Top
20
Doctor insights on:
Copper
Copper (Overview)
This is a reactive metal, one of the basic elements, which is incorporated in a variety of biochemical pathways in the body to catalyze many important functions. It is rarely deficient but too much can lead to liver disease and brain problems in some uncommon diseases.
1
Does the copper IUD cause copper toxicity in the blood?
No: We looked at this decades ago and it's not a cause for concern. ...Read more
Copper (Overview)
This is a reactive metal, one of the basic elements, which is incorporated in a variety of biochemical pathways in the body to catalyze many important functions. It is rarely deficient but too much can lead to liver disease and brain problems in some uncommon diseases.
2
What copper levels in drinking water are potentially hazardous for wilson's disease patients?
0.1ppm: Drinking water rarely exceeds 0.1 parts per million (ppm), deemed a safe level for wilson's disease. Testing is not so much for fear of exceeding 0.1ppm, but to make sure your home/school is not prone to excessive leaching (example: acidic water in copper pipes). Consistent levels <0.1ppm mean leaching is unlikely. Flushing copper pipes (let water run) is recommended before drinking/cooking. ...Read more
See 2 more doctor answers
3
Can paraguard copper IUD cause infertility?
No: The CopperIUD is one of the BEST forms of birth control available. Non-hormonal (no effect on fertility/acne/headaches/nausea/wt gain/bloating/blood clots) and VERY safe (except if you have Wilson's dz/Copper allergy). Only risk is a heavier period and complications w/ insertion (RARE). Immediately effective to prevent pregnancy, but DOES NOT protect against STIs. OK for women who haven't had kids ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer
4
Can Paragard, the copper IUD, cause copper toxicity within the body? Hair loss, fatigue, etc.?
Paragard: Here is an excellent article by Mayo Clinic regarding possible problems: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/paragard/basics/risks/prc-20013048. Here is the company site: http://paragard.com/safety-and-side-effects.aspx. With symptoms of hair loss or fatigue - I would not assume that is related to the IUD. Your physician can assess to determine the cause of these sx's. ...Read more
5
Can copper supplementation lower zinc or iron levels?
Lower zinc: It can lower zinc levels.
Get a more detailed answer ›
6
Which is better... Mirena (levonorgestrel) or copper t?
See below: They are both good options with different advantages: copper t - smaller diameter for easier insertion, no hormone, lasts for 10 years mirena - Progesterone results in lighter periods and in some cases no periods, lasts 5 yrs. ...Read more
7
Are copper iuds safe for wilson's disease patients?
Unknown: Speak with your wilson's specialist first. Then it might be best to have patch testing with an allergist to see if you react to the copper. Very likely it is safe, but there are other alternatives.....Why take the chance? ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer
8
How do the copper iuds (paraguard) work?
Inflamation: The IUD causes inflammation in the uterus which causes the sperm to not survive. ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer
9
Can you tell me all I need to know about copper coil?
Not in 400 taps: Are answers here are restricted to 400 characters (including letters, spaces and punctuation). That is not enough to discuss all you need to know about most things. We all wish it could be that easy! However, here is a great pamphlet that can answer many of your questions. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/sex-birth-control/birth-control/intrauterine-device-iud.html ...Read more
10
What percent women with IUD copper get pregnant?
Less than 1%: Less than 1% of women with copper iud get pregnant with the iud in place. It is a very effective form of birth control. ...Read more
11
What all copper tests are mainly used to detect copper deficiency anemia?
Copper: To assess copper, I usually test serum copper, serum zinc, and ceruloplasmin. Anemia workup also includes: Iron studies, reticulocyte count, and testing for lead toxicity. ...Read more
12
Which one is a more trusted marker for copper deficiency anemia - 1. Serum Copper levels or 2. Serum Ceruloplasmin level?
Serum copper, but...: "Copper deficiency anemia" is extremely rare. If you're actually being screened for Wilson's, which is quite common, it's a different story -- urine copper is preferable to either. If you're not overdoing oral zinc & haven't had bypass surgery, this is an extreme long shot needing a very low serum copper and confirmation with a bone marrow study. ...Read more
13
How effective is the copper IUD (paraguard) to prevent pregnancy?
As good as tubal: Iuds are the most effective method of bc--as effective as sterilization), and the copper iud lasts 10 years. Low rates of side effects, very easy, safe, and effective. ...Read more
See 2 more doctor answers
14
I have a copper IUD but need to start taking the pill for non-contraceptive purposes. Can i leave the non-hormonal IUD in while on the pill?
Yes, leave it in: You can definitely use hormonal contraception while an iud is in place. Especially if you are not sure how long you will need the other treatment. Copper iuds last a very long time, and it would be a shame to remove it if you were otherwise happy using it. ...Read more
15
For what reasons might a chelated zinc supplement contain copper?
Simple reason!: Zinc in high doses treats wilson's disease, a copper overdose syndrome caused by absorption of too much copper. Zinc competes to some exent with copper absorption in the intestine, so adding copper (usually 2mg) is a good idea, as not to cause copper deficiency! ...Read more
16
Do the tommy copper products being sold for arthritis work?
No: The overall answer is no. There are no simple treatments for arthritis like a copper bracelet. However, will you find people who swear their arthritis is gone after using such treatment? Yes u will. All i can say is they most likely did not have arthritis to start. Arthritis can be treated well but it is a lifelong treatment just like diabetes and high blood pressure for example. ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer
17
Ammonia 88, Thiamin, Whole Blood 66, Vit B6 4, Copper 1.57,Alpha-Tocopherol 19, Copper Conc 8, U Copper 6. Is this something I should be concern about?
Ask ur doc: I am sorry but I can not interpret lab data without a history and physical. So ask your doctor ...Read more
18
I have Low caeruloplamin 0.19g/L and low serum copper 12.5 umol/L - units (Australian). Do I have Wilson Disease? or Copper deficiency? Thanks.
Finish workup: If there is any concern at all that you have Wilson's, get a proper screen -- urinary copper and perhaps a genetic screen if you've got suggestive symptoms. Missing Wilson's leads to one of the most grisly deaths possible. Managing it is easy. Your ceruloplasmin is trivially low and reference ranges are set so that a few percent of healthies are outside on either end. ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer
19
What are copper IUD side effects ?
Few: Women with the copper IUD report heavier periods for the first 3-6 months that then normalize. It is nonhormonal and is appopriate for women with and without kids ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer
20
Which is a better IUD - paragard or mirena (levonorgestrel)?
Yes: which is better-- an apple or an orange? both have advantages and disadvantages; it's a personal choice. ( most patients chose Mirena) ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answer