Helpful Terms
(This page will expand and update as new pages are created!)
Adrenal Cortex
The outer part of the adrenal gland where vital hormones such as cortisol are produced.
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are two small glands that reside directly at the top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands are a vital part of the endocrine system and are used to regulate sex hormones and cortisol.
Adrenal Insufficiency
A condition where production of certain adrenal hormones is or becomes impaired.
Adrenal Medulla
The inner part of the adrenal gland where non-vital hormones such as adrenaline are produced.
Androgens
A class of hormones present in both males and females that is responsible for characteristics such as hair growth. Although androgens are typically associated with males, they also play a key role in female development.
Androstenedione
A steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex and the ovaries, a precursor to testosterone. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Cortisol
A natural steroid produced in the adrenal glands, used by the body to deal with stress. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Cystic Acne
A more severe type of acne that develops as cysts deep within the skin.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate
A natural steroid produced in the adrenal cortex and a precursor to the adrenal sex hormones. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Endocrine System
A complex network of glands, which secrete hormones and regulate bodily functions such as growth and development and as metabolism.
Enzyme
A substance that acts as a catalyst to a chemical reaction, in other words, an enzyme allows a chemical reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently. (For more information, please visit our "The Roll Of Enzymes In CAH" section under "Education")
Estradiol (also referred to as Oestradiol)
A reproductive hormone produced in the adrenal glands and the ovaries, plays a key roll in female development. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
A hormone produced in the pituitary gland, important for controlling the functions of the ovaries. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Gene
A genetic code passed down from parents to a child, which the body uses to determine different traits and characteristics. (For more information of genes in CAH, please visit our "Genetics" section and our "Gene Mutations" section under "Education!")
Hormone
A class of molecules that the body uses as signals. Hormones can impact the body physically as well as mentally.
17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)
A steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, a precursor to other adrenal hormones such as cortisol and the androgens. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
17-Hydroxypregnenolone
An intermediate steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, and a precursor to progesterone and the sex hormones. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
A hormone produced in the pituitary gland, important for controlling the functions of the ovaries. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Ovaries
Organs in the endocrine system residing in a female's lower abdomen, which maintain the health of the female reproductive system.
Pituitary Gland
A gland in the endocrine system residing in the brain, which plays a large part in regulating the functions of other glands in the endocrine system.
Protein
A complex class of molecules made up of unique amino acids (a specific type of organic compounds) series.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a protein that is produced in the liver. The primary purpose of SHBG is to control the amount of testosterone that is used by body tissue. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")
Testosterone
An androgen hormone, which in women is produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries. (For more information, please visit our "The Key Hormones" section under "Education!")