Here are ten unit names for a Graduate Certificate in PCOS Integrative Healthcare:
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in PCOS Integrative Healthcare course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**A** #
**A**
Androgens #
A group of hormones that play a role in male traits and reproductive activity. The main androgens are testosterone and androstenedione. Women with PCOS often have higher than normal androgen levels.
Alopecia #
A condition characterized by hair loss, often on the scalp. Alopecia can be a symptom of PCOS, resulting from high androgen levels.
Anovulation #
The absence of ovulation, a common characteristic of PCOS.
**B** #
**B**
Body Mass Index (BMI) #
A measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of being overweight or obese.
**C** #
**C**
C #
reactive protein (CRP): A protein found in the blood, the levels of which rise in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels have been linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) #
A class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing CVD due to factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Cholesterol #
A type of fat found in the blood. High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of having high cholesterol levels.
**D** #
**D**
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) #
A byproduct of androgen production. Elevated DHEAS levels can indicate increased androgen production, which is common in women with PCOS.
Diabetes mellitus #
A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet #
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products that has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity. This diet may be beneficial for women with PCOS.
**E** #
**E**
Endometrial cancer #
Cancer of the lining of the uterus. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of endometrial cancer due to infrequent or absent menstrual periods.
Endometrial hyperplasia #
An overgrowth of the lining of the uterus. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia due to infrequent or absent menstrual periods.
Estrogen #
A group of hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of female sex characteristics. High levels of androgens in women with PCOS can interfere with estrogen production, leading to a variety of symptoms.
**F** #
**F**
Ferriman #
Gallwey score: A scoring system used to assess hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, in women.
Free androgen index (FAI) #
A calculation used to assess the level of free, or unbound, testosterone in the blood. A high FAI indicates high levels of free testosterone, which is a common characteristic of PCOS.
**G** #
**G**
Glucose #
A type of sugar that serves as the body's primary source of energy. High levels of glucose in the blood can indicate diabetes or prediabetes. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing these conditions.
Glycemic index (GI) #
A measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI raise blood sugar levels quickly, while foods with a low GI raise blood sugar levels slowly. A low-GI diet may be beneficial for women with PCOS.
**H** #
**H**
Hirsutism #
Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back. Hirsutism is a common symptom of PCOS, resulting from high androgen levels.
Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA #
IR): A calculation used to assess insulin resistance. A high HOMA-IR score indicates insulin resistance, which is a common characteristic of PCOS.
**I** #
**I**
Insulin #
A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, is a common characteristic of PCOS.
Insulin #
like growth factor-1 (IGF-1): A hormone similar to insulin that plays a role in growth and development. High levels of IGF-1 have been linked to PCOS.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) #
A type of assisted reproductive technology in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside of the body. IVF may be an option for women with PCOS who are experiencing infertility.
**L** #
**L**
Luteinizing hormone (LH) #
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation. Women with PCOS often have high levels of LH, which can interfere with ovulation.
**M** #
**M**
Metabolic syndrome #
A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and excess body fat around the waist, that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Menstrual irregularities #
Abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, such as infrequent or absent periods. Menstrual irregularities are a common characteristic of PCOS.
**O** #
**O**
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) #
A condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of OSA due to factors such as obesity and insulin resistance.
Oligomenorrhea #
Infrequent menstrual periods, defined as fewer than nine periods per year. Oligomenorrhea is a common characteristic of PCOS.
**P** #
**P**
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) #
A hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual periods, high levels of androgens, and polycystic ovaries.
Polycystic ovaries #
Ovaries that contain multiple small follicles, or cysts. Polycystic ovaries are a common characteristic of PCOS, but not all women with polycystic ovaries have PCOS.
Prediabetes #
A condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing prediabetes.
**R** #
**R**
Rosiglitazone #
A medication used to improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.
**S** #
**S**
Sleep disturbances #
Abnormalities in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of sleep disturbances due to factors such as obesity and insulin resistance.
Sleep disturbances #
Abnormalities in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of sleep disturbances due to factors such as obesity and insulin resistance.
Sleep #
disordered breathing (SDB): A group of conditions characterized by abnormal breathing during sleep. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of SDB due to factors such as obesity and insulin resistance.
Spironolactone #
A medication used to treat hirsutism in women with PCOS.
**T** #
**T**
Testosterone #
A hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands that plays a role in male traits and reproductive