| L-Carnitine |
| A nutrient that benefits the cardiovascular system in several ways. First, it is responsible for clearing fatty acids (triglycerides) out of the blood into the mitochondria (the energy powerhouse of the cells) to be broken down. Fatty acids are the major source for production of energy in the heart muscles. Mobilizes fat in the body. |
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| Labile Diabetes |
| A term used to indicate when a person's blood glucose (sugar) level often swings quickly from high to low and from low to high. Also called brittle diabetes. |
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| Lactose |
| A type of sugar found in milk and milk products (cheese, butter, etc.). It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has calories. |
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| Laparoscope |
| A small telescope that can be inserted into a hole in the abdominal wall for viewing the internal organs; the instrument used to perform a laparoscopy. Used to diagnose and treat a number of fertility problems including endometriosis, abdominal adhesions, and polycystic ovaries. Also used in egg retrieval for in vitro fertilization. |
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| Laparoscopy |
| Examination of the pelvic region by using a small telescope called a laparoscope. An out-patient surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted through the umbilicus to visualize the pelvis. Typically one to three additional small incisions are made above the pubic hairline so that other instruments can be placed. Used to treat endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, hydrosalpinges, and pelvic pain. |
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| Laparotomy |
| Major abdominal surgery where reproductive organ abnormalities can be corrected and fertility restored, such as tubal repairs and the removal of adhesions. Frequently needed for treating fibroids and ovarian dermoid cysts. |
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| Laser Hair Removal |
| A hair removal technique in which a specified wavelength of light is delivered from a hand piece into the skin, where it targets dark material (usually the pigment in hair). This is intended to cause thermal and/or mechanical damage to a hair follicle while sparing surrounding tissues. Light skin and dark hair are the best combination for laser hair removal. The more closely your skin tone matches your hair color, the less likely you are to benefit from laser hair removal. |
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| Lecithin |
| Contains Choline & Inositol which are essential for the breakdown of fats and cholesterol. It helps prevent arterial congestion, helps distribute bodyweight, increases immunity to virus infections, cleans the liver and purifies the kidneys. |
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| Leptin |
| Acts as a signal of how much fat is in the body to the brain's hypothalamus, which coordinates basic body functions such as eating. Differences in the fat's production rate of leptin, resistance to leptin at its site of action or a combination of these factors could influence eating behaviors and energy use to cause obesity or other nutritional abnormalities, such as diabetes. |
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| Linoleic |
| A fatty acid that enables insulin to be more effective. |
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| Lipid |
| A term for fat. The body stores fat as energy for future use just like a car that has a reserve fuel tank. When the body needs energy, it can break down the lipids into fatty acids and burn them like glucose (sugar). |
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| Lupron |
| A GnRH agonist. This subcutaneous medication that desensitizes the hypothalamus thereby creating a pseudo-menopause. Estradiol levels are consequently undetectable. Lupron is an important medication for in vitro fertilization and in selected patients undergoing ovulation induction with injectable FSH. |
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| Luteal Phase |
| Post-ovulatory phase of a woman's cycle. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which cause the uterine lining to thicken to support the implantation and growth of the embryo. |
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| Luteal Phase Defect (or deficiency) (LPD) |
| A condition that occurs when the uterine lining does not develop adequately because of inadequate progesterone stimulation; or because of the inability of the uterine lining to respond to progesterone stimulation. LPD may prevent embryonic implantation or cause an early abortion. |
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| Luteinizing Hormone (LH) |
| A pituitary hormone that stimulates the gonads. In the man LH is necessary for spermatogenesis (Sertoli cell function) and for the production of testosterone (Leydig cell function). In the woman LH is necessary for the production of estrogen. When estrogen reaches a critical peak, the pituitary releases a surge of LH (the LH spike), which releases the egg from the follicle. LH levels are elevated in women with polycystic ovarian disease. |
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| Luteinizing Hormone Surge (LH SURGE) |
| The release of luteinizing hormone (LH) that causes release of a mature egg from the follicle. Ovulation test kits detect the sudden increase of LH, signaling that ovulation is about to occur (usually within 24-36 hours). |
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| Luteinized Unruptured Follicle (LUF) Syndrome |
| A condition in which the follicle develops and changes into the corpus luteum without releasing the egg. |
