Glossary Terms

A traditional Chinese method of altering the function of a body system by inserting acupuncture needles along a series of lines in the body called meridians

Adhesions: Adhesions are fibrous bands of scar tissue that form between internal organs and tissues, joining them together abnormally.

Adrenal glands: glands which sit on top of the kidneys.  Responsible for the secretion of adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones.   Also responsible for secreting testosterone, DHEA, and aldosterone.  The adrenals can have a profound effect on fertility, stress response, and overall endocrine health.

Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is the failure to start having a period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is more common and refers to either the temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman who has menstruated normally in the past. Many women miss a period …

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Amniocentesis: is a procedure used to diagnose fetal defects in the early second trimester of pregnancy. A sample of the amniotic fluid, which surrounds a fetus in the womb, is collected through a pregnant woman’s abdomen using a needle and syringe. Tests performed on fetal cells found in the sample can reveal the presence of …

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Amniotic Sac: the sac in which the fetus develops in amniotes. It is a tough but thin transparent pair of membranes, which hold a developing embryo (and later fetus) until shortly before birth.