Filled with medical definitions, this glossary was created to help you understand common terms related to endometriosis. If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor or healthcare provider.
ADD-BACK THERAPY hormonal therapy taken to reduce the hypoestrogenic (decreased estrogen) side effects (e.g., bone density loss and hot flashes) of GnRH agonists.
AMENORRHEA absence or abnormal stoppage of menstrual cycle.
ASTHENIA feeling weak, lacking energy or strength.
BENIGN not malignant (noncancerous); not recurrent; favorable
for recovery.
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS oral medication taken to prevent pregnancy; oral contraception.
BOARD CERTIFIED MEDICAL DOCTORS doctors certified by passing formal approved examinations within their specialty of practice.
BONE MINERAL DENSITY a marker for the strength of bones.
BONE DENSITY LOSS a loss in bone strength associated with lowered hormone levels.
CERVIX the narrow lower end or neck of the uterus.
CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN intermittent or continuous pain in the pelvic area that lasts for at least 6 months.
CUL-DE-SAC (POSTERIOR) the pouch between the uterus and rectum, also called pouch of Douglas.
DIAGNOSTIC SURGERY surgery undertaken to explore the possibility or extent of a certain disease.
DYSMENORRHEA painful periods.
DYSPAREUNIA difficult or painful sexual intercourse.
DYSURIA difficult or painful urination.
ENDOMETRIOSIS the presence and growth of functioning endometrial tissue in places other than the uterus that may result in chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
ENDOMETRIAL IMPLANTS, GROWTHS, OR LESIONS the endometrial tissue growths outside the uterus. Also referred to as nodules.
ENDOMETRIUM inner mucous membrane lining the uterus.
ESTROGEN a female sex hormone; stimulates female secondary sex characteristics. Different types of estrogen include estradiol and estrone.
GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone; a naturally occurring hormone that
stimulates the release of other hormones that affect the ovaries and menstrual cycle.
GnRH AGONIST (GnRHa) stimulates the action of a naturally occurring gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
GONADOTROPIN a hormone that stimulates the ovaries (such as to produce estrogen).
HORMONE a substance secreted by a cell into the bloodstream for action at a different site.
HOT FLASHES a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat, usually associated with menopause.
HYSTERECTOMY surgical removal of the uterus.
INDURATION when a tissue or organ, such as the uterus, becomes hardened, immovable, or fixed; typically caused by diffuse scarring of tissues.
INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION an injection given in the muscle.
LAPAROSCOPY visual examination of the abdomen by means of a long slender optical instrument (laparoscope).
LASER ABLATION surgical destruction by laser.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM system of glands, tissues, and passages involved in generating the production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and circulating them through the body via lymph fluid; part of the immune system.
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen).
OSTEOPOROSIS a decrease in bone density that produces bone fragility.
PELVIC TENDERNESS when the lower abdominal region is sensitive to the touch.
PLACEBO commonly known as a "sugar pill"; a treatment given during clinical trials to distinguish the effects of an experimental drug.
PROSTAGLANDINS hormone-like substances involved in a wide range of body functions, including the inflammation process.
SIDE EFFECT an unintended effect of a drug.
SYMPTOM something that indicates the presence of a physical disorder.
UTERINE FIBROID a fibrous tumor made up of muscle that is found in the uterus.
VAGINAL DRYNESS dryness of the vagina due to depleted estrogen; can result in painful sexual intercourse.
VASOMOTOR either an increase or decrease in the diameter of a blood vessel, which can regulate the amount of blood traveling to a particular body part. Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause are hot flashes and night sweats.
VERTEBRAL BONE DENSITY measurement of the density or strength of the backbone.
Please see below for important information on Lupron Depot®, including side effects.
*Norethindrone acetate 5mg daily |
