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Glossary
Simple, honest definitions of the words that come up in a diagnosis, a report or a consultation. If a term is not here, ask us and we will explain it.
Term Androgens Androgens are male-type hormones. All women have them in small amounts, and they are a normal part of the body. In PCOS, however, androgens can run higher than usual. Term Glycemic index (GI) Glycemic index, or GI, is a way of ranking foods by how quickly they raise your blood sugar. High-GI foods raise it fast, while low-GI foods raise it more slowly and gently. Term Glycemic load (GL) Glycemic load, or GL, builds on the idea of glycemic index. It combines two things: how quickly a food raises your blood sugar, and how much of that food you actually eat. Term Insulin resistance Insulin resistance is when your body's cells stop responding easily to insulin, the hormone that controls your blood sugar. To keep blood sugar steady, the body then has to make more insulin than usual. Term Ovulation Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary, which usually happens about once a month in a regular cycle. After ovulation, if the egg is not fertilised, a period follows a couple of weeks later. Term PCOD PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) is a term used often, especially in India, for a hormonal condition involving irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, and small fluid-filled sacs (follicles) on the ovaries. Term PCOS PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a common hormonal condition in women where the ovaries do not release eggs as regularly as they should, and the body often makes higher levels of male-type hormones.
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