Category: La-Lh

A synthetic thyroid hormone used as a thyroid hormone replacement drug (brand names include Levothroid, Levoxine, Levoxyl, Synthroid) used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

A progestin. Named levonorgestrel because it is the levorotatory form of norgestrel. Used in combination with an estrogen as an oral contraceptive. Used alone for emergency contraceptive (in Plan B) and the treatment of menstrual disorders or endometriosis.

The location of the heart is in the left chest, in its normal condition. This term has sometimes been used to refer to a normal position of the heart when associated with situs inversus (reversal of sidedness of abdominal and thoracic organs) or other heart diseases.

Prefix meaning on the left side, as in levorotation (turning or twisting to the left). The opposition of levo- is dextro-.

One of a group of chemicals produced by the body that accompanies inflammation. Leukotrienes are believed to play a major role in causing the symptoms of hay fever and asthma.

A shortage of white blood cells.

A condition in which the number of white blood cells is higher than normal.

White Blood Cells that help the body fight infections and other diseases. Also called white blood cells (WBCs).

Prefix meaning white, as in leukocyte (white blood cell).

Cancer of the blood cells. Strictly speaking, leukemia should refer only to cancer of the white blood cells (leukocytes), but in practice it can apply to malignancy of any cellular element in the blood or bone marrow, as in red cell leukemia (erythroleukemia). Treatment may involve chemo’therapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, and/or bone marrow transplantation. Also spelled leucemia. See also accelerated phase of…