| d-chiro-inositol |
| A compound that is currently being researched which may increase the action of insulin in patients with PCOS, thereby improving ovulatory function and decreasing serum androgen concentrations, blood pressure, and plasma triglyceride concentrations. |
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| Daily Value (DV) |
| A new term appearing on food labels, Daily Value is a new dietary reference value designed to help consumers use food label information to plan a healthy diet. |
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| D&C (Dilation and Curettage) |
| A procedure used to dilate the cervical canal and scrape out the lining of the uterus. |
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| Danazol (danocrine) |
| A medication used to treat endometriosis. Suppresses LH and FSH production by the pituitary and causes a state of amenorrhea during which the endometrial implants waste away. Many women experience oily skin, acne, weight gain, abnormal hair growth, deepening of the voice and muscle cramps with this medication. |
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| Dandelion |
| The medicinal properties of dandelion are varied and essential to overall health. It is used in the following capacities: as a diuretic, to lower blood sugar, acne, weight loss, alleviation of premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cancer prevention, yeast infection, and a digestive aid. |
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| Dehydration |
| Great loss of body water. A very high level of glucose (sugar) in the urine causes loss of a great deal of water, and the person becomes very thirsty. |
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| Delta Cell |
| A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. Delta cells make somatostatin, a hormone that is believed to control how the beta cells make and release insulin and how the alpha cells make and release glucagon. |
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| Depilatories |
| A temporary hair removal technique. A chemical dissolves hair at the skin’s surface. |
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| Dermoid cyst |
| Benign ovarian cyst, consisting predominantly of fat. May also contain bone, teeth, thyroid and hair. Ovary containing dermoid cyst is at increased risk of twisting (torsion). Often removed by laparotomy with ovarian reconstruction. An MRI is usually useful in making pre-operative diagnosis. |
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| Dextrose |
| A simple sugar found in the blood. It is the body's main source of energy. Also called glucose. |
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| DHEAS |
| An adrenal androgen. |
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| Diabetes Mellitus |
| A disorder that is caused by the insufficient production of the pancreatic hormone insulin. Without insulin cells are unable to absorb glucose, necessary for cellular metabolism and energy production. Patients may have type I diabetes (juvenile onset) or type II diabetes (adult onset). Individuals with either condition are considered to be "diabetic". |
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| Diet, 40/30/30 |
| The numbers in this diet refer to percentage consumption (in terms of caloric value, not weight) of carbohydrate (40%), protein (30%), and fat (30%) used as an optimal fat-burning diet. |
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| Diet, Atkins |
| The cornerstone of the Atkins philosophy is a four-phase eating plan in conjunction with vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular exercise. |
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| Diet, Schwarzbein Principle |
| Is a holistic diet lifestyle to achieving lasting weight loss, normalizing metabolism and maintaining ideal body composition through lifestyle and nutrition. By bringing the internal systems into balance, the Schwarzbein program has been proven to: reverse type II diabetes; free people from food cravings for chocolate, caffeine and sugar; cure depression and mood swings; and reduce body fat while building lean tissue. |
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| Diet, Sugar Busters |
| The principles of this diet believe that refined sugar found in cakes, candies, and sodas as well as potatoes, white flour and pasta, are toxic. Eating these types of foods causes the body to produce increased amounts of the hormone insulin, which leads to increased amounts of body fat and weight. |
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| Diet, Zone |
| A diet, which can be defined as keeping the hormone insulin in a tight zone: not too high, not too low. The Zone Diet is a life-long hormonal control strategy. |
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| Dietitian |
| An expert in nutrition who helps people with special health needs plan the kinds and amounts of foods to eat. A registered dietitian (R.D.) has special qualifications. |
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| Diode Laser |
| A laser hair removal system, which was cleared by the FDA to market in the U.S. in 1997. See Laser Hair Removal. |
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| Dong Quai |
| An aromatic herb that grows in China, Korea, and Japan. The reputation of Don quai is second only to Ginseng and is considered the ultimate, all-purpose woman's tonic herb. It is used for almost every gynecological complaint from regulating the menstrual cycle to treating menopausal symptoms caused by hormonal changes. Dong quai is frequently used by the Chinese as a strengthening treatment for the heart, spleen, liver and kidneys. Both men and women use the herb as a general blood tonic. |
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| Dysmenorrhea |
| Pain with menstrual periods. |
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| Dyspareunia |
| Pain with intercourse. |
