Category: H
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Hormonal methods contraception
Methods of preventing pregnancy by changing the levels of female hormones in a woman’s body. Hormonal birth control methods include birth control pills, hormone implants or injections, an intrauterine device impregnated with hormones, and morning-after pills. Hormonal birth control methods are easy to use, highly effective, and relatively inexpensive. Hormonal methods work by preventing ovulation.…
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Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer
A form of colon cancer that does not develop from polyps and arises in individuals who have an inherited susceptibility to it. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) is also known as Lynch syndrome. Individuals who have at least three relatives in two generations who have had colon cancer, with one having had it before age…
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Heat burns
Injury caused by exposure to dry heat sufficient to damage the skin. Heat burns, also called thermal burns, can have many causes, including contact with an open flame, hot objects, explosions, and the sun. Heat burns are classified according to degree of severity. About 2 million people in the United States receive burns each year;…
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Hysterogram
An X-ray of the uterus after injection of contrast medium into the uterine cavity. A radiograph of the uterus after injection of a contrast medium. It has been replaced by ultrasound.
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Hypotonic solution
One that has a lower osmotic pressure than a standard (reference) solution. A solution having an osmotic pressure less than that of cells or body fluids; a solution that will cause water to enter cells, thus inducing swelling and possibly lysis. A hypotonic solution is one that has a lower concentration than blood plasma or…
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Hypertonic saline test
A test performed to find out whether excessive thirst is caused by the condition known as diabetes insipidus or by psychologic factors; also known as Carter-Robbins test and Hickey-Hare test.
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Hyperimmune
Being unusually rich in antibodies; having greater than usual degree of immunity. A state of greater than normal immunity.
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Hyperbaric oxygen
Greater than atmospheric concentration of oxygen, administered in a pressurized chamber to help heal skin grafts, and treat soft tissue infections, burns, and other conditions. The administration of oxygen under greater than normal atmospheric pressure (usually two to three times absolute atmospheric pressure). It has been used to treat air embolism, decompression sickness, severe carbon…
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11-Hydroxyetiocholanolone
A sex hormone secreted by the testes and adrenal glands.
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Hydrogen breath test
A diagnostic procedure done to determine lactose (milk sugar) intolerance by analyzing the amount of hydrogen present in exhaled breath. Excess hydrogen indicates lactose deficiency.