A
Acanthosis Nigricans
A skin disorder marked by increased pigmentation or color, most
frequently tan to dark brown or black, and most commonly seen on
the back of the neck and in skin creases under arms, breasts,
between the thighs and occasionally on the hands, elbows and
knees. The darkened skin usually has a thickening described as
velvety or rough to the touch and is a common symptom of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
Acne
Another PCOS symptom, this skin condition linked to additional oil production in the hair
follicle stimulated by overproduction of androgens (male
hormones).
Acrochordons
Also known as "skin tags", tiny flaps of skin under the arms,
around the neck or in the groin region are commonly found on
PCOS sufferers.
Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride)
A drug that decreases insulin resistance in peripheral and
hepatic tissue; it is in a class of anti-diabetic drugs called "thiazolidinediones"
that are used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
Adhesion
Web-like growths of scar tissue that bind any of the pelvic organs to one another. This may be caused by surgery, injury or endometriosis and commonly causes pelvic pain.
Adrenal glands
Located above each kidney, adrenal glands are comprised of an
outer wall (cortex) that secretes important steroid hormones (aldosterone,
cortisol, testosterone, estrone) and an inner portion (medulla)
that produces epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. These
hormones influence many vital functions such as heart rate,
blood pressure, the way the body uses food, adapts to stress and
expresses sexual characteristics.
Adrenocortical hormones
Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex; e.g., cortisol,
aldosterone and androgens (testosterone).
Aldactone (spironolactone)
A potassium sparing diuretic used in hirsutism, PCOS, congestive
heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease,
hypertension and in resistant cases of low potassium (hypokalemia).
It is also used to counteract the effects of excessive adrenal
aldosterone production (as from an adrenal tumor) which
influences sodium retention, potassium excretion and blood
volume.
Alopecia
Baldness; this condition entails loss of hair, complete or
partial, resulting from aging, genetic expression or some type
of disease process. Male pattern baldness is a symptom of PCOS.
Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss
of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the
brain leading to loss of cognitive function including memory and
language. It is the most well known type of dementia.
Amenorrhea
The absence of a menstrual cycle; either primary (failure to
begin menstruating by age 16) or secondary (no menstrual cycle
for 3 or more months in women who previously had a menstrual
cycle).
Androgenic
Pertaining to the development of male characteristics, including body hair, the genital organs and muscle mass.
Androgens
A generic term for compounds such as steroid hormones
(testosterone) associated with the development and maintenance
of masculine characteristics.
Androstenedione
An androgenic steroid produced by the testis, adrenal cortex and
ovary. Androstenedione can be converted metabolically to
testosterone and estrone (estrogen pathway).
Anemia
A low red blood cell count. This is caused by heavy menstrual bleeding or other blood loss. The most obvious symptom is fatigue.
Anesthetic
Drugs used to prevent pain during surgery or other procedures. A general anesthetic makes the person unconscious. A local anesthetic numbs the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anesthetics may be combined with sedatives to make a person relaxed and sleepy but not unconscious.
Anovulation
The absence of ovulation.
Antibiotics
Drugs used to kill bacterial or fungal infections.
Anticonvulsants
Drugs originally developed to treat epileptic seizures, but which may have other useful effects on the nervous system and the body's ability to perceive pain.
Antral Follicle Cound
Resting follicles that are found on the ovary at the beginning of each menstrual cycle. They are approximately 2-8 mm in size. These can be an indication of the ovarian reserve of a woman. A high antral follicle count indicates that a woman has a large number of eggs remaining in her ovary, and sometimes PCOS. Low antral follicle counts show the opposite, that a woman may have a reduced number of eggs and therefore reduced fertility. Doctors can determine the number of antral follicles through a transvaginal ultrasound.
Arteriosclerosis
Literally the hardening and thickening of the arteries. This
condition, divided into three distinct variants, can occur due
to build up of fat deposits (plaque) on the inner walls of
arteries (atherosclerosis), calcification of the wall of the
arteries (Monckeberg's medial calcific sclerosis), or thickening
of the muscular wall of small arteries and arterioles
(arteriolosclerosis).
Assisted Hatching (AH)
Assisted hatching occurs in the lab prior to the embryo transfer. Before the embryo can implant in the uterine wall, it must break out of its membrane. In some women, particularly older women, this membrane has become hardened, making it difficult for the embryo to hatch and implant. The technician will use a laser or a mild acid to thin the shell which then helps in the hatching.
Atherosclerosis
A form of arteriosclerosis that occurs when fatty deposits
called plaque cling to the interior walls of the arteries
causing narrowing and blockages which can lead to heart attacks,
stroke and embolism.
Autoimmune disease
Illness that occurs when body tissues are attacked by their
own immune system. It is felt that estrogen in females may
influence the immune system to predispose some women to
autoimmune diseases. Examples of autoimmune diseases include
Juvenile (Type I) Diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus,
Sjogren syndrome, Hashimoto thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis,
Addison disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia and pulmonary
fibrosis.
Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate)
A drug that increases insulin sensitivity, it is in a class of
anti-diabetic drugs called "thiazolidinediones" that are used in
the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
5 Alpha Reductase
An enzyme responsible for converting the hormone testosterone
into its more active form, dihydrotestosterone.
[A] B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click here to read
about
PCOS and High Cholesterol
|
