Listener's Questions Answered with Dr. Cathy Pederson

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Pederson answers listener questions about POTS. She discusses why POTS often affects young women, suggesting potential links to autoimmune predispositions and hormonal changes, but emphasizes that the precise reasons remain unknown. The episode also covers the role of sodium in the body, explaining that POTS patients may excrete sodium more rapidly, necessitating increased intake for symptom management. Dr. Pederson explains the complexities of FDA drug approval, clarifying that while many POTS medications are used off-label, they are often approved for other conditions. Additionally, she addresses why medical research can be prolonged and the reasons different individuals may have varied responses to the same medication, including genetic and metabolic factors. She shares insights into why medications might cease to work over time, possibly due to tolerance. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of factors influencing POTS management and treatment responses.