Dictionary

excisional biopsy See biopsy, excisional.

exclamation point hair A short, broken-off hair that is found in an area of hair loss and is narrower closer to the scalp than at the other end (and therefore looks like an exclamation point). Exclamation point hair is a key diagnostic finding in a disorder called alopecia areata. See also alopecia areata.

excrescence An abnormal outgrowth as, for example, a wart.

exercise, aerobic See aerobic exercise.

exercise treadmill A machine used to obtain a continuous electrocardiogram recording of the heart as a patient performs increasing levels of exercise. An exercise treadmill permits the detection of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and provides a screening test for the presence of narrowed arteries to the heart (coronary arteries). Narrowing of these arteries can limit…

essential oil An oil derived from a natural substance, usually either for its healing properties or as a perfume. Some pharmaceuticals, and many overthe-counter or “holistic” remedies, are based on or contain essential oils. For example, products containing camphor or eucalyptus essential oils can help relieve congestive coughs, and many essential oils are used in…

estimated date of confinement See due date.

estrogen A female steroid hormone that is produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts, by the adrenal cortex, placenta, and male testes. Estrogen helps control and guide sexual development, including the physical changes associated with puberty. It also influences the course of ovulation in the monthly menstrual cycle, lactation after pregnancy, aspects of mood,…

estrogen, designer See designer estrogen.

estrogen replacement therapy The use of natural or synthetic estrogen to treat changes associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness, that are associated with decreased estrogen levels. Abbreviated ERT. ERT can also prevent osteoporosis, which can be a consequence of decreased estrogen levels. Vaginal ERT products help with vaginal dryness,…

estrogen-associated blood clots See estrogen-associated hypercoagulability.

estrogen-associated hypercoagulability Hyper-coagulable blood (a supranormal tendency for blood to clot) occurs as an occasional but serious side effect of estrogen therapy. The blood clots in this situation are dose-related; that is, they occur more frequently with higher doses of estrogen. All estrogen therapy preparations carry this risk. Cigarette smokers on estrogen therapy are at…