GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
Anovulation
The absence of ovulation.
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).
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.
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