H
HIRSUITISM
The overabundance of body hair, such as a mustache or pubic
hair growing upward toward the navel, found in women with
excess androgens.
HOSTILE
MUCUS Cervical mucus that impedes the natural progress
of sperm through the cervical canal. HUMAN
CHORIONIC
GONADOTROPIN (HCG) The hormone produced in early pregnancy
which keeps the corpus luteum producing progesterone. Also
used via injection (Profasi) to trigger ovulation after
some fertility treatments, and used in men to stimulate
testosterone production.
HUMAN
MENOPAUSAL GONADOTRIPIN (HMG MENOGON) A combination
of hormones FSH and LH, which is extracted from the urine
of postmenopausal women. Used to induce ovulation in several
fertility treatments.
HUMEGON
(HMG) Similar to Menogon: the lutenizing and follicle
stimulating hormones recovered from the urine of postmenopausal
women. Used to stimulate multiple ovulation in some fertility
treatments.
HYPERPROLACTINAEMIA
A condition in which the pituitary gland secretes too much
prolactin. Prolactin can suppress LH and FSH production,
reduce male sex drive, and directly suppress ovarian function.
HYPERSTIMULATION
(OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME OHSS) A potentially
life threatening side effect of Menogon, Humegon or Puregon
ovulation induction. A woman's ovaries become enlarged and
produce an over abundance of eggs. Blood hormone levels
rise, fluid may collect in the lungs or abdominal cavity,
and ovarian cyst may rupture, causing internal bleeding.
Blood clots sometimes develop. Symptoms include sudden weight
gain and abdominal pain. Cycles stimulated with these drugs
must be carefully monitored with ultrasound scans. OHSS
may be prevented by withholding the hCG injection when ultrasound
monitoring indicates that too many follicles have matured.
HYPERTHYROIDISM
Over production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
The resulting increased metabolism "burns up"
estrogen too rapidly and interferes with ovulation.
HYPOESTROGENIC
Having lower than normal levels of estrogen.
HYPOGONADOTROPIC
HYPOPITUITARISM A spectrum of diseases resulting in
low pituitary gland output of LH and FSH. Men with this
disorder have low sperm counts and may lose their virility;
women do not ovulate and may lose their secondary sex characteristics.
HYPOSPERMATOGENESIS
Low sperm production.
HYPOTHALAMUS
A part of the brain, the hormonal regulation center, located
adjacent to and above the pituitary gland. In both the man
and the woman this tissue secretes GnRH every ninety minutes
or so. The pulsatile GnRH enables the pituitary gland to
secrete LH and FSH, which stimulate the gonads. See also
FSH; LH; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Testicle.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
A condition in which the thyroid gland produces an insufficient
amount of thyroid hormone. The resulting lowered metabolism
interferes with the normal breakdown of 'old' hormones and
causes lethargy. Men will suffer from a lower sex drive
and elevated prolactin (see Hyperprolactinemia), and women
will suffer from elevated prolactin and estrogen, both of
which will interfere with fertility.
HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAM
(HSG) An x-ray of the pelvic organs in which a radio-opaque
dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian
tubes. This test checks for malformations of the uterus
and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
HYSTEROSCOPY
A procedure in which the doctor checks for uterine abnormalities
by inserting a fibreoptic device. Minor surgical repairs
can be executed during the procedure.
