C
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
A group of 14 tests that provide important information about the
status of kidneys, liver, electrolyte and acid/base balance,
blood sugar and blood proteins. A broad screening tool, the CMP
is also used to monitor complications of diseases or side
effects of some medications.
C-reactive protein (CRP)
One of the plasma proteins known as acute-phase proteins:
proteins whose plasma concentrations increase (or decrease) by
25% or more during inflammatory disorders. CRP is a test of
value in medicine, reflecting the presence and intensity of
inflammation although an elevation in C-reactive protein is not
the absolute diagnostic sign of any one condition. Inflammation
is believed to play a major role in the development of coronary
artery disease; markers of inflammation have been tested in
respect to heart health. In a recent study, CRP was found to be
the only marker of inflammation that independently predicts the
risk of a heart attack.
Carbohydrates
Primarily sugars and starches which constitute one of the three
principal types of nutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins)
used as energy sources (calories) by the body. Carbohydrates
come in complex forms such as starches and fiber and simple
forms such as sugars. Most sugars and starches are broken down
by the body into glucose, a simple sugar that can be used to
feed cells.
Cardiovascular Disease
A disease affecting the blood vessels or heart. Women with PCOS
are at increased risk for early-onset cardiovascular disease.
Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
A plant traditionally thought to suppress sexual excitability
(hence the name “chaste”), current and historical evidence
supports use in menstrual irregularities, PMS, insufficient
lactation and other conditions associated with prolactin,
dopamine and indirectly, progesterone dysfunction.
Cholesterol
The body’s most common type of steroid, it is crucial to the
formation of Vitamin D, sex hormones (progesterone, estrogens
and androgens), mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone) and
glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol) and bile acids (for digestion
of fat). It is carried in the blood stream as lipoproteins, e.g.
LDL (low density lipoproteins) and HDL (high density
lipoproteins). Cholesterol is also essential for cell membrane
function.
Chromium
A trace mineral considered essential to health, it is linked to
the production of glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which affects
insulin binding receptors and thus, stability of blood glucose
levels. It is also involved in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Chromium picolinate
A biologically active chromium salt containing three picolinic
acid ligands that is used as a dietary supplement.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cimetidine belongs to a class of medications called H2-blockers
that inhibit the action of histamine on the stomach cells, thus
reducing stomach acid production.
Clomid (clomiphene citrate, Serophene)
A drug used to treat infertility through its action on endocrine
processes leading to ovulation.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (or coronary artery disease) is the most
common form of heart disease and affects the blood vessels (or
coronary arteries) of the heart. It causes angina (chest pain)
and heart attacks. High blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking,
obesity and not being physically active all put individuals at
risk for coronary heart disease.
Corpus Luteum
A section of the ovary that produces progesterone and some
estrogen. When fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum provides
the progesterone required until the placenta is formed.
Cushing’s syndrome
A complex condition caused by an excess of the hormone,
cortisol. Common signs and symptoms include thinning of the
skin, weakness, weight gain (especially in the trunk), easy
bruising, hypertension, glucose intolerance, osteoporosis,
facial puffiness and, in women, irregular menstrual cycles.
Cystic Ovaries
Ovaries with a “string of pearls” or “pearl necklace” appearance
with many (poly)
cysts or fluid filled sacs. Ovarian cysts can be detected with a
pelvic ultrasound.
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
Click here to read
about
PCOS and High Cholesterol
|
