of the testes. Testosterone secretion is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and stimulates the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, skeletal muscle growth, and erythropoiesis.In women, testosterone is synthesized mainly by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It regulates bone and skeletal muscle mass and function.The majority of circulating testosterone (97-98%) is bound to proteins. It is specifically bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and nonspecifically to albumin.In men, decreased testosterone production is due to functional insufficiency of the testicles (hypogonadism). Testosterone production decreases with age. Certain medications, chemotherapy, and disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can also cause testosterone levels to decrease.Increased testosterone production may be seen in women with androgen-secreting tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or idiopathic hyperandrogenemia.Rarely, elevated testosterone levels are found in women with end-stage renal disease.High testosterone levels can also be a result of elevated SHBG, which can be caused by hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or the use of estrogenic medications (hormonal contraceptives).Testosterone circulates in the blood in three forms: total, free, and bioavailable. Free testosterone is testosterone that is not bound to sex hormone binding globulin and albumin. The total amount of albumin-bound and free forms is called "bioavailable testosterone." Total testosterone is the sum of the three forms of testosterone.Symptoms of low testosterone in men include:1.Decreased sexual desire2.Erectile dysfunction3.Low sperm count, fertility problems4.Fatigue5.Decreased muscle mass6.Increased body fat, weight gain7.Loss of body or facial hair8.Shrinkage of testicles9.Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)10.Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)11.Excessive sweating12.Sleep problems13.Mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety14.Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, “brain fog”Symptoms of high testosterone in men include:1.Acne and oily skin2.Increased body and facial hair3.Mood swings. irritability, aggression, mood swings, anxiety, and sometimes depression.4.High sex drive5.Increased muscle mass6.Headaches7.Sleep disturbances8.High blood pressure (hypertension)9.Swelling of the feet and ankles and weight gain10.Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)11.Low sperm count and infertility12.Increased risk of stroke and pulmonary embolismSymptoms of high testosterone in women include:1.Excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism)2.Thinning hair on the scalp3.Acne4.Oily skin5.Deepening of the voice6.Irregular menstrual cycles7.Increased muscle mass8.Enlargement of the clitoris9.Breast shrinkage10.Mood swings11.Ovarian CystsRegular testosterone testing helps detect hormonal imbalances in time and begin appropriate treatment. We invite you to take the test at Dalimed Medical Center, where we offer high-precision equipment and a caring approach to every patient.

Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, making it hard to function properly. It can occur on hot days when you sweat a lot or if you’re sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. It may also result from not drinking enough water or taking medications that increase urination. When you’re not well-hydrated, you feel thirsty — your body’s way of signaling the need for fluids. You should drink water as soon as you feel thirsty. Mild dehydration is often resolved by drinking fluids, but it’s not always obvious. It may go unnoticed in an elderly person who forgets to drink or a baby who can’t express thirst. What does water do for your body? Your body is up to 78% water. Your brain and heart are about 73% water, muscles and kidneys 79%, skin 64%, lungs 83%, and bones 31%. Water helps: •Aid digestion and remove waste•Lubricate joints•Make saliva for eating•Balance body chemicals, including brain hormones and neurotransmitters•Transport oxygen through the body•Cushion bones•Regulate temperature•Protect your brain, spinal cord, and fetus during pregnancyWater is especially vital in warm weather. During exercise, your muscles heat up. Your body cools off by sweating, and as sweat evaporates, it cools the body. But sweating also lowers fluid levels, which affects normal functions. What are the symptoms of dehydration? If you think you or your child is severely dehydrated, get medical help right away. Signs in children include: •Dry lips and tongue•No tears when crying•Fewer than six wet diapers a day (infants), or none for eight hours (toddlers)•Sunken soft spot on an infant’s head•Sunken eyes•Dry, wrinkly skin•Fast, deep breathing•Cool, blotchy hands and feetWhat is the outlook (prognosis) for dehydration? Mild dehydration is usually treatable by drinking fluids. Moderate or severe cases might require hospitalization and IV fluids. If untreated, serious issues like electrolyte imbalance, organ failure, or death can occur. Can dehydration be prevented? Yes. Track your fluid intake and drink water regularly, including with meals. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine. How much water do I need to drink? Water needs vary based on your age, weight, activity level, health conditions, clothing, and climate. People with certain conditions like diabetes or heart disease should be careful. While eight glasses a day is a general rule, consult your doctor to find out what’s best for you.

The immune system is a powerful and complex defense network made up of organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals. It works tirelessly to shield your body from harmful microorganisms and internal threats. Beyond protection, it also plays a vital role in healing after infections and injuries.What does the immune system do? The immune system protects you from: •Harmful bacteria •Viruses •Fungi that cause infection •Parasites •Abnormal cells, such as cancer How does the immune system work? A healthy immune system can recognize what belongs to your body and what doesn’t. It springs into action to attack harmful microbes and stops when the threat is gone. It also "remembers" previous germs through antibodies—proteins that help neutralize future infections more efficiently. But the immune system isn’t always perfect. Weak immune system Some people are born with conditions that weaken immunity, but most immune deficiencies develop later in life—often linked to chronic illnesses such as cancer or Type 2 diabetes. A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to defend against infections. Overactive immune system On the opposite end, an overly reactive immune system may respond too aggressively. It might attack your own healthy cells (autoimmune diseases) or cause allergic reactions to harmless substances. Sometimes, it continues to fight even after the threat is gone. Signs and symptoms of immune system disorders.Depending on the type of immune imbalance, symptoms can differ. However, common warning signs include: •Persistent fatigue •Fever without a known cause •Sudden weight loss •Excessive night sweats •Unexplained skin rashes or itchiness •Aching muscles or joints •Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes •Brain fog or trouble focusing •Hair thinning or loss •Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpits Common tests to evaluate immune system function Doctors often use blood tests to evaluate your immune health. These may include: •Antibody level testing •Complete blood count •Complement tests (such as C3 protein levels) How can I boost my immune system naturally? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for enhancing immunity. Your immune system is intricate, and what helps one person may not work for another. The best approach is to focus on a healthy lifestyle—balanced nutrition, good sleep, regular activity, and stress reduction. But for tailored guidance, it’s always wise to consult a professional. When in doubt, seek expert care. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to improve your immune health, visit Dalimed Medical Center. Our doctors will guide you through personalized testing and treatment to help you feel your best.

The amount of sleep a person needs depends on several factors, especially age. Although individual needs can vary, general recommendations are as follows: Infants (4–12 months) should get 12 to 16 hours per day including naps; toddlers (1–2 years) need 11 to 14 hours; children (3–5 years) require 10 to 13 hours. Kids aged 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours, teens (13–18 years) need 8 to 10 hours, and adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. In addition to age, other factors can affect how many hours of sleep you need. For example: Sleep Quality: It’s not just about the hours you sleep — it’s also about the quality. If your sleep is regularly interrupted, you’re missing out on the restorative benefits of deep sleep. Poor quality sleep can leave you feeling groggy, even after a full night’s rest, because your body isn’t getting the full recovery it needs. Previous Sleep Deprivation: When you're sleep-deprived, your body requires more sleep to catch up. It’s like trying to recharge a phone that's been running low for too long — a single night of extra sleep might not be enough to fully restore your energy levels. Pregnancy: Pregnancy often brings hormonal changes and physical discomfort, both of which can interfere with sleep quality. Expecting mothers may find themselves waking up frequently due to discomfort or to visit the bathroom, making uninterrupted sleep harder to come by. Aging: As we age, sleep patterns tend to change. While older adults generally need the same amount of sleep as younger adults, their sleep tends to be lighter, and they take longer to fall asleep. Older adults often wake up more frequently during the night, disrupting their overall sleep cycle. Studies show that as we age, the amount of deep sleep — the restorative sleep phase — decreases, which can affect memory and overall well-being. For Kids: For children, consistently getting the recommended amount of sleep is crucial for health. Adequate sleep enhances focus, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and both mental and physical health. In fact, kids who sleep well are often more engaged in school and have better social interactions with their peers. For Adults: Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night over time can have serious health implications. Chronic sleep deprivation in adults has been linked to weight gain, obesity, a BMI of 30 or higher, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even depression. In fact, research shows that just one night of poor sleep can impair your immune system and increase the risk of illness. If you’re worried about the amount of sleep you or your child is getting, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor. They can help you identify any underlying sleep issues and suggest ways to improve your rest.

Acute intestinal infections belong to the group of infectious diseases that are caused mainly by the penetration of viruses or bacteria. Their most common clinical sign is diarrhea or diarrhea. Infections of bacterial origin, especially in the summer months, are recorded much more often. Acute intestinal infections are most dangerous for young children, as well as the elderly, due to their vulnerable immune system. Diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity, mortality and malnutrition in children. According to statistics, more than 11 million intestinal infections are recorded every day in the world, as a result of which about 1.5 million children die annually. Acute diarrhea is characterized by at least three or more watery stools per day, and its duration does not exceed 14 days. It is noteworthy that the younger the child, the more complex and dangerous the course of the disease can be. How is the infection spread? There are several ways in which the infection can spread: •eating poor-quality food, especially raw or contaminated foods, •consuming contaminated water or food while traveling, •direct contact with animals, •using swimming pools, •swimming in the sea without proper hygiene, •using highly polluted water or lack of clean drinking water. All of these factors contribute to the rapid spread of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The main symptoms of diarrhea are: •frequent and watery stools, •vomiting or nausea, •cramping or sharp pains in the abdomen, •high fever, •headache or dizziness. Parents should also carefully monitor the appearance of the stool: color, consistency, frequency, and the presence of blood or mucus. In young children, diarrhea can lead to serious complications, primarily dehydration. Why is dehydration dangerous? Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluid than it can replace. Children, especially those under 5 years old, become dehydrated much faster than adults. This is because the water content in a child’s body is very high, about 75–80%, and children are often unable to express their thirst. Signs of dehydration include: •frequent diarrhea, •repeated vomiting, •constant thirst, •dry skin, •rapid breathing or panting, •decreased urine output or dry diapers, •general lethargy or behavioral changes in the child. Dehydration can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe. If not treated in time, it can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death. How to protect your child? The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink fluids in a timely manner. First of all, it is important to continue breastfeeding, and for older children, not to stop feeding. It is necessary to use oral rehydration solutions with a combination of water, salts and glucose. In addition, it is important to follow strict hygiene rules: wash your hands before preparing food and after using the toilet, as well as use only safe water. To prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus, a state immunization program is in place in a number of countries. Vaccinations significantly reduce the number of severe cases, and it is advisable for parents not to avoid rotavirus vaccination. If you notice signs of diarrhea in your child, do not self-medicate. Trust the specialists, pediatricians, who will monitor the child's condition, conduct the necessary diagnostics and clarify the treatment plan. Thanks to timely assistance, you can avoid possible complications and ensure the child's speedy recovery.

Tick bites occur when a tick attaches itself to your skin to feed on your blood. You may not even notice the bite unless you find the tick still attached. While the bite itself is often painless, it can transmit dangerous infections. What are ticks? Ticks are tiny, wingless parasites—some as small as a poppy seed. Found in wooded or grassy areas, they latch onto people or animals and feed for hours or days. They burrow their heads into the skin, and as they feed, their bodies swell. Why are tick bites dangerous? While not every tick bite leads to illness, ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your bloodstream during feeding. Tick-Borne Diseases Ticks can spread several serious illnesses, including: •Lyme disease (most common in the U.S.) •Anaplasmosis •Babesiosis •Ehrlichiosis •Rocky Mountain spotted fever •Tick paralysis •Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy) •Tularemia •Powassan virus And so on. What are the symptoms of a tick-borne illness? Common signs include: •Fever or chills •Muscle aches •Fatigue •Headache •Rash (bullseye or red/purple spots) •Nausea, vomiting •Swollen lymph nodes •Red meat allergy If you’ve been in tick-prone areas and develop symptoms, inform your healthcare provider—even if you didn’t see a tick. What to do if you find a tick biting you? 1.Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 2.Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to your skin and pull gently. Avoid squeezing the body. 3.Take a photo or save the tick in a sealed container for identification. 4.Wash the area again thoroughly. 5.Contact a healthcare provider, especially if you develop symptoms or aren’t sure how long the tick was attached. When should you seek medical care? Contact your provider if: •The tick was attached for hours or appears swollen •You develop a rash or flu-like symptoms •The bite becomes painful, swollen, or blistered You can reduce your risk of tick bites with the following steps: •Avoid tall grass and woods. On hikes, stick to the center of cleared trails. •Use tick repellent. •Cover your skin: Wear long pants, sleeves, and socks when in tick-prone areas to minimize skin exposure. •Check yourself for ticks: Look closely at common hiding spots—like your scalp, underarms, and behind knees. Have someone help check hard-to-see areas. •Inspect your pets: Ticks can enter your home via pets. Check them regularly after outdoor time, and ask your vet about preventive treatments. •Plan for travel: Before visiting areas where tick-borne diseases are common, consult a travel health clinic or the CDC. A vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis may be recommended.

Gallbladder polyps are abnormal tissue growths that project from the inner lining of the gallbladder. These growths vary in type and composition. While most are non-cancerous, some can be associated with other gallbladder conditions or, in rare cases, cancer.What are the different types of gallbladder polyps? •Pseudopolyps (Cholesterol polyps): These result from cholesterol buildup (cholesterolosis) and are benign. •Inflammatory polyps: Formed due to chronic inflammation in the gallbladder, such as in cholecystitis. •Adenomyomatosis: A non-cancerous overgrowth of the gallbladder lining that can form small cysts within the wall. •Adenomas: Benign tumors made up of cells resembling those in the bile ducts. These carry a small (0.5%) chance of turning cancerous. •Malignant polyps: These are cancerous, most commonly a type called adenocarcinoma. Symptoms and causes of gallbladder polyp; Gallbladder polyps often do not cause any symptoms and are typically found incidentally during imaging tests like ultrasounds. However, in some cases, polyps can block the flow of bile, leading to inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), bile ducts (cholangitis), or pancreas (pancreatitis). Possible symptoms of such inflammation include: •Abdominal pain •Fever •Nausea and vomiting •Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) In rare cases, these symptoms could also suggest gallbladder cancer. What are the risk factors for gallbladder polyps? You may be at higher risk if you have: •Gallstones •Cholecystitis •Cholangitis •Hepatitis B •Familial Adenomatous Polyposis •Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome •High cholesterol •Age over 50 Diagnosis and Monitoring Unfortunately, it's not possible to determine whether a polyp is cancerous without surgically removing the gallbladder, as the polyps cannot be removed independently. Therefore, healthcare providers evaluate your symptoms and risk profile before deciding on surgery. Can gallbladder polyps go away on their own? No, gallbladder polyps do not disappear naturally. In fact, they tend to increase in size or number over time. Surgery is the only way to remove them. If you’ve been diagnosed with a gallbladder polyp, it’s important to follow up with a gastroenterologist. Early evaluation can help manage risks and avoid complications. You can find experienced gastroenterologists at Dalimed Medical Center, where timely care makes all the difference.

What is influenza and how does it affect you? Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a widespread respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It typically brings on symptoms like fever, body and headaches, coughing, and nasal congestion or a runny nose. While many people recover at home, those with pre-existing health conditions or individuals who are pregnant face a higher risk of serious complications. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. What’s the difference between the flu and a cold? Even though the flu and the common cold share some similar symptoms—like coughing and a runny nose—there are key differences. Cold symptoms are usually mild and develop gradually, while flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and are more intense. Another important difference is that they’re caused by different viruses, so they’re not the same illness. How can you tell if it’s the flu or COVID-19? Since the flu and COVID-19 often look alike symptom-wise, the only reliable way to know which one you have is by getting tested. Both viruses can cause serious illness and spread easily, but they come from different virus families and require different treatments. That’s why proper testing is important before starting any medication or care plan. What are the common symptoms of the flu? Flu symptoms tend to show up quickly and can vary from person to person. Common signs include: •Fever •Chills •Body aches •Cough •Headache •Sore throat •Runny or stuffy nose •Tiredness or feeling run down •Diarrhea or vomiting (usually in children) It’s important to note that not everyone will have every symptom, but having several at once is typical. Is the flu contagious and how does it spread? Yes, the flu spreads easily from person to person. An infected individual typically passes it on to one or two others. The virus travels in droplets that come out when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in someone else’s mouth or nose, or be inhaled directly into the lungs. The flu can also spread through touch—like shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, or desks—and then touching your face, nose, eyes, or mouth. How can you manage flu symptoms at home? Most people can treat flu symptoms at home using simple self-care methods and over-the-counter products. It’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water or broths. Heat packs or warm baths can help soothe aching muscles. To manage fever and aches, you can take pain relievers and fever reducers. Nasal decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose, while cough remedies can reduce coughing and help you feel more comfortable. If you’re dealing with mucus in your lungs, expectorants can help clear it out. However, not all treatments are suitable for everyone, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using any remedies or combining treatments. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days, it’s essential to see a therapist promptly to avoid complications. For professional care and guidance, consider visiting Dalimed Medical Center, where experienced specialists can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery.