Glossary
Birth control: The regulation of the number of children born, referring either to the prevention of pregnancy (by birth control pill, sterilization and other methods) or the prevention of birth (for example, by abortion).Contraceptive: Drug or device that prevents pregnancy.
Dermatologist: A medical doctor who specializes in treatment of skin cancer and other skin diseases.
Estrogen: Female sex hormone produced primarily by ovaries.
Hormone: A chemical substance produced in an organ, which, when carried to an associated organ by the blood stream, influences its functional activity.
Laser treatment: The use of a special strong beam of light of one color (laser) to heal a damaged area. A person with diabetes might be treated with a laser beam to heal blood vessels in the eye.
Melanin: Dark pigment that provides color to hair, skin and choroid of the eye.
Melanocyte: Melanin-producing cell.
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone: A hormone that co-ordinates pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair.
Menopause: The time of life when a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently. Also called "change of life."
Progesterone: Female sex hormone released by the ovaries during every menstrual cycle to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production.
