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226. Paramenstrum

The premenstrual phase and the time of a woman’s period.

227. Parkinsons disease

disease affecting the part of the brain associated with movement. Characterized by shaking and difficulty with movement coordination.

228. pelvic exam

during this exam, the doctor or nurse practitioner looks for redness, swelling, discharge, or sores on the outside and inside of the vagina. A Pap test tests for cell changes on the cervix. The doctor or nurse practitioner will also put two fingers inside the vagina and press on the abdomen with the other hand to check for cysts or growths on the ovaries and uterus. STD tests may also be done.

229. pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

an infection of the female reproductive organs that are above the cervix, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is the most common and serious problem caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). PID can cause ectopic pregnancies, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious problems. Symptoms include fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, extreme pain, and vaginal bleeding.

230. peptic ulcers

a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum (beginning of the small intestine). Peptic ulcers are common — one in 10 Americans develops an ulcer at some time in his or her life. One cause of peptic ulcer is bacterial infection, but some ulcers are caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen. In a few cases, cancerous tumors in the stomach or pancreas can cause ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food.

231. Perimenopause

the time leading up to menopause; when women start to notice menopause-related change; Perimenopause is what some people call ìbeing in menopauseî or ìgoing through menopause.î During perimenopause, ovaries start to shut down, making less of certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone); women lose the ability to become pregnant. This change is a natural part of aging that signals the ending of the reproductive years.

232. Perinatal depression

depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery.

233. Peripartum depression

depression after pregnancy.

234. peripheral neuropathy

classification of disorders that involve damaged or destroyed nerves. These disorders do not include the nerves of the brain or spinal cord.

235. peripheral vascular disease (also called peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

A common disorder in which the arteries supplying oxygen rich blood from the heart to a limb (typically one or both legs) are blocked. As a result, the organs do not get enough blood flow for normal function. The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis.

236. pesticides

any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or repelling any pest. It also includes herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests.

237. phobias

An anxiety disorder in which a person suffers from an unusual amount of fear of a certain activity or situation.

238. phototherapy

treatment with light. Prescription phototherapy exposes the baby’s skin to special fluorescent lights. In mild cases of jaundice, exposing the baby’s skin to sunlight (taking care to avoid sunburn) is sometimes recommended.

239. physical therapy

therapy aimed to restore movement, balance and coordination.

240. pituitary gland

a small gland in the head that makes hormones that control other glands and many body functions including growth.

241. placenta

During pregnancy, a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus. The placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and permits the release of carbon dioxide and waste products from the fetus. The placenta is expelled during the birth process with the fetal membranes.

242. plaque

a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances that accumulate in the walls of the arteries.

243. plugged (milk) duct

when the small milk ducts in the breast become blocked, or plugged. This is often caused by mastitis.

244. pneumonia

inflammation of the lungs. Causes of pneumonia include bacteria and viruses.

245. polyunsaturated fats

molecules consisting primarily of carbon and hydrogen and containing two or more double bonds among the carbon atoms.

246. post-traumatic stress disorder

A psychological condition that can happen when a person sees or experiences something traumatic, such as rape, murder, torture, or wartime combat. A person can have many symptoms including flashbacks (re-living the event), nightmares, fatigue, anxiety, and forgetfulness. A person can also withdraw from family and friends.

247. postpartum depression (PPD)

a serious condition that requires treatment from a health care provider. With this condition, feelings of the baby blues (feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused after having a baby) do not go away or get worse.

248. potassium

a mineral that plays important roles in muscle contraction, the beating of the heart, and the sending of nerve impulses.

249. Pre-ovulatory

occurring or existing in or typical of the period immediately preceding ovulation

250. pre-term labor

labor that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

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