| Fallopian tube |
| Thin elongated structure running from the uterine cavity to the ovary. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube. |
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| False unicorn root |
| An herb that has been used for many years in the treatment of irregular and painful menstruation, even in preventing pregnancy loss. |
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| Fasting Blood Glucose Test |
| A method for finding out how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. The test can show if a person has insulin resistance and/or diabetes. A blood sample is taken in a lab or doctor's office. The test is usually done in the morning before the person has eaten. |
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| Fats |
| One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy in the body. Fats help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy. They also serve as energy stores for the body. In food, there are two types of fats: see saturated and unsaturated fats. |
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| Fatty Acids |
| A basic unit of fats. When insulin levels are too low or there is not enough glucose (sugar) to use for energy, the body burns fatty acids for energy. The body then makes ketone bodies, waste products that cause the acid level in the blood to become too high. This in turn may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious problem. |
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| Fenugreek |
| This little known herb has profound benefits for diabetics, as shown in experimental and clinical studies. It can help to reduce both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels, and increase levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDLs). It is also been said to promote menstruation. |
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| Fertilization |
| The combining of the genetic material carried by sperm and egg to create an embryo. Normally occurs inside the fallopian tube (in-vivo) but may also occur in a petri dish (in-vitro). |
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| Fiber |
| A substance found in foods that come from plants. Fiber helps in the digestive process and is thought to lower cholesterol and help control blood glucose (sugar). The two types of fiber in food are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber found in beans, fruits, and oat products, dissolves in water and is thought to help lower blood fats and blood glucose (sugar). Insoluble fiber, found in whole-grain products and vegetables, passes directly through the digestive system, helping to rid the body of waste products. |
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| Fibroid (myoma or leioma) |
| A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue. |
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| Fimbria |
| The opening of the fallopian tube near the ovary. When stimulated by the follicular fluid released during ovulation, the fingerlike ends grasp the ovary and coax the egg into the tube. |
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| Flashlamps |
| A hair removal technique similar to laser hair removal but differs in the type of light and the size and shape of the beam. Also called IPL (intense pulsed light), ILS (intense light source), full spectrum, non-coherent, and broadband light. |
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| Flax Seed Oil |
| The world's richest sources of high-quality linoleic and omega-3 fatty acids at a whopping 57% (over two times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oils). Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects toward the following: arthritis, cancer, high cholesterol levels, heart pain "angina", high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, eczema, stroke, and heart attack. |
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| Flutimide |
| A potent antiandrogen that strongly binds to androgen receptors on cells in hair follicles. The binding of Flutamide to cell androgen receptors blocks androgens from stimulating hair growth. Studies that compare flutamide to spironolactone or cyproterone acetate suggest that overall the beneficial effects on reducing hirsutism are similar. |
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| Folic Acid |
| Necessary for DNA & RNA synthesis, which is essential for the growth and reproduction of all body cells; essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow; aids in amino acid metabolism. |
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| Follicles |
| Fluid-filled sacs in the ovary, which contain the eggs released at ovulation. Each month an egg develops inside the ovary in a fluid filled pocket called a follicle. This follicle is one inch in size and is about ready to ovulate. |
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| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) |
| Released by the pituitary gland in response to GnRH released by the hypothalamus. Responsible for the selection and growth of follicles/eggs. |
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| Follicular Phase |
| The first half of the menstrual cycle prior to ovulation. |
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| Fructose |
| A type of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables and in honey. Fructose is used to sweeten some diet foods. It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has calories. |
