Definition Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries). PCOS can affect a women’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac function, and appearance. Polycystic …
Read More »Seasonal Affective Disorder – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.
Definition Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), formally referred to as recurrent depression with seasonal pattern, is a type of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected people react adversely to the decreasing amounts of sunlight and …
Read More »Restless Leg Syndrome – History, Causes, and Home Remedies.
Definition Restless leg syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease(WED) is a common cause of painful legs. The leg pain of restless leg syndrome typically eases with motion of the legs and becomes more noticeable at rest. Restless leg syndrome also features worsening of symptoms and leg pain during the early evening …
Read More »Chickenpox – Symptoms, Risk factors, and Diagnosis.
Introduction Chickenpox is the primary infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is an acute, highly infectious disease most commonly seen in children under 10 years old. Chickenpox is usually a mild, self-limiting illness and most healthy children recover with no complications. The illness with chickenpox usually lasts about seven …
Read More »Rheumatoid Arthritis – History, Symptoms, and Prevention
Definition Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system – which normally protects its health by attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses – mistakenly attacks the joints. This creates inflammation that causes the tissue that lines the inside of joints (the synovium) to thicken, …
Read More »Cervical Cancer – Definition, Causes, and Treatment.
Definition Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus (or womb). It is the passageway that connects the uterus to the vagina. Before cervical cancer develops, the cells of the cervix start to change and become abnormal. Growths on …
Read More »Cataract – Definition, Causes, Risk factors, and Treatment.
Introduction Cataract is a very common eye condition. As you get older the lens inside your eye gradually changes and becomes less transparent (clear). A lens that has turned misty, or cloudy, is said to have a cataract. Over time a cataract can get worse, gradually making your vision mistier. …
Read More »Canker Sore – Causes, Complications, and Prevention.
Definition A canker sore, or aphthous ulcer, is an open and painful mouth ulcer or sore. It’s also the most common type of mouth ulcer. Some people notice them inside their lips or cheeks. They’re usually white or yellow and surrounded by red, inflamed soft tissue. Since canker sores are …
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