Medical dictionary

What is a hypocaloric diet?A hypocaloric diet is that is low in calories. The main aim of a hypocaloric diet is to either lose weight in the short term or to help manage another condition, such as type 2 diabetes. Hypocaloric diets are sometimes known as very low calories diets (VLCD). These should be clinically supervised because the calorific intake is usually a third of the average intake (roug

What is hypogonadism?   Hypogonadism, also known as gonad deficiency or testosterone deficiency, occurs when the body's sex glands - the testicles in men and the ovaries in women - produce little or no sex hormones (testosterone and oestrogen). The sex glands are responsible for controlling secondary sexual characteristics, such as the development of breasts in women and the growth

What is hypopituitarism? Hypopituitarism is a condition in which the pituitary gland is not producing normal quantities of certain hormones. The pituitary gland is located below the brain and is connected to the hypothalamus. It is responsible for producing different types of hormone, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and growth hormone (GH). Hypopituitarism is treated by endo

What is hypoplasia? Hypoplasia is the incomplete development or underdevelopment of an organ or tissue. Hence, organs or tissue affected by hypoplasia have a below average number of cells. There are different types of hypoplasia, depending on what tissue is affected. The most common types are: Testicular hypoplasia (seen in Klinefelter's syndrome) Optic nerve hypoplasia Enamel

What are hypopressive exercises?Abdominal hypopressive exercises are a series of exercises and breathing techniques, which, if done in the right manner and under the supervision of a professional, help to give the individual a strong and toned abdomen, in addition to strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, and burning calories. Why are they done?Hypopressive exercises involve decreasing the p

What is hypospadias? Hypospadias is a relatively common congenital condition found in baby boys, in which the opening of the urethra is not found in its usual position at the end of the penis; instead it is located somewhere along the underside. The position of this opening (known as the urethral meatus) in hypospadias is most commonly at the junction of the head (glans) of the penis and the sh

What is the hypothalamus? The hypothalamus is a small section of the brain found at the base of the brain, close to the pituitary gland. Although it is small, it is very important and plays a crucial role in regulating numerous bodily cycles. The hypothalamus is made up of three regions: Anterior region – made up of various nuclei which are mainly responsible for the secretion of ho

What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, otherwise known as underactive thyroid, is a condition affecting the thyroid gland, causing it to underproduce thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in the body, affecting the metabolism. In those with hypothyroidism, the metabolic system runs more slowly, resulting in various problems. Hypothyroidism most commonly affects women, aff

What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves removal of the uterus (womb), meaning you are no longer able to get pregnant post-surgery. There are different types of hysterectomy, and the type that you would be recommended would depend on why you require a hysterectomy. The procedure is a big operation using general anaesthetic with extensive recovery periods, and is reco