ALD = Aldosterone

• A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and balance electrolytes by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion.

ACTH = Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps regulate stress, metabolism, and immune response.

ADH = Antidiuretic Hormone

• A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland that regulates water balance in the body by reducing urine production and increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.

DKA = Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

• A serious complication of diabetes where the body produces high levels of blood acids (ketones) due to insufficient insulin, often accompanied by high blood sugar levels and dehydration.

DM = Diabetes Mellitus

• A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production (type 1) or resistance to insulin (type 2).

EPI, Epi = Epinephrine

• A hormone and neurotransmitter, also known as adrenaline, produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, blood flow, and energy availability.

FBS = Fasting Blood Sugar

• A test that measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast to help diagnose diabetes or monitor blood sugar control.

FSH = Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in reproductive processes, including the maturation of eggs in females and the production of sperm in males.

GD = Graves’ Disease

• An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones.

HGH = Human Growth Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

LADA = Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

• A form of type 1 diabetes that develops more slowly and typically occurs in adults, often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes due to its gradual onset.

OGTT = Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

• A test that measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a glucose-containing solution to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes.

RAI = Radioactive Iodine Treatment

• A therapy using radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells, commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.

TSH = Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by stimulating the thyroid gland.

Addison's Disease

• Named After: Thomas Addison, a British physician.

A condition caused by adrenal insufficiency, leading to reduced production of cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, and weight loss.

Cushing's Syndrome

• Named After: Harvey Cushing, an American neurosurgeon.

A disorder caused by excessive cortisol levels, often due to a pituitary adenoma or long-term corticosteroid use. Symptoms include moon face, central obesity, purple striae, and hypertension.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Named After: Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese physician.

An autoimmune disorder leading to hypothyroidism due to chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.

Islets of Langerhans

• Named After: Paul Langerhans, a German pathologist.

Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. Dysfunction can lead to diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders.

AMN = Amniocentesis

• A diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid, often used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or infections during pregnancy.

BV = Bacterial Vaginosis

• A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina, often resulting in unusual discharge, odor, and irritation.

C-section = Cesarean Section

• A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus, often performed when a vaginal delivery is unsafe.

HRT = Hormone Replacement Therapy

• A treatment involving supplemental hormones, typically estrogen and/or progesterone, used to alleviate symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances.

HPV = Human Papillomaviruses

• A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and are associated with cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancer in both men and women.

HYS = Hysteroscopy

• A minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, lighted scope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina to examine the uterine cavity and treat abnormalities.

IUD = Intrauterine Device

• A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus for long-term contraception, available in hormonal and non-hormonal (copper) types.

NICU = Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• A specialized unit in a hospital that provides intensive care to premature or critically ill newborns.

PID = Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

• An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, which can lead to infertility if untreated.

PMS = Premenstrual Syndrome

• A group of symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and irritability, that occur in the days leading up to menstruation.

STIs, STDs= Sexually Transmitted Infections or Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Infections transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.

Bartholin's Glands

• Named After: Caspar Bartholin the Younger, a Danish anatomist.

Paired glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete mucus to lubricate the vulva. Infections of these glands can result in Bartholin's cysts or abscesses, causing pain and swelling in the vulvar region.

Cowper's Glands

• Named After: William Cowper, an English anatomist.

Also known as the bulbourethral glands, they are small glands in males that produce a pre-ejaculate fluid to neutralize acidity in the urethra. These glands play a role in enhancing sperm viability during ejaculation and reducing damage to sperm caused by residual urine.

Hegar's Sign

• Named After: Alfred Hegar, a German gynecologist.

A clinical sign characterized by the softening of the lower uterine segment during early pregnancy. This is used as an early indicator of pregnancy during pelvic exams.