-
-
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE, is an endocrinologist, lipidologist and physician nutrition specialist in clinical practice at the Regional Medical Clinic Endocrinology and Diabetes Education Center in Rapid City, SD. Dr. Repas is the former chairman of the professional diabetes advisory committees of the Wyoming and the Wisconsin Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs. He is board certified in the areas of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, clinical lipidology, internal medicine and nutrition, and is also a certified diabetes educator.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
A young man was referred to me for evaluation of low testosterone and gynecomastia. The initial total testosterone was 57 ng/dL; results of a repeat testosterone assessment were even lower. Prolactin was normal, but follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were both undetectable. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were previously normal but were now both over 200. His total and LDL cholesterol levels were high; his HDL was low.
He was muscular, physically fit and an avid weight lifter. I questioned him about the use of anabolic steroids. He had not knowingly used any product that was marketed as an anabolic steroid for a few years. He seemed sincere and I believed him.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
A primary care colleague asked me this question recently. The answer depends on the form of testosterone therapy that has been prescribed. After confirming a patient has hypogonadism and treatable causes are ruled out, testosterone replacement therapy is initiated. Subsequent monitoring is done to confirm the dose is optimal.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
Patients occasionally ask me about human growth hormone therapy to enhance athletic performance. They have heard about this from friends, in the media or on the internet.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
I remember when the results of the Women’s Health Initiative were released several years ago.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
Over the years, several clinical trials have questioned the benefits and risks of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Soon after the results of the Women’s Health Initiative were released, many women requested to have HT stopped due to concerns about the risks of such therapy. Afterwards, many felt poorly and requested therapy to be reinitiated.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
Last week was a difficult week.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
Testosterone gel is used frequently to treat male hypogonadism. In 2007, 1.4 million prescriptions of Androgel 1% and 370,000 prescriptions of Testim 1% were dispensed. Patients using testosterone gel are advised to wash their hands and cover treated skin with clothing to avoid exposing others.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thomas B. Repas, DO, FACP, FACE, CDE
A 62-year-old woman came to see me for management of type 2 diabetes. I was struck by her facial and body hirsutism, it was more than I would expect in polycystic ovarian syndrome and raised concerns about possible serious underlying pathology.