euphoria Elevated mood. Euphoria is a desirable and natural occurrence when it results from happy or exciting events. An excessive degree of euphoria that is not linked to events is characteristic of hypomania and mania, which are abnormal mood states associated with bipolar disorders. See also bipolar disorder.
euphenics A discipline that aims to improve the outcome of a genetic disease by altering the environment. The term euphenics is from a Greek word meaning “normal appearing.” For example, people with phenylketonuria (PKU) can avoid the expression of their disease by staying on a low-phenylalanine diet and avoiding major sources of phenylalanine such as…
eukaryote An organism that consists of one or more cells with a nucleus and other well-developed compartments. Eukaryotes include all organisms except bacteria, viruses, and blue-green algae, which are prokaryotes, so people are eukaryotes. See also prokaryote.
eugenics A pseudoscience with the stated aim of improving the genetic constitution of the human species by selective breeding. Eugenics is from a Greek word meaning “normal genes.” The use of Albert Einstein’s sperm to conceive a child by artificial insemination would represent an attempt at positive eugenics. The Nazis notoriously engaged in negative eugenics…
etiology The study of causes, as in the causes of a disease. The form aetiology is generally used in the UK.
ESWL Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
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…
estrogen-associated blood clots See estrogen-associated hypercoagulability.
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, designer See designer estrogen.
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,…
estimated date of confinement See due date.