P
Pancreas
A multifunctional organ in the human body that has both exocrine
and endocrine secreting capabilities. Exocrine secretion is
enzymes involved in digestion of proteins and fats while
endocrine secretion involves the hormones insulin, glucagon,
somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptides among others.
Perganol
Also called Repronex, one of a class of drugs called HMG (Human
Menopausal Gonadotrophins) that stimulate the development and
maturation of eggs in the ovaries. This drug is used in
conjunction with HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) which
induces ovulation of the matured egg. A common side effect is
ovarian enlargement.
Polycystic ovaries
A symptom of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). A condition
whereby the ovaries contain at least ten cysts and are 1.5 to 3
times larger than normal ovaries.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)
Another name for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), in addition
to Sclerocystic Ovarian Disease,
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.
Pre-Diabetes
A condition characterized by blood glucose (sugar) levels that
are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of
Diabetes.
Pregnyl
Also known by its generic name, Chorionic Gonadotropin, this
drug is used as an intramuscular injection. HCG, Human Chorionic
Gonadotropin, is a hormone that stimulates the ovaries to
produce progesterone and the testes to produce androgens. In
some infertile women, it is used in combination with other
medications to induce ovulation.
Profasi
See Pregnyl.
Progesterone
Progesterone is responsible for changes in the mucus and inner
lining of the uterus. Progesterone prepares the endometrium for
implantation of the embryo, and once an embryo implants in the
endometrium, i.e., pregnancy occurs, progesterone helps maintain
the pregnancy.
Progestins
Progestins are synthetic progesterone used in HRT (Hormone
Replacement Therapy). See Progesterone.
Prolactin
Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, this hormone
stimulates milk production, in addition to maintaining the
body’s immune system. High levels of prolactin inhibit the
release of other hormones from the anterior pituitary gland and
therefore may interfere with ovulation, delay puberty and
decrease fertility. Low prolactin may cause menstrual disorders
and ultimately, insufficient lactation.
Prometrium
A “natural” progesterone, used in HRT (Hormone Replacement
Therapy) that has been
micronized or broken down for easier metabolizing. This
synthetic progesterone is chemically identical to the
progesterone made in the ovaries. See Progesterone.
Propecia
A medication used in men only to treat male pattern hair loss on
the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle
front of head). Propecia, also known as finasteride, inhibits
the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which converts
testosterone to its more potent relative, dihydrotestosterone
(DHT). Women are cautioned not to handle crushed or broken
Propecia tablets when they are pregnant due to the risk to a
male fetus.
Provera
See medroxyprogesterone acetate.
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