Hormone Glossary

Metabolism

The sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism, by which its material substance is produced, maintained and destroyed and by which energy is made available.

   

Metabolites

A substances necessary for taking part in a particular metabolic process, such as glucose in the metabolism of sugars and starches, and amino acids in the biosynthesis of proteins.

   

Micronized

To reduce particles that are only a few microns in diameter.

   

Midlife Crisis

A period of psychological stress occurring in middle age, thought to be triggered by a physical, occupational, or domestic event, as menopause or andropause, diminution of physical prowess, job loss, or departure of children from the home.

   

Mobile Phlebotomy

A blood draw or venesection at a different location than the normal doctor’s office or laboratory; usually at a patient’s home.

   

Molecule

Any very small particle.

   

Mood Swing(s)

An abrupt and apparently unaccountable change of mood.

   

Neurotransmitter

Any of several chemical substances, as epinephrine or acetylcholine, that transmit nerve impulses across a synapse to a postsynaptic element, as another nerve, muscle or gland.

   

Night Sweat

Copious sweating during sleep. Night sweats may be an early indication of tuberculosis, AIDS, or other disease.

   

Nitric Oxide

Works as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. Cells of a blood vessel’s inner walls use nitric oxide to signal the vessel to relax and dilate, increasing blood flow.

   

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is important for attention and focus. Norepinephrine is synthesized from dopamine by means of the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, with oxygen, copper, and vitamin C as co-factors. Dopamine is synthesized in the cytoplasm, but norepinephrine is synthesized in the neurotransmitter storage vesicles.; Cells that use norepinephrine for formation of epinephrine use SAMe as a methyl group donor. Levels of epinephrine in the CNS are only about 10% of the levels of norepinephrine.

   

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea that is caused by recurring interruption of breathing during sleep because of the obstruction of the upper airway by weak or malformed pharyngeal tissues, that occurs especially in obese middle-aged and elderly men, and that results in hypoxemia and chronic lethargy during the day. Also called obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

   

Over-The-Counter

Sold legally without a doctor’s prescription: over-the-counter drugs.

   

Ovulation

To produce and discharge eggs from an ovary or ovarian follicle.

   

Parkinson’s Disease

A degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination.

   

PEA

Beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) is an excitatory neurotransmitter derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.Studies have found that PEA promotes energy and elevates mood. PEA also functions as a synaptic neuromodulator inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Studies have discovered that patients with depression have decreased PEA levels while increased levels have been found in patients with psychopathic symptoms. It has also been implicated in headaches and the antidepressant effects of exercise.; One of the biochemical abnormalities resulting from phenylketonuria, the absence of the enzyme that helps to synthesize phenylalanine into tyrosine, is an increased production of PEA. This can cause an elevated level of PEA in the urine. Since PEA is lipid soluble and readily crosses the blood-brain-barrier, the administration of PEA or of its precursor, phenylalanine, has been found to improve outcome with some antidepressants. Also, supplementation to manipulate PEA can help increase focus and attention.

   

Perimenopause

The period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical changes, such as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity. Also called peri-menopause, early menopause or pre-menopause.

   

Phlebotomy

The act or practice of opening a vein for letting blood as a therapeutic measure. Also called venesection.

   

Phytoestrogens

Sometimes called "dietary estrogens", are a diverse group of naturally occurring non steroidal plant compounds that, because of their structural similarity with estradiol, have the ability to cause estrogenic or/and antiestrogenic effects.

   

Pituitary Gland

A gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary secretes several different hormones involved in key metabolic processes.

   

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