|
| Acne |
A skin disease that occurs mainly during puberty. Overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands and increased hornification of the skin lead to obstruction of the hair follicles resulting in blackheads, inflammation and infection. Acne is caused primarily by increased production of male sex hormones (androgens).
|
| AIDS |
(Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). Disease caused by infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The viruses contained in the blood or other body fluids (e.g. semen, vaginal fluid) of infected persons are only transmitted if these fluids come into direct contact with small wounds on the skin or mucous membranes. The main method of transmission is by sexual contact. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies AIDS as a sexually transmitted disease. Other modes of transmission are needle sharing in drug users and transfusion of contaminated blood or plasma products.
|
| Amenorrhoea |
Absence of menstruation.
|
| Androgens |
Male sex hormones. Androgens are produced mainly in the testes. Testosterone is the most important androgen produced by the body. Androgens regulate the male reproductive functions, the development of the male sexual characteristics and have general effects on metabolism. Natural and synthetic androgens can be used as drugs.
|
| Anaemia |
Condition in which the oxygen carrying blood pigment (haemoglobin) and/or the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is diminished.
|
| Antiandrogens |
Synthetic inhibitors (antagonists) of androgens. Some antiandrogens are progestins with additional antiandrogenic effects.
|
| Arteriosclerosis |
The most common form of arteriosclerosis. The development of raised patches of fibrous and fatty tissue on the inside walls of the blood vessels leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries. The resulting impairment of blood flow can have serious consequences such as coronary artery disease or stroke.
|
| Atrophy |
Shrinking of tissues/organs that is caused by an inadequate supply of blood or nutrients or lack of use.
|
