Glossary

ACE inhibitor(s): angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. A drug that is 

used to lower blood pressure. 

acidic: produces acid, a sour substance. 

acupuncture: the technique of inserting thin needles through the skin at 

specific points on the body to control 

pain and other symptoms. It is a type 

of complementary and alternative 

medicine. 

addiction: uncontrollable craving, seeking, and use of a substance such as a 

drug or alcohol. 

Addison’s disease: an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs when the 

adrenal glands do not produce enough 

of the hormone cortisol and, in some 

cases, the hormone aldosterone. The 

disease is characterized by weight loss,

muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood 

pressure, and sometimes darkening of 

the skin. 

advance directive(s): a legal document

that states the treatment or care a 

person wishes to receive or not receive 

if he or she becomes unable to make 

medical decisions; for example, as a 

result of being unconscious. Some 

types of advance directives are living 

wills and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) 

orders. 

AIDS: see HIV/AIDS. 

Alzheimer’s disease: a brain disease that 

cripples the brain’s nerve cells over 

time and destroys memory and learning. It usually starts in late middle age 

or old age and gets worse over time.

Symptoms include loss of memory,

confusion, problems in thinking, and 

changes in language, behavior, and 

personality. 

amniotic fluid: clear, slightly yellowish 

liquid that surrounds the unborn baby 

or fetus during pregnancy. 

anemia: when the amount of red blood 

cells, or hemoglobin, which is the 

substance in the blood that carries 

oxygen to organs, is below normal.

Anemia can cause severe fatigue. 

anesthesia: drugs or substances that 

cause loss of feeling or awareness. Local anesthetics cause loss of feeling in 

a part of a person’s body. General anesthetics put a person to sleep. 

angiotensin converting enzymes: substances in the body that cause the 

blood vessels to narrow and blood 

pressure to increase. Angiotensin 

converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors 

are drugs that help relax blood vessels,

which decreases blood pressure. 

angiotensin II receptor blockers 

(ARBs): drugs that decrease blood 

pressure by blocking the effects of 

angiotensin II, a hormone that causes 

blood vessels to narrow. 

antibodies: blood proteins made by certain white blood cells called B cells 

in response to germs or other foreign 

substances that enter the body. Antibodies help the body fight illness 

and disease by attaching to germs and 

marking them for destruction. 

Glossary 437
antibody rheumatoid factor (RF or 

rheumatoid factor): a marker in the 

blood that shows a person has rheumatoid arthritis, a type of arthritis in 

which a person’s own body triggers 

inflammation or other responses in 

the joints, nerves, lungs, or skin. 

antidepressant(s): drug(s) used to treat 

depression. 

antigens: germs or other foreign substances that enter the body and cause 

the immune system to make a specific 

immune response, such as fever or inflammation. 

antimicrobial drugs: drugs that kill 

microorganisms, such as bacteria or 

mold, or stop them from growing and 

causing disease. 

antiphospholipid antibody syndrome:

an autoimmune disorder in which the 

body’s own immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack 

normal components of the blood,

causing clots. 

antiretroviral drugs: drugs that inhibit 

the ability of HIV or other types of 

retroviruses to multiply in the body. 

anxiety disorder: a serious medical illness that fills people’s lives with anxiety and fear. Some anxiety disorders 

include panic disorder, obsessivecompulsive disorder, posttraumatic 

stress disorder, social phobia or social 

anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and 

generalized anxiety disorder. 

artery: a blood vessel that carries oxygen 

and blood from the heart to tissues 

and organs in the body. 

arthritis: swelling, redness, warmth, and 

pain of the joints, the places where 

two bones meet, such as the elbow or 

knee. There are more than 100 types 

of arthritis. 

artificial insemination: a process of 

introducing semen into the female 

reproductive tract by ways other than 

sexual intercourse. A woman or a couple experiencing infertility may go to 

a doctor for artificial insemination to 

increase the likelihood of pregnancy. 

assisted reproductive technology 

(ART): a term used to describe several methods used to help infertile couples conceive. ART involves removing 

eggs from a woman’s body, mixing 

them with sperm in the laboratory,

and putting the embryos back into a 

woman’s body. In vitro fertilization is 

one type. 

asthma: a chronic disease of the lungs.

Symptoms include cough, wheezing, a 

tight feeling in the chest and trouble 

breathing. 

atopic dermatitis: dry and itchy skin,

caused by certain diseases, irritating 

substances, allergies, or a person’s genetic makeup. 

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder 

(ADHD): a condition that starts in 

childhood that causes problems with 

hyperactivity, impulsivity, controlling 

behavior, and/or paying attention. 

autoantibodies: blood proteins produced by the body’s immune system 

that are meant to neutralize and destroy germs or other foreign substances, but instead attack healthy cells of 

the body. 

438 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
autoimmune disease or disorder: a condition in which the body’s immune 

system recognizes its own healthy tissues as foreign and directs an immune 

response or attack against them. 

bacteria: microorganisms that exist 

all around us. Most bacteria are not 

harmful, and some protect us from 

harmful agents. Some bacteria can 

cause illness. 

behavioral therapy: also called 

cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type 

of psychotherapy that helps people 

change the way they behave and react 

to certain situations. 

benzene: a chemical that is used widely 

by the chemical industry and is also 

found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and gasoline fumes. Exposure 

to benzene may increase the risk of 

developing leukemia. 

beta blockers: a type of medication that 

reduces nerve impulses to the heart 

and blood vessels, which makes the 

heart beat slower and with less force. 

bile acid resins: drugs that help lower 

cholesterol levels in the blood by 

binding in the intestines with cholesterol-containing bile acids, which are 

then eliminated in the stool. 

biopsy: the removal of body tissues for 

examination under a microscope or 

for other tests on the tissue. 

bipolar disorder: a brain disorder that 

causes unusual, severe shifts in a 

person’s mood, energy, and ability to 

function. It causes dramatic mood 

swings—from overly “high” and/or 

irritable to sad and hopeless, and then 

back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. 

birth control pill: see oral contraceptive. 

birth defect: a problem that happens 

while a baby is developing in the 

mother’s body. Most birth defects 

happen during the first 3 months of 

pregnancy and may affect how the baby’s body looks, works, or both. They 

can range from mild to severe. 

bladder: the organ in the human body

that stores urine. It is found in the 

lower part of the abdomen. 

blood clot: a mass of blood that forms 

when blood platelets, proteins, and 

cells stick together. When a blood 

clot is attached to the wall of a blood 

vessel, it is called a thrombus. When 

it moves through the bloodstream and 

blocks the flow of blood in another 

part of the body, it is called an embolus. 

blood glucose level: also called blood 

sugar level, it is the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Too much 

glucose in the blood for a long time 

can cause diabetes and damage many 

parts of the body, such as the heart,

blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. 

blood pressure: the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries.

Blood pressure is taken using two 

measurements: systolic (measured 

when the heart beats, when blood 

pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heartbeats,

when blood pressure is at its lowest).

Blood pressure is written with the 

systolic blood pressure first, followed 

Glossary 439
by the diastolic blood pressure, such 

as 120/80. 

blood sugar level: see blood glucose

level. 

blood vessel: a tube through which the 

blood circulates in the body. Blood 

vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and 

veins. 

bone density test: a test to measure the 

bone density, or thickness of bone.

This test is used to diagnose and

monitor osteoporosis, a disease in 

which bones become thin and can 

easily break. 

bone marrow disease or disorder: a 

problem with the bone marrow, or the 

soft, sponge-like tissue in the center 

of some bones that contains immature 

cells called stem cells. The stem cells 

can develop into the red blood cells 

that carry oxygen through your body,

the white blood cells that fight infections, and the platelets that help with 

blood clotting. 

bone marrow transplant: a method that 

takes bone marrow from a suitable 

donor and transfers it into another 

person to replace bone marrow that is 

diseased or that has been destroyed.

Bone marrow is a soft tissue containing young blood cells and platelets,

the source of various blood cells,

found in the hollow center of bones. 

calcium channel blockers: drugs that 

decrease the heart’s pumping strength 

and relax blood vessels, decreasing 

blood pressure. 

cancer: a term for diseases in which abnormal cells in the body divide without control. Cancer cells can invade 

nearby tissues and can spread to other 

parts of the body through the blood 

and lymphatic system, which is a network of tissues that clears infections 

and keeps body fluids in balance. 

carbon monoxide: a poisonous gas that 

has no color or odor. It is given off 

by burning fuel, such as from exhaust 

from cars or household heaters and 

tobacco products. Carbon monoxide 

prevents red blood cells in the body 

from carrying enough oxygen for cells 

and tissues to live. 

carcinogen: any substance that causes 

cancer. 

cardiovascular disease (CVD): a class of 

diseases that affect the heart, or blood 

vessels, or both. 

celiac disease: a digestive disease that 

damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients 

from food. When people with celiac 

disease eat foods containing gluten,

their immune system responds by 

damaging the small intestine. 

cervix: the lower, narrow part of the 

uterus or womb. The cervix forms 

a canal that opens into the vagina,

which leads to the outside of the 

body. 

cesarean section or C-section: a surgery 

by which a baby is delivered through 

an abdominal incision in the mother. 

chemotherapy: treatment with anticancer drugs. 

440 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
chicken pox: a disease caused by the 

varicella-zoster virus, which results in 

a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness,

and fever. 

cholesterol: a waxy, fat-like substance 

made in the liver and found in the 

blood and in all cells of the body. It 

is important for good health and is 

needed for making cell walls, tissues,

hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid.

Cholesterol also comes from eating 

foods taken from animals, such as egg 

yolks, meat, and whole-milk dairy 

products. Too much cholesterol in the 

blood may build up in blood vessel 

walls, block blood flow to tissues and 

organs, and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. In the 

blood, cholesterol is bound to chemicals called lipoproteins. 

cholesterol absorption inhibitors:

medicines that help lower blood cholesterol by reducing the amount of 

cholesterol absorbed by the intestines. 

chronic disease or illness: a disease or 

condition that persists or progresses 

over a long period of time. 

chronic kidney failure: a condition in 

which the kidneys slowly lose their 

ability to function properly, and excess 

fluids and waste accumulate in the 

blood. Chronic kidney failure worsens 

slowly and can be caused by health 

problems such as high blood pressure 

and diabetes. 

chronic liver disease: a class of diseases,

such as hepatitis C, liver cancer, and 

cirrhosis, that slowly destroy liver tissue over time. 

chronic pain syndrome: a syndrome 

that affects a person’s ability to function normally every day from a complex relation between body and mind 

influencing the level of pain felt by 

someone with chronic pain. The frustrating nature of the pain may cause 

emotional stress, psychological issues 

such as anxiety or depression, and addiction to pain-relieving medications. 

chronic pancreatitis: a persistent inflammation of the pancreas, the organ 

that makes enzymes used for digestion and insulin, which regulates the 

use of blood glucose throughout the 

body. With this condition, digestive 

enzymes attack and destroy the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing scarring and pain. 

cirrhosis: a type of chronic, progressive 

liver disease in which liver cells are 

replaced by scar tissue. 

citrate: a substance in the urine that 

helps prevent the formation of calcium crystals. A patient with low urine 

citrate levels is at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. 

citrulline antibodies test (CCP test):

a test that detects the presence of citrulline antibodies in the blood, which 

are usually present in patients with 

rheumatoid arthritis. The CCP test 

has been shown to detect rheumatoid 

arthritis earlier than the rheumatoid 

factor test. 

cleft lip or palate: abnormalities present at birth that affect the upper lip 

and the hard and soft palates of the 

mouth. Features range from a small 

notch in the lip to a complete fissure, 

Glossary 441
or groove, extending into the roof of 

the mouth and nose. These features 

may occur separately or together. 

clitoris: an external female sex organ 

located near the top of the inner labia of the vagina. The clitoris is very 

sensitive to the touch, and for most 

women it is a center of sexual pleasure. 

colorectal cancer screening: tests 

to check for cancer, precancerous 

growths, or other abnormal conditions of the colon and rectum. 

computed tomography (CT) scan: also 

called CAT scan. A series of detailed 

pictures of areas inside the body taken 

from different angles; the pictures are 

created by a computer linked to an 

x-ray machine. 

connective tissue: supporting tissue that 

surrounds other tissues and organs.

Specialized connective tissue includes 

bone, cartilage, blood, and fat. 

contractions: when a woman’s uterus, or 

womb, tightens, or contracts, during 

the birthing process. 

conventional medicine: a system in 

which medical doctors and other 

health care professionals (such as 

nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) 

treat symptoms and diseases using 

drugs, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Also called Western medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine,

biomedicine, and allopathic medicine. 

coronary angiography: a test that uses 

dye and special x-rays to show the 

inside of the coronary arteries, which 

supply blood and oxygen to the heart. 

coronary artery disease (CAD): the 

most common type of heart disease 

that results from atherosclerosis—the 

gradual buildup of plaque in the 

coronary arteries, the blood vessels 

that bring blood to the muscles of the 

heart. 

creatinine: a substance that is made by 

the body, found in the muscles, and 

used to store energy. 

Cushing’s syndrome: a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of 

the body’s tissues to high levels of the 

hormone cortisol. 

cyst: a sac or capsule in the body. It may 

be filled with fluid or other material. 

cystic fibrosis (CF): one of the most 

common serious genetic, or inherited,

diseases. CF causes the body to make 

abnormal secretions. This leads to 

mucus buildup, which impairs organs 

such as the pancreas, the intestine,

and the lungs. 

cytomegalovirus (CMV): a virus that 

may be carried in an inactive state 

for life by healthy persons. But it can 

cause severe pneumonia in people 

with suppressed immune systems and 

lifelong disabilities in babies. 

dehydration: an excessive loss of body 

water that is necessary to carry on 

normal functions at an optimal level.

Signs include increasing thirst, dry 

mouth, weakness or light-headedness 

(particularly if worse on standing),

and a darkening of the urine or a decrease in urination. 

depression: also called major depressive 

disorder or clinical depression, it is a 

442 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
serious medical illness that involves 

the brain in which feelings of sadness and the “blues” do not go away.

Symptoms include sadness, loss of 

interest or pleasure in activities once 

enjoyed, change in weight, problems 

sleeping or oversleeping, energy 

loss, feelings of worthlessness, and 

thoughts of death or suicide. There are 

effective treatments—most people do 

best with both talk therapy and medicines. 

dermatitis: see atopic dermatitis. 

diabetes: a disease in which blood glucose or blood sugar levels are above 

normal. Type 2 diabetes, once known 

as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is 

the most common form of diabetes. 

This form of diabetes usually begins 

with insulin resistance, a condition in 

which fat, muscle, and liver cells do 

not use insulin, a hormone that allows 

glucose to enter body cells for energy,

properly. At first, the pancreas keeps 

up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, though,

it loses the ability to secrete enough 

insulin in response to meals. Being 

overweight and inactive increases the 

chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, once called juvenile 

or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a 

lifelong disease that occurs when the 

pancreas does not produce enough 

insulin to properly control blood glucose levels. 

diaphragm: a birth control device consisting of a thin flexible disk, usually 

made of rubber, that is designed to 

cover the cervix to prevent the entry 

of sperm during sexual intercourse. 

dietitian or registered dietitian: a food 

and nutrition expert who can help a 

person choose healthy foods and plan 

menus. 

disability: a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents 

“normal” achievement in a particular 

function. 

discrimination: treating a person or 

group of people unfairly because of 

prejudice or a bias toward a certain 

racial group, ethnic group, or sex. 

diuretic: a type of medication sometimes 

called a “water pill” because it works 

in the kidney and flushes excess water 

and sodium from the body. 

DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid. The molecules inside the body’s cells that carry 

genetic information and pass it from 

one generation to the next. 

DNA test: a lab test on a small blood 

sample of a person to diagnose a genetic disorder, to find out if a person 

or his or her relatives are carriers of 

the mutated gene for a genetic disorder, or to find out if an unborn baby 

has inherited a genetic disorder. 

douches: see douching. 

douching: using water or a medicated 

solution to clean the vagina and 

cervix. 

Down syndrome: the most frequent 

genetic cause for mild to moderate mental retardation and related 

medical problems. It is caused by a 

chromosomal abnormality. For an unGlossary 443
known reason, a change in cell growth 

results in 47 instead of the usual 46 

chromosomes. This extra chromosome 

changes the orderly development of 

the body and brain. 

eating disorder: a disorder that involves 

serious problems with normal eating 

behaviors, such as feelings of distress 

and concern about body shape or 

weight, severe overeating, or starving 

oneself. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia 

nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are 

types of eating disorders. 

ectopic pregnancy: a pregnancy that 

does not occur in the uterus. It happens when a fertilized egg settles and 

grows in a place other than the inner 

lining of the uterus. Most ectopic 

pregnancies happen in the fallopian 

tube, but can happen in the ovary,

cervix, or abdominal cavity. 

eczema: a group of conditions in which 

the skin becomes inflamed, forms 

blisters, and becomes crusty, thick,

and scaly. Eczema causes burning and 

itching and may occur over a long period of time. Atopic dermatitis is the 

most common type of eczema. 

emergency contraception: emergency 

birth control, used to help keep a 

woman from getting pregnant after 

she has had sex without using birth 

control. 

endometrial cancer: cancer that develops from the endometrium, or the inner lining of the uterus or womb. 

endometriosis: a condition in which 

tissue that normally lines the uterus 

grows in other areas of the body, usually inside the abdominal cavity, but 

acts as if it were inside the uterus. 

Blood shed monthly from the misplaced tissue has no place to go, and 

tissues surrounding the area of endometriosis may become inflamed or 

swollen. This can produce scar tissue.

Symptoms can include painful menstrual cramps that can be felt in the 

abdomen or lower back, pain during 

or after sexual activity, irregular bleeding, and infertility. 

endometrium: the layer of tissue that 

lines the uterus. 

epidural: a type of anesthesia in which 

a needle is inserted into the epidural 

space at the end of the spine to numb 

the lower body and reduce pain. 

epilepsy: a physical disorder that involves recurrent seizures. It is caused 

by sudden changes in how the brain 

works. 

esophagus: the muscular tube through 

which food passes from the throat to 

the stomach. 

estrogen: a group of female hormones 

that are responsible for the development of breasts and other secondary 

sex characteristics in women. Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and 

other body tissues. Estrogen, along 

with the hormone progesterone, is 

important in preparing a woman’s 

body for pregnancy. 

exploitation: an act that victimizes 

someone, or the personal gain from 

the resources or labors of others for 

selfish reasons. 

444 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
fibrates: cholesterol-lowering drugs that 

are primarily effective in lowering 

triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, in 

increasing HDL cholesterol levels. 

fibroids: see uterine fibroids. 

fibromyalgia (FM): a disorder that 

causes aches and pain all over the 

body, and involves “tender points” on 

specific places on the neck, shoulders,

back, hips, arms, and legs that hurt 

when pressure is put on them. 

folate: a B vitamin found naturally in 

some foods. It is used in the body to 

make new cells. See folic acid. 

folic acid: a man-made form of folate 

found in supplements and added to 

fortified foods. It is a B vitamin used 

in the body to make new cells. If a 

woman has enough folic acid in her 

body before she is pregnant, it can 

help lower the risk of major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine. 

Fragile X syndrome: a genetic condition 

in which there is a change, or mutation, in a single gene called the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1)

gene. This gene normally makes a 

protein the body needs for the brain 

to develop. But when there is a 

change in this gene, the body makes 

only a little bit or none of the protein, which can cause the symptoms 

of Fragile X. It is the most common 

cause of inherited mental retardation. 

fungal infection: an overgrowth of 

fungus, a plant-like organism. Some 

examples of fungus that grow in the 

body are yeast and molds. 

gallstone: solid material that forms in 

the gallbladder or common bile duct.

Gallstones are made of cholesterol or 

other substances found in the gallbladder. They may occur as one large 

stone or as many small ones and vary 

from the size of a grain of sand to a 

golf ball. 

gastroesophageal reflux (GER): also 

called acid reflux, a condition in 

which the contents of the stomach 

come back up into the esophagus or 

food pipe, causing discomfort. 

gastrointestinal tract: the stomach and 

intestines. The gastrointestinal tract 

is part of the digestive system, which 

also includes the salivary glands,

mouth, esophagus, liver, pancreas,

gallbladder, and rectum. 

gene: the functional and physical unit of 

heredity composed of DNA, which 

has a specific function and is passed 

from parent to offspring. 

gene therapy: a new treatment for replacing defective or missing genes to 

restore normal function. 

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): a 

condition marked by excessive worry 

and feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that lasts 6 months or longer.

Other symptoms include being restless, being tired or irritable, muscle 

tension, not being able to concentrate 

or sleep well, shortness of breath, fast 

heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. 

genetic counseling: a communication 

process between a specially trained 

health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disGlossary 445
 

 

 

 

ease. The person’s family and personal 

medical history may be discussed, and 

counseling may lead to genetic testing. 

genetic testing: analyzing DNA to look 

for a genetic alteration or mutation 

that may show an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder. 

genital mutilation: the partial or total 

cutting away of the external genitalia 

or other injury to the genitals, for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons. 

gestational diabetes: diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. 

glucose challenge screening: a standard test for pregnant women in the 

early part of the third trimester that 

measures how effectively the body 

processes glucose, and helps diagnose 

gestational diabetes. 

growth hormone: also called somatotropin. A protein made by the pituitary 

gland that helps control body growth 

and the use of glucose and fat in the

body. 

gum disease: an infection of the tissues 

that hold a person’s teeth in place. 

harassment: to disturb or bother someone continually. It can be of a sexual,

physical, racial, or other nature. 

HDL cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also sometimes 

called the “good” cholesterol because 

it is the cholesterol in the blood that 

carries cholesterol from other parts of 

the body back to the liver, which leads 

to its removal from the body and prevents its buildup in the walls of the 

arteries. 

heart attack: occurs when blood flow 

to a section of heart muscle becomes 

blocked. If the flow of blood is not 

restored quickly, the section of heart 

muscle becomes damaged from the 

lack of oxygen and begins to die. 

heart disease: a number of abnormal 

conditions affecting the heart and the 

blood vessels in the heart. The most 

common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which is the gradual buildup of plaque in the coronary 

arteries, the blood vessels that bring 

blood to the heart. This disease develops slowly and silently, over decades.

It can go virtually unnoticed until it 

produces a heart attack. 

heart failure: a condition in which the 

heart cannot pump all the blood it receives. This leads to buildup of fluids 

in the body tissues. It does not mean 

that the heart has stopped or is about 

to stop working. However, it is a serious condition that requires medical 

care. 

hepatitis B: a serious disease caused by 

the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver. Infection is lifelong 

and can cause cirrhosis or scarring of 

the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and 

death. 

herbicides: chemicals that kill plants. 

hereditary nonpolypsis colon cancer 

(HNPCC): an inherited disorder in 

which affected people have a higherthan-normal chance of developing 

colorectal cancer and certain other 

types of cancer, often before the age 

of 50. 

446 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
herpes simplex virus (HSV): a virus 

that causes blisters and sores mainly 

around the mouth and genitals. There 

are two types. Type 1 is the most 

common and causes sores around the 

mouth, or cold sores. It is transmitted 

by infected saliva. Type 2 causes sores 

mainly on the genitals and is transmitted sexually. 

high blood pressure: see hypertension. 

HIV/AIDS: human immunodeficiency 

virus (HIV) is the virus that infects 

and destroys the body’s immune cells 

and causes a disease called AIDS, or 

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS occurs in the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when 

a person’s T-cell count goes below 

200 and he or she becomes ill with 

one of the health problems common 

in people with AIDS. HIV/AIDS 

infection is lifelong—there is no cure,

but there are many medicines to fight 

both HIV infection and the infections 

and cancers that come with it. 

hives: red and sometimes itchy bumps 

on the skin, usually caused by an allergic reaction to a drug or a food. 

hormone: a substance produced by one 

tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another tissue to affect a 

function of the body, such as growth 

or metabolism. 

hormone therapy: the use of hormone 

drugs to treat a disease or condition.

When used to treat the symptoms of 

menopause it is called menopausal 

hormone therapy. 

hot flash: a sudden, temporary onset of 

body warmth, flushing, and sweating,

often related to menopause. 

HPV vaccine: a vaccine to help prevent 

infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). 

human papillomavirus (HPV ): a member of a family of viruses that can 

cause abnormal tissue growth, such 

as genital warts, and other changes to 

cells. Infection with certain types of 

HPV increases the risk of developing 

cervical cancer. 

human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 

1 or type 2 (HTLV 1-2): viruses that 

infect T cells, a type of white blood 

cell, and can cause leukemia and lymphoma. HTLV 1-2 is spread by sharing syringes or needles, through blood 

transfusions or sexual contact, and 

from mother to child during birth or 

breastfeeding. 

human trafficking: a form of modernday slavery in which victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion, for 

the purpose of sexual exploitation or 

forced labor. 

hyperemesis gravidarum: extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting during 

pregnancy that may lead to dehydration. 

hypertension: also called high blood 

pressure, it is having blood pressure 

greater than 140 over 90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Long-term high 

blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, including the heart,

kidneys, eyes, and brain. 

Glossary 447
hysterectomy: surgery to remove the 

uterus and, sometimes, the cervix.

When the uterus and part or all of 

the cervix are removed, it is called a 

total hysterectomy. When only the 

uterus is removed, it is called a partial 

hysterectomy. 

immune system: a complex system in 

the body that recognizes and responds 

to foreign and potentially harmful 

substances, such as infections, to protect the body. 

immunization: also called vaccination,

a shot that contains germs that have 

been killed or weakened. When given 

to a healthy person, it triggers the 

immune system to respond and build 

immunity to a disease. 

incontinence: the inability to control 

the flow of urine from the bladder,

called urinary incontinence, or the escape of stool from the rectum, called 

fecal incontinence. 

infertility: a condition in which a couple 

has problems conceiving, or getting 

pregnant, after 1 year of regular sexual 

intercourse without using any birth 

control methods. If a woman keeps 

having miscarriages, it’s also called infertility. Infertility can be caused by a 

problem with the man or the woman,

or both. 

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD):

long-lasting health problems that 

cause inflammation, swelling, and ulcers in the digestive tract. Symptoms 

can include cramping, abdominal 

pain, and severe bloody diarrhea. The 

two main types are ulcerative colitis 

and Crohn’s disease. 

inherited genetic mutation: a change in 

the DNA sequence that parents pass 

on to their children. 

insulin: a hormone that helps glucose,

a type of sugar from the food a person eats, get into cells for energy. In 

people with diabetes, the body does 

not make enough insulin. 

intestines: the long, tube-shaped organ 

in the abdomen that completes the 

process of digestion. The intestine has 

two parts, the small intestine and the 

large intestine, also called the colon or 

bowel. 

intimate partner violence (IPV): abuse 

that occurs between two people in a 

close relationship, including current 

and former spouses and dating partners. 

intrauterine device (IUD): a small device that is placed inside a woman’s 

uterus by a health care provider,

which prevents pregnancy by not allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg.

There are two types of IUDs—a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD. IUDs 

do not protect a woman from HIV/

AIDS or other sexually transmitted 

infections. 

iodine: an element that is necessary for 

the body to make thyroid hormone. It 

is found in shellfish and iodized salt. 

ionizing radiation: a type of radiation 

made or given off by x-rays, radioactive substances, rays that enter the 

Earth’s atmosphere from outer space,

and other sources. At high doses ionizing radiation increases chemical 

activity inside cells and can lead to 

health risks, including cancer. 

448 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a disorder characterized most commonly by 

cramping, abdominal pain, bloating,

constipation, and diarrhea. It causes a 

great deal of discomfort and distress,

but it does not permanently harm the 

intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. 

ischemic stroke: a blockage of blood 

vessels supplying blood to the brain,

causing a decrease in blood supply.

See stroke. 

jaundice: a yellowing of the skin and 

the whites of the eyes, caused by too 

much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish fluid in bile, a fluid 

made by the liver. Although not a 

disease, jaundice can signal a liver or 

gallbladder problem. Newborns can 

develop jaundice, which is only temporary and goes away. 

Kegel exercises: exercises to strengthen 

the pelvic floor muscles, which support the body’s uterus, bladder, and 

bowel. If a person’s pelvic floor muscles are toned, he or she may reduce 

the risk of incontinence and similar 

problems. 

labia: the lip-like structures that surround the vulva and protect the female genitals. The outer set of labia 

are called the labia majora and the 

inner set are the labia minora. 

lactase: an enzyme that breaks down 

lactose, a type of sugar found in milk 

and milk products. 

lactational amenorrhea method 

(LAM): a method of birth control 

that is based on the natural infertility that happens after birth when a 

woman is breastfeeding and is not 

having her period, or is amenorrheic.

The baby suckling at the breast suppresses the hormones in the mother’s 

body that make ovulation take place.

This method is 98 percent effective 

if a woman is exclusively or almost 

exclusively breastfeeding (using very 

little or no infant formula for her 

baby), has not had a menstrual period 

since giving birth, and the baby is less 

than 6 months old. It is most effective 

if a mother breastfeeds often and on 

the baby’s request, both day and night,

without long intervals of time passing 

without a feeding; does not use pacifiers; and does not supplement with 

formula. This method is easy to use,

begins right after birth, and has no 

side effects. It does not offer protection against STIs or HIV. 

lactose intolerance: a digestive disorder 

in which the body cannot digest or 

absorb lactose, a type of sugar found 

in milk and other dairy products. 

LDL cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as the 

“bad” cholesterol because it is the type 

of cholesterol in the blood that is the 

main source of damaging buildup and 

blockage in the arteries. The higher 

a person’s LDL cholesterol level, the 

greater the risk of developing heart 

disease. 

legumes: a class of vegetables that are 

high in protein, including beans, peas,

and lentils. 

leukemia: cancer that starts in bloodforming tissue, such as the bone 

marrow, and causes large numbers of 

Glossary 449
blood cells to be produced and enter 

the bloodstream. 

lipoproteins: substances in the blood 

that carry cholesterol to and from the 

liver. 

low birth weight: having a weight at 

birth that is less than 2500 grams, or 

5 pounds, 8 ounces. 

lupus: also called systemic lupus erythematosus and SLE, it is a chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease 

that can affect the joints and many 

organs, including the skin, heart,

lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. It 

can cause many different symptoms;

however, not everyone with lupus has 

all the symptoms. 

lymph node: a rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a 

capsule of connective tissue. Lymph 

nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid),

and they store white blood cells called 

lymphocytes. 

major depressive disorder: see depression. 

malaria: a mosquito-borne disease 

caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and 

flu-like illness. Left untreated, they 

may develop severe complications and 

die. 

malnourished: lacking the proper nutrition or being unable to absorb nutrients from food. 

mammogram: an x-ray of the breast. 

measles: a highly contagious disease 

marked by fever, cough, and raised 

red spots on the skin. It is caused by 

a virus that usually affects children 

and is spread by coughing or contact 

with fluid from the nose or mouth of 

someone who has been infected. 

melanoma: a disease in which cancer 

cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes, or the cells that color the 

skin. It is the most serious type of 

skin cancer, and it can occur anywhere 

on the body. Possible signs of melanoma include a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented area of 

skin. 

menopausal hormone therapy (MHT):

replaces the hormones that a woman’s 

ovaries stop making at the time of 

menopause, easing symptoms like 

hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It 

involves using man-made estrogen 

alone or estrogen with a progestin,

often in the form of a pill or skin 

patch. MHT used to be called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.

[A recent, large study found that use 

of MHT poses some serious risks,

such as increasing some women’s risk 

of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke,

and pulmonary embolism (blood clot 

in the lung). Women who choose 

to use MHT should use the lowest 

dose that helps for the shortest time 

needed. Talk with your doctor to find 

out if MHT is right for you and discuss other ways to relieve menopausal 

symptoms.] 

menopausal symptoms: symptoms 

that a women can experience during 

menopause, which can include changes in menstruation, hot flashes, night 

sweats, problems sleeping, vaginal 

450 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
dryness and infections, mood changes,

decreased sex drive, and more. 

menopause: the normal change in a 

woman’s life when her period stops.

Menopause is often referred to as 

“the change of life” or “the change.”

During menopause a woman’s body

slowly produces less of the hormones 

estrogen and progesterone. This often 

happens between the ages of 45 and 

55. A woman has reached menopause 

when she has not had a period for 12 

months in a row. 

menstruation: the blood flow from the 

uterus that happens about every 4 

weeks in a woman. From puberty until menopause, menstruation occurs 

about every 28 days when a woman is 

not pregnant. 

metabolic syndrome: a group of conditions that put a patient at risk of heart 

disease and diabetes. These conditions 

include high blood pressure, high 

blood glucose levels, high levels of 

triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and having too much body 

fat around the waist. 

methadone: a morphine-like drug used 

to treat severe pain and to prevent 

withdrawal symptoms in patients who 

are addicted to heroin or to other 

opiates. It may also be used to treat 

severe coughing in patients with lung 

cancer. 

miscarriage: also called a spontaneous 

abortion, it is an unplanned loss of a 

pregnancy before 20 weeks. 

miscarry: see miscarriage. 

mole: a benign growth on the skin that 

is formed by a cluster of melanocytes,

or cells that make the pigment melanin. Moles are usually dark in color 

and may be raised from the skin. 

monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): a 

benign condition in which there is a 

higher-than-normal level of a protein called M protein in the blood.

Patients with this condition are at an 

increased risk of developing cancer. 

mons pubis: the soft mound of flesh 

protecting the pubic bone. 

MSG: monosodium glutamate. A flavor 

enhancer used in some foods. Its use 

has become controversial in the past 

30 years because of reports of adverse 

reactions in people who have eaten 

foods that contain MSG. 

mutated gene: a gene that has changed,

because of mistakes in cell division or 

exposure to DNA-damaging agents 

in the environment. Mutations can 

be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make 

eggs or sperm, they can be inherited;

if mutations occur in other types of 

cells, they are not inherited. Certain 

mutations may lead to cancer or other 

diseases. 

narcotic: an agent or drug that causes 

insensibility or stupor and can relieve 

pain. 

natural family planning: a birth control method that involves not having 

sexual intercourse at the time in a 

woman’s menstrual cycle when she is 

most likely to become pregnant (usually around the time of ovulation). 

Glossary 451
nitrates: medications that relax blood 

vessels and relieve chest pain caused 

by coronary artery disease. 

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 

(NSAIDs): pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These 

medicines are safe and effective when 

taken as directed, but they can cause 

stomach bleeding or kidney problems 

in some people. 

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):

an anxiety disorder in which a person 

has obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, such as cleaning, checking, counting, or hoarding. The person 

becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that 

are senseless and distressing but very 

hard to stop. OCD can be mild or 

severe, but if severe and left untreated 

can stop a person from being able to 

function at work, at school, or even in 

the home. 

oral contraceptive: also called the birth 

control pill or “the pill,” it is a medication that contains the hormones 

estrogen and progestin, or progestin 

only, and is taken to prevent pregnancy. The pill is 95 to 99.9 percent 

effective at preventing pregnancy, but 

it does not protect against HIV and 

other sexually transmitted infections.

Some birth control pills are used to 

treat acne or premenstrual dysphoric 

disorder, the physical and emotional 

symptoms that occur before the menstrual period each month. 

organ failure: when an organ, such as 

the heart or other part of the body 

that performs a specific function,

stops functioning properly. 

osteoarthritis: a joint disease that

mostly affects cartilage, the slippery 

tissue that covers the ends of bones 

in a joint. The top layer of cartilage 

breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub 

together, which causes pain, swelling,

and loss of motion of the joint. 

osteoporosis: a bone disease that is 

characterized by progressive loss of 

bone density and thinning of bone 

tissue, causing bones to break easily. 

overactive thyroid: also called hyperthyroidism, it is a condition in which the 

thyroid gland makes and releases too 

much thyroid hormone in the body.

Symptoms can include weight loss,

chest pain, cramps, diarrhea, and nervousness. 

ovulation: the release from a follicle of a 

single egg that developed in the ovary,

which is then pushed down the fallopian tube and is ready to be fertilized.

It usually occurs regularly, around day 

14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. 

oxalate: a chemical found in many foods 

that can be irritating to people with 

pain conditions, such as vulvodynia,

fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Foods high in oxalate may also 

cause kidney stones in someone prone 

to forming calcium oxalate stones. 

pancreas: a glandular organ located in 

the abdomen. It makes pancreatic 

juices, which contain enzymes that 

aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin. The 

452 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
 

pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs. 

panic attack: sudden feeling of terror for 

no reason that may also occur with 

physical symptoms such as fast heartbeat, chest pain, problems breathing,

and dizziness. 

panic disorder: an anxiety disorder in 

which a person has sudden attacks of 

fear and panic. The attacks may occur 

without a known reason, but many 

times they are triggered by events 

or thoughts that produce fear in the 

person, such as taking an elevator or 

driving. Symptoms of the attacks can 

include rapid heartbeat, chest sensations, shortness of breath, dizziness,

tingling, and feeling anxious. 

Pap test: a test that finds changes in the 

cells of the cervix. The test can find 

cancer or cells that can turn into cancer. To perform a Pap test, a health 

care provider uses a small brush to 

gently scrape cells from the cervix for 

examination under a microscope. 

parasite: an organism that lives on or 

in a host organism and gets its food 

from or at the expense of its host. 

parasitic infection: when a parasite invades the body and causes disease. 

parvovirus B19: a virus that causes an 

illness called fifth disease, a mild rash 

illness that occurs most often in children. Fifth disease causes a “slappedcheek” rash on the face and a lacy red 

rash on the trunk and limbs that may 

itch, but resolves within 7 to 10 days.

An adult who has not been infected 

with parvovirus B19 in the past can 

be infected and become ill. 

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): an 

infection of the female reproductive 

organs that are above the cervix, such 

as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

It is the most common and serious 

problem caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). PID can 

cause ectopic pregnancies, infertility,

chronic pelvic pain, and other serious problems. Symptoms can include 

fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge,

extreme pain, and vaginal bleeding. 

phenylketonuria (PKU): an inherited 

disorder in which the body cannot 

process a portion of the protein called 

phenylalanine (Phe), which is in almost all foods. If the Phe level gets 

too high, the brain can become damaged. All babies born in the United 

States are now tested for PKU soon 

after birth, making it easier to diagnose the disease and to treat it early. 

phobia: an anxiety disorder in which a 

person has an unusual amount of fear 

of a certain activity or situation. 

physical therapist: a health professional 

who teaches exercises and physical 

activities that help condition muscles 

and restore strength and movement. 

physical therapy: therapy aimed to restore movement, balance, and coordination. 

phytoestrogens: an estrogen-like substance found in some plants and plant 

products, such as herbs, grains, and 

fruits, which may have anticancer effects. 

Glossary 453
pill, “the pill”: see oral contraceptive. 

placenta: a temporary organ that joins 

the mother and fetus during pregnancy. The placenta transfers oxygen 

and nutrients from the mother to the 

fetus and permits the release of carbon dioxide and waste products from 

the fetus. It is then expelled from the 

mother’s body during the birth process with the fetal membranes. 

plaque: a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and 

other substances that accumulate in 

the walls of the arteries. 

pneumonia: a severe inflammation of 

the lungs in which the alveoli, or tiny 

air sacs in the lungs, are filled with 

fluid. This may cause a decrease in 

the amount of oxygen that the blood 

can absorb from air breathed into the 

lung. Pneumonia is usually caused by 

infection but may also be caused by 

radiation treatment, allergy, or irritation of lung tissue by inhaled substances. It may involve part or all of 

the lungs. 

polycystic kidney disease (PKD): a 

kidney disorder passed down through 

families in which multiple cysts form 

on the kidneys, causing them to become enlarged. 

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):

a health problem that can affect a 

woman’s menstrual cycle, ability to 

have children, hormones, heart, blood 

vessels, and appearance. With PCOS,

women typically have high levels of 

androgens or male hormones, missed 

or irregular periods, and many small 

cysts in their ovaries. 

postmenopausal: after menopause. 

postpartum depression: a serious condition that requires treatment from a 

health care provider. With this condition, feelings of the “baby blues,” such 

as feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused after having a baby, do not go 

away and may worsen. 

posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

a psychological condition that can 

happen when a person sees or experiences something traumatic, such 

as rape, murder, torture, or wartime 

combat. A person can have many 

symptoms, including flashbacks or 

reliving the event, nightmares, fatigue,

anxiety, and forgetfulness and may 

withdraw from family and friends. 

preeclampsia: also known as toxemia, it 

is a syndrome occurring in a pregnant 

woman after her 20th week of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure 

and problems with the kidneys and 

other organs. Symptoms include sudden increase in blood pressure, too 

much protein in the urine, swelling in 

a woman’s face and hands, headache,

blurred vision, and abdominal pain. 

premature birth: see preterm birth. 

premenstrual syndrome (PMS): a 

group of symptoms linked to the 

menstrual cycle that occur in the 

week or 2 weeks before menstruation. 

The symptoms usually go away after 

menstruation begins and can include 

acne, breast swelling and tenderness,

feeling tired, having trouble sleeping,

upset stomach, bloating, constipation 

or diarrhea, headache or backache, appetite changes or food cravings, joint 

454 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
or muscle pain, trouble concentrating 

or remembering, tension, irritability,

mood swings or crying spells, and 

anxiety or depression. 

preterm birth: also called premature 

birth, it is a birth that occurs before 

the 37th week of pregnancy. 

primary biliary cirrhosis: a disease that 

slowly destroys the liver’s bile ducts. 

Bile is a substance produced in the 

liver that helps digest fat in the small 

intestine and remove toxins from the 

body. When the ducts are damaged,

bile builds up in the liver and damages liver tissue. Biliary cirrhosis can 

develop over time and may cause the 

liver to stop working. The cause is unknown. 

progesterone: a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Progesterone,

along with estrogen, prepares the 

uterus (womb) for a possible pregnancy each month and supports the 

fertilized egg if conception occurs.

Progesterone also helps prepare the 

breasts for milk production and 

breastfeeding. 

progestin: an artificial or man-made 

hormone that works by causing 

changes in the uterus. When taken 

with the hormone estrogen, progestin 

works to prevent thickening of the 

lining of the uterus. This is helpful for 

women who are in menopause and 

are taking estrogen for their menopausal symptoms. Progestins also are 

prescribed to regulate the menstrual 

cycle, treat unusual stopping of the 

menstrual periods, help a pregnancy 

occur or maintain a pregnancy, or 

treat unusual or heavy bleeding of 

the uterus. They also can be used to 

prevent pregnancy; help treat cancer 

of the breast, kidney, or uterus; and 

help treat loss of appetite and severe 

weight or muscle loss. 

protein deficiency: a condition in the 

body caused by not having enough 

protein in the diet, which can lead to 

malnutrition. Early symptoms of any 

type of malnutrition are general and 

include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deficiency continues,

growth failure, loss of muscle mass,

generalized swelling, and decreased 

immunity can occur. 

proteins: large molecules that contain 

primarily carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,

and nitrogen. Proteins are essential 

to the structure and function of all 

living cells. Examples of proteins in 

the body include enzymes, antibodies,

and some hormones. 

psoriasis: a chronic or long-lasting skin 

disease that causes patches of thick,

red, or inflamed skin covered with 

silvery scales. These patches usually 

itch or feel sore and most often occur 

on the elbows, knees, other parts of 

the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms,

and soles of the feet, but they can occur on skin anywhere on the body.

Psoriasis mostly affects adults. 

psychological therapy: also called psychotherapy, it is counseling or “talk”

therapy with a qualified health care 

provider in which a person can explore difficult, and often painful, emotions and experiences, such as feelings 

of anxiety, depression, or trauma. It 

Glossary 455
is a process that aims to help the patient become better at making positive choices in his or her life and to 

become more self-sufficient. Psychotherapy can be given for an individual 

or in a group setting. 

psychologist: a clinical psychologist is a 

professional who treats mental illness,

emotional disturbance, and behavior 

problems. He or she uses talk therapy 

as treatment and cannot prescribe 

medication. A clinical psychologist 

will have a master’s degree (MA) or 

doctorate (PhD) in psychology and 

possibly more training in a specific 

type of therapy. 

qi energy: in traditional Chinese medicine, vital energy or life force. 

racism: the belief that one race is better 

than another. 

radiation treatment: also called radiation therapy, it is the use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma 

rays, neutrons, protons, and other 

sources to kill cancer cells and shrink 

tumors. Radiation may come from a 

machine outside the body, or it may 

come from radioactive material placed 

in the body near cancer cells. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive 

substance that travels in the blood to 

tissues throughout the body. 

regulatory T cells: immune cells that 

help orchestrate the elaborate immune system and assist other cells 

to make antibodies. Helper T cells 

are essential for activating the body’s 

defenses against foreign substances.

Another subset of regulatory T cells 

prevent immune responses to self. 

Without them autoimmune disease 

would flourish. 

renal disease: also called kidney disease,

it is any disease or disorder that affects the function of the kidneys. 

renal tubular acidosis: a disease that occurs when the kidneys fail to excrete 

acids into the urine, which causes a 

person’s blood to remain too acidic. 

reproductive tract: the system of organs 

in males or females that act together 

to perform reproduction. 

restless leg syndrome (RLS): a neurologic disorder that causes unpleasant 

sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them for relief.

Persons affected with the disorder 

describe the sensations as burning,

creeping, tugging, or feelings like insects crawling inside the legs. 

saturated fat: fat such as butter, solid 

shortening, lard, and fatback. It is 

recommended that people avoid saturated fat in their diets. 

seizures: uncontrollable contractions 

of muscles that can result in sudden 

movement or loss of control, also 

known as convulsions. 

self-esteem: how you feel about yourself, such as how you feel about who 

you are, the way you act, and how you 

look. When a person does not think 

too highly of himself or herself, he or 

she is said to have low self-esteem. 

semen: the fluid that contains sperm 

that a male releases from his penis 

when he becomes sexually aroused or 

has an orgasm. 

456 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sexual assault: any form of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including 

inappropriate touching and vaginal,

anal, or oral penetration. It includes 

rape, attempted rape, and child molestation. Sexual assault can be verbal,

visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. 

sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

diseases that are spread by sexual activity. Also called sexually transmitted 

diseases (STDs). 

sickle cell anemia: a serious, inherited 

condition in which the red blood 

cells can become sickle shaped, or 

“C” shaped, keeping them from 

moving easily through blood and 

to become stiff, sticky, form clumps,

and get stuck in blood vessels, which 

can cause pain, infections, and organ 

damage. 

sleep apnea: a disorder involving brief 

interruptions of breathing during 

sleep. 

social anxiety disorder: an anxiety disorder in which a person feels overwhelming anxiety and excessive selfconsciousness in everyday social situations. It can be limited to only one 

type of situation—such as a fear of 

speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of 

others—or, in its most severe form, a 

person has symptoms almost anytime 

he or she is around other people. 

spermicide: chemical jelly, foam, cream,

or suppository inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse that kills 

sperm to prevent pregnancy. 

spina bifida: the most common disabling birth defect in the United 

States. Its name means “cleft spine,”

or failure of a fetal spine to close 

the right way when it is developing 

before birth. It occurs very early in 

pregnancy, roughly 3 to 4 weeks after 

conception, before most women know 

that they are pregnant. 

spinal cord injury: includes any kind 

of physical trauma that crushes and 

compresses the vertebrae in the neck,

which can cause injury at the cervical level of the spinal cord and below;

injuries that penetrate the spinal cord;

injuries that fracture or dislocate the 

vertebrae, which causes pieces of vertebrae to tear into cord tissue or press 

down on the nerve parts of the cord 

that carry signals between the brain 

and the rest of the body. 

spleen: an organ above the stomach and 

under the ribs on the left side of the 

body. It is part of the lymphatic system, which fights infection and keeps 

body fluids in balance. It contains 

white blood cells that fight germs.

It also helps control the amount of 

blood in the body and destroys old 

and damaged cells. 

stalking: repeated harassing or threatening behavior by a person, such as following another person, appearing at 

that person’s home or place of business,

making harassing phone calls, leaving 

written messages or objects, or vandalizing his or her property. Almost any 

unwanted contact between two people 

that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in 

fear can be considered stalking. 

Glossary 457
statins: the most commonly prescribed 

drugs for people who need a cholesterol-lowering medicine. Statins lower 

LDL cholesterol levels more than 

other types of drugs. They also moderately lower triglycerides and raise 

HDL cholesterol. 

STDs: see sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

stillbirth: when a fetus dies during birth,

or when the fetus dies during the late 

stages of pregnancy when it would 

have been otherwise expected to survive. 

stimulus (plural, stimuli): anything 

that can trigger a physical or behavioral change, such as irritants, sights,

sounds, heat, cold, smells, or other 

sensations. 

stroke: stoppage of blood flow to an area 

of the brain, causing permanent damage to nerve cells in that region. A 

stroke can occur either because an artery is clogged by a blood clot (called 

ischemic stroke) or an artery tears and 

bleeds into the brain. A stroke can 

cause symptoms such as loss of consciousness, problems with movement,

and loss of speech. 

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):

the diagnosis given for the sudden 

death of an infant younger than 1 

year that remains unexplained after a 

complete investigation. Because most 

cases of SIDS occur when a baby is 

sleeping in a crib, SIDS is also commonly known as crib death. 

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE):

see lupus. 

tai chi: sometimes called “moving meditation,” a mind-body practice that 

originated in China as a martial art. A 

person doing tai chi moves his or her 

body slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating. 

tension headache: the most common 

type of headache, caused by tight 

muscles in a person’s shoulders, neck,

scalp, and jaw. It is often related to 

stress, depression, or anxiety. A person 

is more likely to get tension headaches if he or she works too much,

does not get enough sleep, misses 

meals, or uses alcohol. 

thymus: a gland that lies in the upper

chest area beneath the breastbone 

and plays an important role in the 

development of the immune system 

in early life. Its cells form a part of the 

body’s normal immune system. The 

gland is somewhat large in infants,

grows gradually until puberty, and 

then gets smaller and is replaced by 

fat with age. 

thyroid: a small gland in the neck that 

makes and stores hormones that help 

regulate heart rate, blood pressure,

body temperature, and the rate at 

which food is converted into energy. 

thyroid disease: a disease of the thyroid 

gland that causes the body to use energy more slowly or quickly than it 

should. There are four main types of 

thyroid disease hyperthyroidism—too 

much thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism—too little thyroid hormone, benign (noncancerous) thyroid disease,

and thyroid cancer. 

458 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages 
tongue-tied: when the frenulum, the 

cord of tissue underneath the tongue,

is too tight and inhibits feeding and 

speech in infants. 

toxic shock syndrome: a severe disease 

that involves fever, shock, and problems with the function of several body 

organs. It is caused by a toxin produced by certain types of staphylococcus bacteria. 

toxins: substances created by plants and 

animals that are poisonous to humans.

Most toxins that cause problems in 

humans are released by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. 

trans fat: a type of unsaturated fat. Most 

trans fats are chemically produced by 

food manufacturers to prolong the 

shelf life of processed food. Some 

trans fats occur naturally in meat and 

dairy products from animals such as 

cattle, goats, and sheep. Eating trans

fats increases the risk of certain longterm illnesses, such as coronary artery 

disease. Trans fats can be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. 

tremor: unintentional trembling or 

shaking movements in one or more 

parts of the body. 

triglyceride: a type of fat in the bloodstream and fat tissue. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150. Levels 

above 200 are considered high. High 

triglyceride levels can contribute to 

the hardening and narrowing of the 

arteries. This puts a person at a higher 

risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Diseases such as diabetes, obesity,

kidney failure, or alcoholism can cause 

high triglycerides. 

tuberculosis (TB): a disease caused by 

bacteria that usually affects the lungs.

TB bacteria are spread through the air 

from one person to another. If someone with TB of the lungs or throat 

coughs or sneezes, people nearby who 

breathe in the bacteria can get TB.

If the body cannot stop the bacteria 

from growing, a person will develop 

TB disease. 

type 1 diabetes: see diabetes. 

type 2 diabetes: see diabetes. 

ulcer: also called peptic ulcer. It is a sore 

on the lining of the stomach or beginning of the small intestine. Peptic 

ulcers are common—1 in 10 Americans develops an ulcer at some time 

in his or her life. One cause of peptic 

ulcers is bacterial infection. But some 

ulcers are caused by long-term use of 

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 

(NSAIDs). In a few cases, cancerous 

tumors in the stomach or pancreas 

can cause ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not 

caused by stress or eating spicy food. 

ultrasound: also called sonography, it 

is a painless, harmless test that uses 

sound waves to produce images of the 

organs and structures of the body on 

a screen. 

underactive thyroid: also called hypothyroidism, it is a condition in which 

the thyroid gland does not make 

enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms 

can include weight gain, constipation,

dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold. 

urinary tract infection (UTI): an infection anywhere in the urinary tract,

or organs that collect and store urine 

Glossary 459
and release it from your body (the 

kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).

An infection occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from the 

digestive tract, cling to the urethra 

(opening to the urinary tract) and begin to multiply. 

uterine fibroids: common, benign, or 

noncancerous tumors that grow in the 

muscle of the uterus, or womb. Fibroids often cause no symptoms and 

need no treatment, and they usually 

shrink after menopause. But sometimes fibroids cause heavy bleeding or 

pain and require treatment. 

uterus: a woman’s womb, or the hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a 

woman’s lower abdomen between the 

bladder and the rectum. 

vaccines: see immunization. 

vaginal fluid: fluid or liquid made by 

glands in a woman’s vagina and cervix.

The fluid flows out of the vagina and 

keeps it healthy and clean. The color 

and thickness of the discharge change 

with the menstrual cycle. 

vaginal yeast infection: a common 

infection in women caused by an 

overgrowth of the fungus candida. It 

is normal to have some yeast in the 

vagina, but sometimes it can overgrow because of hormonal changes 

in the body, such as those that occur 

because of pregnancy, or from taking 

certain medications, such as antibiotics. Symptoms can include itching,

burning, and irritation of the vagina;

pain when urinating or with sexual 

intercourse; and vaginal discharge 

that looks like cottage cheese. 

virus: a microorganism that can infect 

cells and cause disease. 

vitiligo: a skin condition in which there 

is loss of pigment or color from areas 

of skin, resulting in irregular white 

patches that feel like normal skin. 

voyeurism: the practice of watching private sexual acts. 

womb: see uterus. 

yeast infection: see vaginal yeast infection. 

yoga: a mind-body exercise that combines stretching and controlled 

breathing to achieve relaxation and a 

stable mood. n

460 The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages