You and Your Hormones

Eating disorders refer to unhealthy eating habits, which cause psychological and physical damage but can be treated in many cases.

More information on: Eating disorders - KS4 article Endocrine Conditions

an ultrasound scan of the heart showing its structure and function.

the process by which sperm and seminal fluid is expelled from the male urethra (via the penis) during an orgasm.

a fertilised egg that starts dividing into a small ball of cells and implants into the wall of the uterus (womb) at the start of a pregnancy. After 9 weeks, the embryo is referred to as a fetus.

Empty sella syndrome is the term used to describe the appearance of a small, shrunken or absent pituitary gland on pituitary imaging. Most patients have no symptoms, and generally no treatment is required. If hormone deficiencies are present, hormone replacement therapy should be considered.

More information on: Empty sella syndrome Endocrine Conditions

the hard white substance of each tooth that covers the crown. It is the hardest substance in the body.

a doctor who specialises in the study or treatment of hormone conditions.

Endometrial cancer is a form of cancer that originates from the tissue that lines the womb. This tissue is called the endometrium.

More information on: Endometrial cancer Endocrine Conditions

Endometriosis is a condition in women where the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb causing scar tissue and painful monthly periods.

More information on: Endometriosis Endocrine Conditions

ultrasound uses high frequency sound to visualise bits of the body. During endoscopic ultrasound, the patient is asked to swallow a very small camera attached to a tube. This makes it possible to look for tumours in the gut, which might occur in carcinoid syndrome, insulinoma, gastrinona and glucagonoma.

a biological catalyst. A type of protein produced by cells that changes the rate of a chemical reaction in the body.

a condition in which sudden bursts of brain activity lead to brief episodes of unconsciousness and convulsions.

difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection of the penis.

Erythropoietin is a hormone, produced mainly in the kidneys, which stimulates the production and maintenance of red blood cells.

More information on: Erythropoietin Hormones

to expel a substance from the body. Excretion is the process by which a substance is expelled from the body.

the farthest out parts of the body such as the hands and feet.