Definitions of Medical Terms

Androgen – a male hormone that stimulates development and maintenance of male characteristics. Testosterone is the major androgen in the body.

Endometrium – the lining of the uterus

Estrogen – female hormone produced by the ovaries

Fallopian Tube – tube that connects the ovary to the uterus

Follicle Stimulating Hormone – hormone that promotes the growth and development of eggs in the ovary

Glucose – sugar that provides energy to your body. Glucose is made from carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Hirsutism (hir-suit-ism) – excess growth of hair on the face and body caused by too much androgen production

Hormones – a chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.

Infertility – the inability to become pregnant after one year

Insulin – a hormone in the pancreas that helps control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your body.

Insulin Resistance – a reduced sensitivity to how insulin works in your body, which makes it harder to control the level of glucose.

Lutenizing Hormone – hormone that promotes the release of sex hormones by the ovary

Ovaries – female sex gland that produces eggs, estrogen and progesterone

Ovulation – the release of a mature egg from the ovary, which usually happens every 25 to 30 days.

Progesterone – female hormone that prepares the uterus to receive and develop a fertilized egg

Testosterone – male sex hormone that develops the male characteristics