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Discussion Question 1

EP is a fifty-year-old woman who reports experiencing two to three hot flashes per day, occasionally associated with insomnia. She also states she is awakened from sleep about two to three times per week, needing to change her bedclothes and linens due to sweating. Her symptoms began about three months ago, and over that time, her symptoms have worsened to the point where they have become very bothersome. She is concerned about starting any hormonal treatment because she has read news stories that the medication is not safe. She has been successfully treated for depression and is currently doing well on paroxetine. Her current medications include omeprazole 20 mg daily, paroxetine 20 mg, Synthroid 0.075 mg daily, and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. Her physical exam is normal; her blood pressure is 128/86, her pulse is 78, and her body mass index (BMI) is 30.5. Answer the following questions:

• Is there any additional information you would want to collect?
• What are the variables you would take into account before deciding how to help her?
• What treatment will you recommend?
• What nonpharmacological treatment would you suggest?

For medications, include dosages and schedules. Include highlights of patient teaching and/or lifestyle alterations. Support your decisions with at least one reference to a published clinical guideline and one peer-reviewed publication.

Discussion Question 2

VG is a thirty-one-year-old female who comes in for a routine follow-up. She reports that she has been feeling excessive fatigue over the last month. She also notes that she is having some problems at work, not only because of her fatigue but also because of difficulty concentrating. She also notes that she has gained 10 pounds over the last month, and she is unable to identify the cause of the weight gain. She also notes that her periods are a little heavier and more irregular. She is currently taking daily ferrous sulfate and over-the-counter calcium. According to her medical record, she had a TSH level of 4.2 mIL/L about a year ago. Although this is slightly elevated, no further follow-up was deemed necessary at the time. Repeat blood work today reveals a TSH level of 9.8 mIL/L and a free T4 of 0.72 ng/dL. Answer the following questions:

• What additional findings on the physical exam would you look for?
• What implication does the previous TSH level have?
• What therapy would you institute?
• If VG becomes pregnant, what adjustment, if any, would be needed in her thyroid medication?

For medications, include dosages and schedules. Include highlights of patient teaching and/or lifestyle alterations. Support your decisions with at least one reference to a published clinical guideline and one peer-reviewed publication.