Answers to the most common patient questions about thyroid disorders, diabetes, PCOS, weight management, and cholesterol. Written by Dr. Marie Noelle Kallas Chemaly, board-certified endocrinologist in Lebanon.
Common signs include unexplained fatigue, weight changes, hair thinning, mood swings, irregular periods, temperature sensitivity, and skin changes. These may point to thyroid disorders, PCOS, insulin resistance, or other endocrine conditions.
Signs include difficulty losing weight especially around the midsection, dark patches on the skin, fatigue after meals, sugar cravings, and elevated fasting glucose. Insulin resistance is linked to prediabetes and PCOS.
Adults should have a baseline lipid panel by age 20, then every 4-6 years if normal. If you have risk factors, more frequent testing is needed. A lipid specialist can determine the right schedule.
Weight gain without changes in diet or exercise may indicate hypothyroidism, PCOS, Cushing's syndrome, or insulin resistance. A metabolic evaluation identifies the cause.
Endocrine causes include thyroid dysfunction, uncontrolled diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and vitamin D deficiency. If fatigue persists despite adequate sleep, a hormonal workup is warranted.
If on thyroid medication, levels are rechecked every 6-8 weeks after a dose change and every 6-12 months once stable. Annual screening is recommended if you have risk factors.
Yes. An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, leading to gradual weight gain. Once treated with appropriate medication, most patients see their weight stabilize.
No. Most nodules are benign and can be monitored with periodic ultrasound. Surgery is recommended only when biopsy results are suspicious or the nodule causes compressive symptoms.
Yes. With targeted lifestyle changes including dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and sometimes medication, prediabetes can be reversed before it progresses to Type 2 diabetes.
CGM is a sensor worn on the body that tracks glucose levels in real time. It provides detailed data that helps optimize medication dosing and identify patterns that finger-prick testing may miss.
PCOS is one of the most common causes of ovulatory infertility, but it does not mean you cannot conceive. With appropriate hormonal management and ovulation induction, many women with PCOS achieve successful pregnancies.
Women with PCOS have a significantly higher risk of developing insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Regular metabolic screening and proactive management of insulin levels are essential.
An endocrinologist evaluates the hormonal and metabolic causes of weight gain that general approaches miss — insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, cortisol excess. Learn more.
GLP-1 receptor agonists help regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote significant weight loss. They are prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
In some cases, yes. Lifestyle changes and non-statin medications can be effective for mild elevations. For high-risk patients, statins remain the most evidence-based treatment. Learn more.
Dr. Kallas Chemaly practices at Mount Lebanon Hospital (Hazmieh), Bellevue Medical Center (Mansourieh), Centre Hospitalier de Bhaness, and a private clinic in Dbayeh.
Consultations are available in English, French, and Arabic. Dr. Kallas Chemaly is fully fluent in all three languages.
Book by WhatsApp, by calling +961 70 977 856, or by emailing Mnkchemaly@hotmail.com.
Send a WhatsApp message — Dr. Kallas Chemaly responds personally.
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