Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease which affects people in their 30s and 40s. Bilateral joints (both sides) are affected. People with RA tends to have the most pain in the morning, which then... continue reading  about  What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? How would I know if I have the disease, and how is it different from osteoarthritis?

Burning tongue syndrome is a very common symptom which has been seen in some patients with menopausal symptoms.This also could be a manifestation of other diseases such as a B12 deficiency or an absorption prob... continue reading  about  I've been experiencing a burning sensation on my tongue for two months. It only involves one inch near the tip. There is no redness, lesions or broken skin, just the burning, which causes my mouth to water. I've heard this may be a menopausal symptom.

Generally it is not recommended to take low-dose iron if you're not anemic. Excessive iron can be deposited in the liver and can cause problems. Runners often get "runners anemia" which is why some coaches reco... continue reading  about  Is it safe to take a low-dose iron supplement if you're not anemic? My teenage daughter is a distance runner, and her coach recommends them for girls on the cross country team.

Insomnia sometimes can result from an overactive thyroid, sleep apnea, or an enlarged prostate, in addition to stress and anxiety. Make sure that you have been checked for an overactive thyroid, enlarged prosta... continue reading  about  Since my 20s I've had insomnia. Now in my 40s, the insomnia has been unremitting. When I do sleep, I often wake up drenched. OTC sleep aids and herbal remedies don't help. I exercise and eat a healthy diet. What else should I consider?

Nocturia is a definition of excessive urination at night which could indicate a possible enlarged prostate. It could also indicate a possible infection or the beginning of diabetes. But the most common cause of... continue reading  about  My partner has begun to get up at night to urinate. He never did this before. He doesn't have symptoms of infection, like burning or pain. Should he be worried?

Your husband might have Peyronie's disease. Peyronie's disease occurs when a plaque (scar) develops inside the penis. Sometimes this plague is caused by trauma to the penis or a blow to the groin. It is common ... continue reading  about  My husband of 38 years and I were having sex when we noticed for the first time that his penis was twisted. He's always had a normal erection. We were wondering if this should be checked? He was also just diagnosed with melanoma on his ear.

Herpes and shingles are actually caused by two different viruses, from the same family. What we traditionally call "herpes" is caused by herpes simplex. Oral herpes, causing fever blisters and cold sores, is ca... continue reading  about  What is the relationship between herpes and shingles? I have been diagnosed with herpes, and am experiencing breakouts of pimples/blisters on my arms, legs and chest, made worse by stress and physical activity that makes me sweat. What can be done?