| Basal Body Temperature (BBT) |
| A woman’s body temperature when taken at its lowest point, usually in the morning before getting out of bed. Charting BBT is used to predict ovulation. |
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| Basal Body Temperature Chart |
| A woman measures her oral temperature each morning upon awakening. With ovulation, temperature rises approximately one half degree during the second half of the menstrual cycle (biphasic pattern). |
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| Beta Cell |
| A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. |
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| Beta Three (ß3) Integrin |
| Marker of uterine receptivity. Its absence in endometrial biopsies taken during the window of implantation identifies reduced uterine receptivity. Diminished b3 levels are found in women with endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes (hydrosalpinges), recurrent pregnancy losses, unexplained infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome. |
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| Beta hCG Test |
| A blood test used to detect very early pregnancies and to evaluate embryonic development. |
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| Bilberries |
| A berry which, protects cells and membranes from damage caused by free radicals. The natural antioxidant Anthocyanin in bilberry also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Bilberry also contains glucoquinine, which helps to lower blood sugar level. |
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| Bioavailability |
| The degree to which a substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration. |
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| Black Cohosh |
| An herb that has been making a comeback in recent years as a powerful treatment for amenorrhea (delayed or stopped periods). Other uses: rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, neuralgia, prostate cancer. |
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| Blastocyst |
| An advanced embryo, consisting of the cells that will form the fetus. |
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| Blood Glucose |
| The main sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food-proteins, fats, and carbohydrates-but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin. |
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| Blood Pressure |
| The force of the blood on the walls of arteries. Two levels of blood pressure are measured-the higher, or systolic, pressure, which occurs each time the heart pushes blood into the vessels, and the lower, or diastolic, pressure, which occurs when the heart rests. In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, for example, 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure. A reading of 120/80 is said to be the normal range. Blood pressure that is too high can cause health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. |
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| Blue Cohosh |
| An herb used in treating the absence of menstruation and the prevention of miscarriage. |
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| Blue Flag |
| An herb that is said to be an effective remedy for obesity because it reduces the appetite and food cravings. |
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| Body Mass Index (BMI) |
| A number, derived by using height and weight measurements, that gives a general indication of whether or not weight falls within a healthy range. |
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| Brewer's Yeast |
| An herb, which is a good source of Chromium and has been studied extensively for its medicinal properties. Chromium works at lowering insulin levels and fighting diabetes. It is also high in B vitamins and protein. |
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| Brittle Diabetes |
| A term used when a person's blood glucose (sugar) level often swings quickly from high to low and from low to high. Also called labile and unstable diabetes. |
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| Bulimia |
| An eating disorder characterized by voracious eating followed by forced vomiting. The resulting weight loss and malnutrition may cause anovulation. |
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| Buserelin |
| A long-acting GnRH available in Europe as a nasal spray and used to create the pseudomenopause desirable for reducing the size and number of endometriotic lesions. It can also be used to treat fibroid tumors, PMS, hirsutism, ovulation induction and for in-vitro fertilization. |
