DEAR DR. GOTT:

I have lost 40 pounds in four months. I'm on a 1,800-calories-a-day diet and exercise almost daily. My doctor prescribed Adipex-P daily to help me with my weight loss and Arthrotec for my arthritis. These are the only new medications I am taking. I'm a 69-year-old female.

Since I began losing the weight, my hands have been unusually cold. It feels as if I have them in ice water. Is this something I should ask my doctor about, or is it normal?

DEAR READER:

Adipex-P is an appetite suppressant for the treatment of obesity. Side effects can include constipation, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, headache, nervousness, restlessness, upset stomach, chest pain, shortness of breath and more.

Arthrotec is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces pain and inflammation. Side effects can include headache, nausea, stomach pain, stomach ulcers, chest pain, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and more. Your arthritis may certainly have a bearing on your cold hands.

There is a slight possibility one of the new medications or a combination of others you might be on are causing your cold hands. Do you have Raynaud's syndrome, a thyroid condition, anemia, a B12 deficiency or are you under stress? Any of these situations and many others could be the culprit. Ask your doctor whether any other medications you are taking could be affecting you, or whether he or she can order blood work that might shed some light on your problem. Without knowing your full medical history and the other medications you are on, it is impossible for me to determine why your hands have become so cold so quickly, but as I pointed out, there are many possible reasons.

In the interim, when you sit watching television or walk down the street every day, curl your hands up tightly into fists. Open the fists and stretch your fingers as wide as possible. Repeat the pattern, and do it several times a day. Incorporate arm exercises by swinging them forward and back. Get your circulation moving, eat a healthful, balanced diet, and discontinue tobacco immediately if you are a smoker, and you might find the relief you are seeking.

DEAR DR. GOTT:

Is there any hope for me to restore muscle mass? I have taken a statin for 20 years and am now on simvastatin. Other necessary meds I take are for COPD. I was born in 1938 and am not yet frail, but fearful. I am active and exercise at a fitness center.

DEAR READER:

The aging process and a progressive loss of muscle mass often go hand in hand. Age-related changes in muscle-protein synthesis might be the result of dietary modifications and reduced exercise programs. In fact, several studies indicate that protein intake decreases in some older, frail people, as well as in those that are quite healthy, but there are steps a person can take to combat the process.

The most healthful method of improving muscle mass is through a proper diet and gradual, moderate exercise, specifically strength training. Speak with your physician regarding what you are capable of incorporating on a daily basis. Or request a referral to your hospital's physical-therapy department. After a few sessions, you should be able to take over any exercise program on your own at home. Good luck.

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including "Live Longer, Live Better," "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook," which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.

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Copyright 2011, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.