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What Causes Metallic Smell From The Hands?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016
Question: I have noticed that my hands - finger tips smell like copper or metallic sometimes - I have been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism and just started noticing this a few months ago
seems to happen on weekends oddly enough
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please provide Medication history

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can certainly understand your concern.

I would like to know the list medications which you are currently using.


Based on your answer, l would like to evaluate if any drug is responsible for this abnormal smell from your fingers.


Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (12 hours later)
I take metformin 500mg per day and armour thyroid - forgot the dosage but it is 2 pills 2x a day.

I understand that I am insulin resistant and pre-diabetic but I have been this for 20 years when I was diagnosed so I do not understand why all of a sudden I notice this smell which others can smell also when I asked them to smell my fingers.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Get blood levels of ketone bodies tested

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

Neither Metformin nor Thyroxin will cause this kind of smell.

The copper /metallic smell could probably result from excessive synthesis of ketone bodies, which are considered to be metabolic products of abnormal fat metabolism.

This scenario is quite common in diabetics and those who are on Metformin.

Hence, for confirmation I advise you to get blood and urine levels of ketone bodies tested.

Further management if any is largely based on your test results.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.



Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 3646 Questions

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What Causes Metallic Smell From The Hands?

Brief Answer: Please provide Medication history Detailed Answer: Hello, Madam. I can certainly understand your concern. I would like to know the list medications which you are currently using. Based on your answer, l would like to evaluate if any drug is responsible for this abnormal smell from your fingers. Thank you.