| C-Peptide |
| A substance that the pancreas releases into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin. A test of C-peptide levels will show how much insulin the body is making. |
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| Calorie |
| Energy that comes from food. Some foods have more calories than others. Fats have many calories. Most vegetables have few. |
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| Candidiasis (Yeast) |
| An infection that may be uncomfortable and itchy and may impair fertility. |
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| Carbohydrate |
| One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells). The body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use. If the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, then the body will not be able to use carbohydrates for energy the way it should. |
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| Cardiovascular |
| Relating to the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries); the circulatory system. |
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| Cauterize |
| To burn tissue with electrical current (electrocautery) or with a laser. Used in surgical procedures to remove unwanted tissue such as adhesions and endometrial implants. Also used to control bleeding. |
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| Cerebrovascular Disease |
| Damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a stroke. The blood vessels become blocked because of fat deposits or they become thick and hard, blocking the flow of blood to the brain. Sometimes, the blood vessels may burst, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke. People with insulin resistance are at higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. |
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| Cervical Mucus |
| A viscous fluid plugging the opening of the cervix. Most of the time this thick mucus plug prevents sperm and bacteria from entering the womb. However, at midcycle, under the influence of estrogen, the mucus becomes thin, watery, and stringy to allow sperm to pass into the womb. See also www.ivf.com website. |
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| Cervix |
| The opening between the uterus and the vagina. The cervical mucus plugs the cervical canal and normally prevents foreign materials from entering the reproductive tract. The cervix remains closed during pregnancy and dilates during labor and delivery to allow the baby to be born. |
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| Chelated Magnesium |
| Weight loss enhancer. Those who have metabolic resistance to losing weight often have deficiency in magnesium. |
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| Chocolate Cyst |
| A cyst in the ovary that is filled with old blood; endometrioma. Occurring when endometriosis invades an ovary, it causes the ovary to swell. Frequently, patients with large endometriomas do not have any symptoms. If the cyst ruptures or the ovary containing the cyst twists, emergency surgery may be necessary. Usually treatment can be carried out through the laparoscope. |
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| Cholesterol |
| A fat-like substance found in blood, muscle, liver, brain, and other tissues in people and animals. The body makes and needs some cholesterol. Too much cholesterol, however, may cause fat to build up in the artery walls and cause a disease that slows or stops the flow of blood. Butter and egg yolks are foods that have a lot of cholesterol. |
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| Choline |
| A vitamin that assists in controlling fat & cholesterol buildup in the body; prevents fat from accumulating in the liver; facilitates the movement of fats in the cells; helps regulate the kidneys, liver & gallbladder; important for nerve transmission; helps improve memory. |
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| Chromium |
| A mineral which works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels; cleans the arteries by reducing Cholesterol & Triglyceride levels; helps transport amino acids to where the body needs them; helps control the appetite; medical research has shown that persons with low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to having cancer and heart problems and becoming diabetic. Food sources of chromium are: meats, whole gains, grape juice, orange juice, broccoli, black pepper, thyme, brewer’s yeast and barbecue sauce. |
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| Chromosome |
| The structures in the cell that carry the genetic material (genes); the genetic messengers of inheritance. The human has forty-six chromosomes, twenty-three coming from the egg and twenty-three coming from the sperm. |
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| Cinnamon |
| Used for years as a calming digestive aid. It also has other medicinal properties: lowers blood sugar, improves circulation, promotes menstruation, pain relief, digestive aid, reduces blood pressure, and works in infection prevention. |
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| Clomiphene Citrate (CC) |
| Oral medication that stimulates ovulation through the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Also known as "Clomid" or "Serophene". |
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| Coenzyme Q10 |
| A supplement that improves circulation and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. It is also good for both the cardiovascular system and heart. |
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| Coitus |
| Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. |
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| Conception |
| See Fertilization. |
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| Conceptus |
| The early products of conception; the embryo and placenta. |
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| Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia |
| A congenital condition characterized by elevated androgens, which suppress the pituitary gland and interfere with spermatogenesis or ovulation. Women may have ambiguous genitalia from the excess production of male hormone. |
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| Congenital Defects |
| Problems or conditions that are present at birth. |
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| Coronary Disease |
| Damage to the heart. Not enough blood flows through the vessels because they are blocked with fat or have become thick and hard; this harms the muscles of the heart. People with insulin resistance and/or diabetes are at a higher risk of coronary disease. |
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| Corpus Luteum |
| The yellow-pigmented glandular structure that forms from the ovarian follicle following ovulation. The gland produces progesterone, which is responsible for preparing and supporting the uterine lining for implantation. Progesterone also causes the half-degree basal temperature elevation noted at midcycle during an ovulatory cycle. If the corpus luteum functions poorly, the uterine lining may not support a pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized, a corpus luteum of pregnancy forms to maintain the endometrial bed and support the implanted embryo. |
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| Cushing's Syndrome |
| A condition characterized by an overproduction of adrenal gland secretions. The person will suffer from high blood pressure and water retention as well as a number of other symptoms. A concurrent elevation of adrenal androgens will suppress pituitary output of LH and FSH and result in low sperm production or ovulatory failure. A woman may also develop male secondary sex characteristics, including abnormal hair growth. Cushing's Disease is another condition in which these same symptoms occur, but as the result of a pituitary tumor. |
