S
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
A protein that binds or attaches to a number of circulating
hormones (e.g. testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol).
Once the hormones are bound to it, SHBG regulates their presence
in the blood stream and hence their activity. A decrease in SHBG
indicates that a greater number of hormones are circulating in
the blood stream thereby causing clinical symptoms of PCOS such
as hair growth and male pattern baldness.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
A small palm native to the southeast U.S. recognized most for
treating Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy in men. Recent research
has shown saw palmetto to reverse hirsutism in females. The
exact mechanism of action is unknown, although it may inhibit
the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to its
more potent relative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Scan
The data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of the body using a sensing device.
Sclerocystic Ovaries
Another name for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), along with
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), Stein-Leventhal Syndrome and Chronic Anovulatory Syndrome. It is
the most common female endocrine (hormonal) disorder and is
characterized by multiple abnormal ovarian cysts. The classic
triad of obesity, hirsutism, and irregular anovulatory cycles
occurs in only one third of women with PCOS.
Serophene (Clomiphene)
The brand name, along with Clomid, for a medication used to
treat infertility. Clomid initiates a cascade of endocrine
events which stimulates ovarian follicles and culminates in
ovulation. Common side effects include enlarged ovaries, hot
flashes, abdominal discomfort and visual disturbances.
Serum
The clear liquid that can be separated from clotted blood. Serum differs from plasma which is the liquid portion of normal unclotted blood containing the red and white cells and platelets. The clot is what makes the difference between serum and plasma.
Side effects
Problems that occur when treatment goes beyond the desired effect.
Sjogren's syndrome
An autoimmune disease where a body's immune system attacks the glands that secrete body fluids, such as the sweat, tear and saliva glands.
Sleep apnea
The stopping of breathing once or multiple times during sleep. Risk factors include certain physical characteristics (such as a large neck), smoking, alcohol use, obesity and diabetes. The last two which may account for the connection to PCOS. Sleep apnea is often the cause of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and irritability.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
See Aldactone.
Stage
As regards to cancer, the extent to which the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
Statins
A type of drug that lowers LDL (“bad” cholesterol) by inhibiting
HMG CoA reductase, the enzyme that manages the rate of
cholesterol production. Statin drugs also enhance the capability
of the liver to remove LDL-cholesterol already in the blood.
Stein-Leventhal Syndrome
Another name for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), in addition
to Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD),
Sclerocystic Ovaries and Chronic Anovulatory Syndrome. It is the
most common female endocrine (hormonal) disorder and is
characterized by multiple abnormal ovarian cysts. The classic
triad of obesity, hirsutism and irregular anovulatory cycles
occurs in only one third of women with PCOS.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
A perennial herb with many medicinal uses. The root of Urtica
dioica is used medicinally to increase SHBG (sex hormone binding
globulin). This serves to decrease the activity of excess
hormones in conditions like PCOS and BPH.
Stromal tissue
Connective tissue cells of an organ that comprise its supportive
framework.
Surgery
It is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases and conditions which require or are amenable by operative procedures. It is the work perfomed by a surgeon.
Syndrome
A set of signs and symptoms that tend to occur together and which reflect the presence of a particular disease or an increased chance of developing a particular disease.
Syndrome X
Also known as Metabolic Syndrome, a group of risk factors that
substantially increase the chances of developing coronary artery
disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Characterized by central or
abdominal obesity, high blood lipids (mainly high triglycerides
and low HDL) hypertension and fasting blood glucose >110 mg/dL.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R [S] T U V W X Y Z
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