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Hormones
Has info on hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid tests. Also has links to info on PMS and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones affect every cell and all the organs of the body. Too much thyroid hormone speeds things up and too little thyroid hormone slows things down. They: Control the rate at which your body burns calories (your metabolism). This affects whether you gain or lose weight. Can slow down or speed up your...
Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are made in a lab. They are based on compounds found in plants. They have the same structure as the hormones your body makes. Many commonly prescribed forms of estrogen and progesterone are bioidenticals. Some examples include Estrace and Prometrium. These types are approved and regulated by the...
parathyroid hormone
Parathyroid hormone is used together with calcium and vitamin D to treat hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the blood) in people who also have low levels of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone is usually given after calcium and vitamin D alone have been tried without success. Parathyroid hormone is available...
Thyroid Hormone Tests
Looks at various tests used to check how well the thyroid gland is working. Covers what results might mean. Also looks at what might affect a test. Offers links to info on other tests that might be useful, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
Growth Hormone Test
A growth hormone (GH) test measures the amount of human growth hormone (GH) in the blood. GH is made by the pituitary gland and is needed for growth. It plays an important role in how the body uses food for energy ( metabolism). The amount of GH in the blood changes during the day and is affected by exercise, sleep...
Hormone Inhibin A Test
The inhibin A test is done to measure the amount of this hormone in a pregnant woman's blood to see if the baby may have Down syndrome. Inhibin A is made by the placenta during pregnancy. The level of inhibin A in the blood is used in a maternal serum quadruple screening test. Generally done between 15 and 22 weeks...
follicle stimulating hormone
Follicle stimulating hormone is used to treat infertility in women who cannot ovulate. This medicine is not effective in women with primary ovarian failure (when the ovaries are unable to produce an egg). Follicle stimulating hormone is also used in men to stimulate sperm production. This medicine is not effective in...
Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormones help regulate the way the body uses energy. You need thyroid hormone replacement when you do not have enough thyroid hormones in your blood (hypothyroidism). Depending on the cause of your hypothyroidism, you may need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life. Thyroid hormones are usually taken...
Hormone Treatment for Breast Cancer
Some breast cancers need the hormones estrogen or progesterone to grow. These cancer cells have "receptors" on their surface that let hormones in. One type is called estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Another type is called progesterone-receptor-positive (PR+) breast cancer. Hormone treatment keeps these...
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Test
An adrenocorticotropic hormone test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood to check for problems with the pituitary gland and adrenal glands. ACTH is made in the pituitary gland in response to the release of another hormone, called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), by the...
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test
A luteinizing hormone test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in a sample of blood or urine. LH is produced by the pituitary gland. LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production ( ovulation). LH levels normally change with the phase of the menstrual cycle. This hormone goes up fast just before...
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test
Covers why and how parathyroid hormone tests are done. Covers what possible results might mean. Includes info on what might affect the test.
Thyroid Hormone Production and Function
The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make two thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It also stores these thyroid hormones and releases them as they are needed. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which are located in the brain, help control the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus releases...
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test
Discusses blood test used to check for thyroid gland problems. Explains how TSH causes thyroid gland to make hormones that help control metabolism. Covers how it is done and test results.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test
A follicle-stimulating hormone test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a blood sample. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries. The amount of FSH varies throughout a woman's menstrual cycle and is highest...
Endometriosis: Should I Use Hormone Therapy?
Guides you through decision to use hormone therapy to treat endometriosis. Covers how endometriosis may affect you. Covers how hormone therapy works. Lists reasons for and against hormone therapy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Menopause: Should I Use Hormone Therapy (HT)?
Guides you through the decision to use hormone therapy (HT) for menopause symptoms. Explains what menopause is and what to expect. Lists risks and benefits of HT and other treatments to try. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Infertility: Questions to Ask About Medicine or Hormone Treatment
When thinking about medicine or hormone treatment for infertility, ask your doctor these questions. Are there are any long-term risks related to the treatment? Do I need to change my sexual activities during treatment? Your doctor may have suggestions for timing sex to increase the chance of getting pregnant. How long...
Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer (Androgen Deprivation Therapy, or ADT)
Hormone therapy treats prostate cancer by lowering the level of certain hormones in the body. These hormones are called androgens. Prostate cancer needs androgens to grow. The main androgen is testosterone. Reducing the level of testosterone can slow the growth of prostate cancer and even shrink the tumors. The...
corticotropin
Corticotropin is a hormone that is used to treat many different conditions such as multiple sclerosis, psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, severe allergic reactions, breathing disorders, and inflammatory conditions of the eyes. . Corticotropin is also used to treat infantile spasms in...
menotropins
Menotropins are a mixture of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are important in the development of follicles (eggs) that are produced by the ovaries in women. Menotropins are used to help your body produce multiple eggs during ovulation, in preparation for in-vitro...
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland in the brain. During pregnancy, oxytocin causes labor contractions to begin. Oxytocin also is released when a woman's breasts are stimulated by suckling or pumping, causing milk to move from the ducts and out the tiny holes in the nipple (let-down reflex). In the...
Women's Health
Provides links to info on common concerns of women's health. Includes info on birth control, hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, abnormal pap tests, and fertility problems. Also looks at pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period.
somatropin
Somatropin is a form of human growth hormone important for the growth of bones and muscles. Somatropin is used to treat growth failure in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone. This includes people with short stature due to Noonan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, short stature at birth...
goserelin (implant)
Goserelin implant is used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men. Goserelin implant is used in women to treat breast cancer or endometriosis. Goserelin is also used in women to prepare the lining of the uterus for endometrial ablation (a surgery to correct abnormal uterine bleeding). Goserelin is sometimes used in...
Potassium (K) in Urine Test
Discusses test to check level of potassium (K) in urine. Includes info on what affects potassium levels in the body such as kidney function, blood pH, and hormones. Explains how and why test is done. Covers what results mean.
Testosterone Test
A testosterone test checks the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In men, it is made in large amounts by the testicles. In both men and women, testosterone is made in small amounts by the adrenal glands, and in women, by the ovaries. The pituitary...
urofollitropin
Urofollitropin is a purified form of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone is important in the development of follicles (eggs) that are produced by the ovaries in women. Urofollitropin is used together with other medicines to treat infertility in women with FSH deficiency. Urofollitropin is...
Gastrin Test
A gastrin test measures the level of the hormone gastrin in the blood. Gastrin is produced by cells, called G cells, in the stomach lining. When food enters the stomach, G cells trigger the release of gastrin in the blood. As blood levels of gastrin rise, the stomach releases acid (gastric acid) that helps break down...
Progesterone Test
A progesterone test measures the amount of the hormone progesterone in a blood sample. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries during release of a mature egg from an ovary (ovulation). Progesterone helps prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive the egg if it becomes fertilized by a...
nafarelin nasal
Nafarelin nasal (for the nose) is used to treat central precocious puberty in boys and girls. Central precocious puberty is early sexual development that occurs at or before 8 years of age in girls or 9 years of age in boys, with bone development that is advanced for the child's age. Nafarelin nasal is also used to...
triptorelin
Triptorelin is a man-made form of a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. The Trelstar brand of triptorelin is used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. Trelstar treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer and does not treat the cancer itself. . The Triptodur brand of triptorelin is used to...
Hypothyroidism
Covers hypothyroidism, which happens when the thyroid doesn't make enough thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. Includes causes like thyroiditis. Covers tests for TSH, T4, and T3. Also includes info on treatment with medicine such as levothyroxine.
teriparatide
Teriparatide is used to treat osteoporosis caused by menopause, steroid use, or gonadal failure. This medicine is for use when you have a high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis. Teriparatide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Sexual and Reproductive Organs
Includes info on follicle-stimulating hormone test, pelvic inflammatory disease, and semen analysis. Also has links to info on hysterectomy, vaginal yeast infections, and enlarged prostate.
Potassium (K) in Blood Test
Discusses blood test to check level of potassium (K) in blood. Includes info on what affects potassium levels in the body such as kidney function, blood pH, and hormones. Explains how and why test is done. Covers what results mean.
liothyronine
Liothyronine is a man-made form of a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Liothyronine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. Liothyronine treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Liothyronine is also given...
Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
Gives info on test for BNP hormone to tell how well the heart works. Tells how BNP checks for heart failure. Tells how to get ready for test. Includes what results mean. Also discusses things that affect test results, such as some health problems and medicines.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, a problem in which female hormones are out of balance. Discusses PCOS early symptoms like heavy bleeding or facial hair. Also covers more serious symptoms like miscarriages or infertility. Includes info on treatment.
glucagon (nasal)
Glucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. It also slows involuntary muscle movements of the stomach and intestines that aid in digestion. Glucagon nasal (for use in the nose) is used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in adult and children at least 4 years old. Glucagon may also be used for...
histrelin (implant)
Histrelin overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily. The Supprelin LA brand of histrelin is used to treat precocious puberty in both male and female children who are at least 2 years old. The Vantas brand of histrelin is used to treat...
glucagon (injection)
Glucagon is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. It also slows involuntary muscle movements of the stomach and intestines that aid in digestion. Glucagon is used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Glucagon is also used during a radiologic (x-ray) examination to help diagnose certain disorders of the...
Diabetes: How to Give Glucagon
People with diabetes sometimes get very low blood sugar. If they are unconscious, they need glucagon right away. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar quickly. It can be given as a shot or as a powder that's sprayed into the nose. If someone close to you has diabetes, you may need to give them the glucagon shot...
Medicines for Bone Loss
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Discusses cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Covers having too much estrogen as most common cause. Discusses treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone and radiation therapy.
Estrogen Test
An estrogen test measures the level of the most important estrogen hormones in a blood or urine sample. It measures estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Estradiol is the most common type of estrogen measured for nonpregnant women. The amount of estradiol in a woman's blood varies throughout her menstrual cycle. After...
leuprolide
Leuprolide overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily. Leuprolide reduces the amount of testosterone in men or estrogen in women. Leuprolide is used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer (but does not treat the cancer itself)...
Night Sweats
What are night sweats? Night sweats are heavy sweating during sleep. This kind of sweating is different than the occasional sweating people have from sleeping deeply, being in a warm room, or having too many blankets. Night sweats are often so heavy that your clothing and sheets are soaked to the point that you have to...
Hyperparathyroidism
What is hyperparathyroidism? Hyperparathyroidism means that one or more of your four parathyroid glands may be too active. These are tiny glands in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. When they're too active, they make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone helps control how much calcium is in your blood. When...
Levothyroxine
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Thyroid Nodules
What are thyroid nodules? Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps in the thyroid gland. This gland controls how your body uses energy. Most thyroid nodules are not cancer and do not cause problems. Many don't even need treatment. A thyroid nodule may cause problems, such as making too much thyroid hormone. When this...
Cushing's Syndrome
What is Cushing's syndrome? Cushing's syndrome is a rare problem that happens when you have too much of the hormone cortisol in your body. Cortisol is especially important in controlling blood pressure and metabolism. But it affects almost every area of your body. Normally, your body keeps the level of cortisol in...
Secondary Adrenocortical Insufficiency
What is secondary adrenocortical insufficiency? Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency is a condition in which a lack of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) prevents the body from producing enough cortisol. Production of cortisol is controlled by the action of ACTH. ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland. This gland is...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) happens when the body does not have enough insulin and can't get the sugar it needs for energy. When the body can't use sugar for energy, it starts to use fat for energy. This process makes fatty acids called ketones. The ketones build up in the blood and...
Low Testosterone
What is low testosterone? Men who have low testosterone do not make enough of the male hormone called testosterone. This hormone allows men to produce sperm and to develop and keep normal physical male traits. Low testosterone is also called testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. Low testosterone can lead to problems...
DHEA-S Test
DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a male hormone (androgen) that is made in the adrenal glands. The body turns it into testosterone. A test for DHEA-S checks the level of this hormone in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In men, it is made in large amounts by the testicles. In...
Type 1 Diabetes
Covers type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Describes how pancreas regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Discusses treatments, including insulin.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound
Covers imaging test to check the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands. Includes info on problems the test checks for, such as lumps in the thyroid gland or enlarged thyroid and parathyroid glands. Covers how it's done. Discusses possible results.
Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test
The overnight dexamethasone suppression test checks to see how taking a steroid medicine called dexamethasone changes the levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. This test checks for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands ( Cushing's syndrome). Normally, when the pituitary...
Type 2 Diabetes
Information on type 2 diabetes. Describes how insulin is made and used by the body. Describes symptoms and how type 2 is treated. Provides info on blood sugar (glucose) levels. Discusses obesity's role in type 2 diabetes. Discusses exercise and diet.
Thyroid Cancer
Discusses causes and symptoms of thyroid cancer. Covers factors that increase risk, including exposure to radiation. Discusses diagnosis and treatment with surgery, radioactive iodine, and thyroid hormone therapy.
Pancreatic Cancer
Describes pancreatic cancer. Talks about symptoms and what tests are used to diagnose it. Provides treatment details. Lists factors that raise your risk.
Amylase Test
An amylase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a sample of blood taken from a vein or in a sample of urine. Normally, only low levels of amylase are found in the blood or urine. But if the pancreas or salivary glands become damaged or blocked, more amylase is usually released into the blood and urine. In the...
Thyroid Scan
A thyroid scan uses a radioactive tracer and a special camera to measure how much tracer the thyroid gland absorbs from the blood. The tracer can be swallowed or can be injected into a vein. It travels through your body, giving off radiation signals. The camera "sees" the signals and can measure how much tracer the...
Addison's Disease
What is Addison's disease? Addison's disease develops when the adrenal glands, which are above the kidneys, are not able to make enough of the hormones cortisol and, sometimes, aldosterone. Your body needs both of these hormones to work as it should. Cortisol helps the body cope with extreme physical stress from...
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
What is abnormal uterine bleeding? Abnormal uterine bleeding is irregular bleeding from the uterus. It may be bleeding that is heavier, lighter, or lasts longer than your usual period. Or it may be bleeding that doesn't occur at your regular time. Let your doctor know if your bleeding is different than usual. They can...
Antithyroid Antibody Tests
Thyroid antibody tests measure the levels of antibodies that can destroy thyroid tissue or make the cells produce thyroid hormones. They are blood tests. Antibodies that destroy thyroid tissue can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Antibodies that make the cells produce thyroid hormone can lead to...
Chloride (Cl) Test
A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Tests for sodium...
C-Peptide Test
Discusses C-peptide test, used to tell the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, find the cause of hypoglycemia, or check whether a pancreas tumor (insulinoma) was completely removed. Discusses how the test is done and how to prepare for it.
Unwanted Hair in Women
What is unwanted hair in women? Hirsutism (say "HER-suh-tiz-um") is extra hair on a woman's face or body. This hair is dark and coarse. It grows in a male pattern: on the face, like a man's facial hair, or on the body, especially the chest and back. What causes it? Usually extra hair growth (hirsutism) is not a medical...
Renin Blood Test
A renin assay blood test is done to find the cause of high blood pressure (hypertension). Renin is an enzyme made by special cells in the kidneys. Renin works with aldosterone (a hormone made by the adrenal glands) and several other substances to help balance sodium and potassium levels in the blood and fluid levels in...
Calcium (Ca) in Urine Test
A test for calcium in urine is a 24-hour test that checks the amount of calcium that is passed from the body in the urine. Calcium is the most common mineral in the body and one of the most important. The body needs it to build and fix bones and teeth, help nerves work, make muscles squeeze together, help blood clot...
Prolactin Blood Test
A prolactin test measures the level of the hormone prolactin, which is made by the pituitary gland, in your blood. Pregnant women have high levels of prolactin, which helps make breast milk. During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase by 10 to 20 times. After the baby is born, prolactin stays high if you are...
Aldosterone in Blood Test
An aldosterone test measures the level of aldosterone (a hormone made by the adrenal glands), in the blood. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. This helps control blood pressure and the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the blood. The kidney hormone renin normally stimulates the...
Basic Metabolic Panel
Briefly discusses basic metabolic panel, a blood test that measures your sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function. Provides links to more info on specific tests such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and potassium tests.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel—Topic Overview A comprehensive metabolic panel is a blood test that measures your sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. Glucose is a type of sugar your body uses for energy. Electrolytes keep your body's fluids in balance. They also help...
Prediabetes
Covers warning signs that you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes. Includes causes and symptoms. Looks at lifestyle changes to get your blood sugar levels back to a normal range. Includes tips on diet, weight loss, and exercise.
Aldosterone in Urine Test
An aldosterone test measures the level of aldosterone (a hormone made by the adrenal glands) in the urine. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. This helps control blood pressure and the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the blood. The kidney hormone renin normally stimulates the...
Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Covers type 1 diabetes in children. Includes info on managing diabetes. Discusses using glucose monitors for blood glucose testing. Includes links to info on dealing with diabetes in school. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Calcium (Ca) in Blood Test
A test for calcium in the blood checks the calcium level in the body that is not stored in the bones. Calcium is the most common mineral in the body and one of the most important. The body needs it to build and fix bones and teeth, help nerves work, make muscles squeeze together, help blood clot, and help the heart to...
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Discusses oral glucose tolerance test that measures glucose (blood sugar) levels. Explains that test checks for gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes. Covers the types of tests done and how to prepare for them.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Covers symptoms of PMS such as bloating, muscle aches, and mood swings. Discusses possible causes and what increases your risk. Covers treatment with lifestyle changes, antidepressants, or birth control pills. Covers surgery for severe form (PMDD).
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What is myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)? Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease that causes you to feel so ill that you can't do your normal activities. Sleeping problems occur along with extreme fatigue that doesn't get better with rest. Any kind of activity...
Metabolic Syndrome
Discusses metabolic syndrome, a group of health problems. These problems increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease (coronary artery disease). Covers risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Covers diet and exercise to improve health.
Thyroid Biopsy
A thyroid biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the thyroid gland and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other thyroid problems. The thyroid gland is found in front of the windpipe (trachea), just below the voice box (larynx). A sample of thyroid tissue can be taken...
Cortisol in Urine Test
A cortisol test measures the level of the hormone cortisol in a 24-hour sample of urine. The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels get higher when the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Cortisol...
Klinefelter Syndrome
What is Klinefelter syndrome? Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males. Klinefelter syndrome occurs when a boy is born with one or more extra X chromosomes. Most males have one Y and one X chromosome. Having extra X chromosomes can cause a male to have a variety of physical traits. Many men with an...
Catecholamines in Urine Test
Catecholamines (say "kat-uh-KOH-luh-meens") are hormones made mostly by your adrenal glands as a reaction to stress. When you feel stressed, these hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle strength, and mental alertness. They also lower the amount of blood that goes to the skin and intestines...
Catecholamines in Blood Test
A test for catecholamines measures the amount of the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the blood. These catecholamines are made by nerve tissue, the brain, and the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help the body respond to stress or fright and prepare the body for "fight-or-flight" reactions. The...
progesterone
Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone is used to cause menstrual periods in women who have not yet reached menopause but are not having periods due to a lack of progesterone in the body. Progesterone is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of...
progesterone vaginal
Progesterone is a female hormone important for ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone causes changes in the lining of your uterus, making it easier for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. Progesterone then helps your body maintain the pregnancy. Progesterone vaginal (for use in the...
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (injectable)
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that is used to cause ovulation and to treat infertility in women. This medicine is not effective in women with primary ovarian failure. HCG is used in men to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. HCG is also used in...
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Should I Have a Hysterectomy?
Guides through decision to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Explains symptoms that doctor would look for before recommending treatment. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Gynecomastia
What is gynecomastia? Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of the male breast. A breast has both glandular tissue and fatty tissue. With gynecomastia, the glands in the breast become enlarged. The enlarged glands may feel like a rubbery disk beneath the nipple area. Both breasts are often affected. What causes it...
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in People Without Diabetes
Discusses hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people who don't have diabetes. Explains blood sugar (glucose) in the body. Describes symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe hypoglycemia. Covers treatment for sudden episodes and emergency situations.
levothyroxine (oral/injection)
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is given when your thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. Levothyroxine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or...
Cortisol in Blood Test
A cortisol test is done to measure the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood. The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels go up when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)...
Hot Flashes and Menopause
A hot flash is a sudden sensation of intense body heat, often with profuse sweating and reddening of the head, neck, and chest. These symptoms can occur with mild to severe heart palpitations, anxiety, irritability and, rarely, panic. Hot flashes are the most common symptom of a woman's changing estrogen levels around...
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Getting Support
People who have chronic health problems, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), often benefit from support groups. These groups can be a good source of information and tips for managing your illness and a chance to share your frustrations and problems with others who are in a similar...