Anovulatory: is the suspension or cessation of ovulation.

Carcinogen: any cancer-producing substance.

Corpus luteum: a small yellow glandular mass in the ovary formed by an ovarian follicle after ovulation (release of its egg [ovum])

Cortiscoterone, Cortisol: help to regulate numerous bodily functions including glucose and energy balance; as well as moderate inflammation and immune responses throughout the body. These hormones are made in the adrenal glands.

Depression: depression strikes twice as many women as men. The dramatic changes in psychoactive hormones like estrogen and progesterone that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause are believe to be the key factors.

DHEA: a precursor to the androgens, testosterone, and the estrogens, DHEA is important to the growth and repair of protein tissues. It is made primarily in the adrenal glands and decline dramatically as we age, making DHEA a primary biomarker of aging.

Diuretic: a substance that increases urine production.

Endocrine: refers to organs (glands) that secrete hormones.

Endometriosis: a serious condition in which tiny islets of endometrium (inner lining cells of the uterus) become scattered in areas where they don’t belong: the fallopian tubes, within the uterine musculature (adenomyosis), and on the outer surface of the uterus and other pelvic organs, the colon, the bladder, and the sides of the pelvic cavity.

Endometrium: the inner lining of the uterus.

Enyzme: an organic compound, usually a protein, capable of facilitating a specific chemical reaction.

Estrogen: a hormone produced in the body. Estrogen is to a woman what testosterone is to a man. However, both women and men have some of each, but women have more. It is the basic female sex hormone and is responsible for the development of female characteristics. It is balanced in healthy individuals by progesterone.

Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol: female sex hormones known as estrogen, they are primarily responsible for the growth of female characteristics in puberty and regulating the menstrual cycle. They are made primarily in the ovaries but also from androstenedione in fat cells, muscle cells, and skin even after menopause.

Fibrocystic breast disease: a general term that refers to any common, benign (non-cancerous) breast change, including breast pain, cysts, and non-cancerous lumps in the breast.

HRT: an abbreviation for Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Hormones: substances secreted directly into the bloodstream produced by several glands and organs in your body such as the ovaries, testes, thyroid, pancreas, pituitary, liver and others. Hormones travel through the bloodstream from where they are produced to where they interact with receptors to do the work for which they were intended.

They initiate reactions in the body, whereas enzymes usually help to facilitate them. Hormones regulate fluid retention, mineral metabolism, sexual function and libido, reproductive functions, growth and development, aging and numerous other functions.

Hot Flashes: or hot flushes involve a sudden sensation of intense heat, usually in the upper part of the body. They can last from a few seconds to half an hour. A woman's face and neck may flush, and red blotches may develop on her back, chest and arms. This is often followed by sweating and then shivering as body temperature readjusts.

Hysterectomy: the surgical removal of the uterus.

Libido: refers to our sex drive.

Mastodynia: painful breasts.

Menopause: the cessation of menses, the end of menstrual cycles.

Migraine headaches: serious headaches most often occurring only on one side of the head, which are often preceded by a vague sense (aura) that the sufferer learns to recognize as an impending headache.

Migraines are thought to be related to overdilation of blood vessels in the brain. They very likely have an allergic or chemically mediated trigger and are related to stress. They vary in severity, sometimes becoming almost unendurable without narcotic medication, and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Oophorectomy: the surgical removal of an ovary or ovaries.

Osteoporosis: a progressive disease of excessive bone loss and decreased bone density that over time results in lighter, more porous bone.

Perimenopausal: also referred to as premenopausal in Dr. Lee’s books, refers to the time preceding menopause when hormone charges are occurring.

Phyto: denotes relationship to plants.

Pregnenolone: synthesized from cholesterol by mitochrondria of all the cells of the body (except red blood cells), this molecule is the precursor to all steroid hormones.

Premenopausal: prior to menopause, also called “perimenopausal".

Premenstrual Syndrome: better known as PMS, describes the physical and emotional symptoms that some women have before their menstrual period begins.

Postpartum Depression: following childbirth the level of progesterone production drops suddenly causing postpartum depression in some women. Other symptoms include headache, irritability, and sleeplessness. This condition can be incapacitating and prolonged if not treated.

PRI: Progesterone Research Institute founded by Dr. John Lee.

Progesterone: a steroid hormone made by the corpus luteum of the ovary at ovulation, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands. Progesterone is manufactured in the body from the steroid hormone pregnenolone, and is a precursor to most of the other steroid hormones, including cortisol, androstenedione, the estrogens and testosterone.

Progestins: synthetic compounds that are intended to mimic the actions of natural progesterone. However, they actually cause numerous side effects and should be avoided.

Provera: see progestins

Premarin: see progestins

Steroid: group name for compounds based on the cholesterol molecule, e.g., sex hormones and corticosteroids.

Synthetic: produced by chemical synthesis rather than of natural origin.

Synthetic Progesterone: see progestins.

Thermogenic: capable of inducing a rise in temperature.

Xeno-Estrogens: synthetic compounds that occur as a result of petrochemical industries and environmental pollution. When ingested or exposed to our bodies, they act like estrogen and can cause the same negative effects as the unopposed synthetic estrogen that is prescribed by physicians.

The statements on this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.	Back to Top
Although HerBalance Cream™ is made with Dr. Lee's exact specifications, Dr. Lee has requested that all providers of progesterone cream use the following disclaimer: "John R. Lee, M.D. does not endorse any one brand of progesterone cream, nor does he make money from the sale of any progesterone cream. Using Dr. Lee's name does not imply in any way that Dr. Lee endorses or recommends this progesterone product or any other product."
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