You and Your Hormones

inability to achieve an erection or orgasm in men.

(IVF) a form of assisted conception whereby a woman's eggs are extracted and fertilised by sperm outside the body. Conceived embryo(s) are then transferred back to the woman's womb where the hope is that pregnancy will occur.

the frequency of an event occurring in a population.

brought on, brought forward, often by artificial means.

the body's reaction to tissue damage causing localised swelling, redness and warmth.

genetic change occurring as a random event during early development. Affected people typically have no history of the disorder in their family.

Insulin is an essential hormone produced by the pancreas. Its main role is to control glucose levels in our bodies.

More information on: Insulin Hormones

An insulinoma is a type of tumour that occurs in the pancreas. The tumour secretes too much insulin, which causes blood glucose (sugar) to drop to low levels.

More information on: Insulinoma Endocrine Conditions

long coiled tubes in the digestive system where food is broken down. In the small intestine, digestive juices are released to aid the breakdown of food particles; in the large intestine, faeces are formed, which are then expelled from the body.

(ICSI) a process by which a single sperm, collected from the male, is injected directly into the female’s egg outside the body (in a lab). A form of assisted reproductive therapy.

into the muscle. Drugs are often administered intramuscularly by injection straight into the muscle.

when medication is given through a drip or by injection directly into the veins.

being exposed to radiation, such as during radiotherapy for cancer treatment.

cells in the pancreas that detect changes in blood sugar levels. They produce hormones including insulin and glucagon.