Aldosterone

Hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure and balance electrolytes by promoting sodium retention and potassium excretion

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

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

Antidiuretic Hormone

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

Diabetes Mellitus

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

Epinephrine

Hormone and neurotransmitter, aka 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 

Fasting Blood Sugar

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

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in reproductive processes

Ex: maturation of eggs in females and production of sperm in males 

Graves' Disease

Autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to overproduction of thyroid hormones

Human Growth Hormone

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in the body, particularly during childhood and adolescence

Diabetes Mellitus

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

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

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 

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Test that measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a glucose-containing solution to diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes

Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Therapy using radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells, commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid gland 

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone 

Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by stimulating the thyroid gland

Named after: Thomas Addison

A condition caused by adrenal insufficiency, resulting in reduced production of cortisol and aldosterone.

Symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, and weight loss

Cushing's Syndrome

Named after: Harvey Cushing

Disorder caused by excessive cortisol levels, often due to a pituitary adenoma or long-term corticosteroid use.

Symptoms: moon face, central obesity, purple striae, and hypertension

Named after: Hakaru Hashimoto

Autoimmune disorder leading to hypothyroidism due to chronic inflammation of the thyroid.

Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin

Named after: Paul Langerhans

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

Amniocentesis

Diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid, often to detect chromosomal abnormalities or infections during pregnancy

Bacterial Vaginosis

Common vaginal infection caused an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina, often resulting in unusual discharge, odor, and irritation

Cesarean Section

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

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Treatment involving supplemental hormones, typically estrogen and/or progesterone, used to alleviate symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances 

Human Papillomaviruses

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

Hysteroscopy

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

Intrauterine Device

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

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Specialized unit in a hospital that provides intensive care to premature or critically ill newborns 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

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

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/Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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

Named after: Caspar Bartholin the Younger

Paired glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete mucus to lubricate the vulva.

Named after: William Cowper

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