Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A drug that acts as an antimetabolite, interfering with the metabolism of purine bases and inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Mercaptopurine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and polycythemia vera. It is also used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Also known as 6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP, or MP.

The condition of having an IQ measured as below 70 to 75 and significant delays or lacks in at least two areas of adaptive skills. Mental retardation is present from childhood. Between 2 and 3 percent of the general population meet the criteria for mental retardation. Causes of mental retardation include fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect; brain damage…

The ending of a woman’s menstrual cycles. Menstruation ends naturally in middle age with the onset of menopause. It can also end suddenly as a result of induced menopause. Cessation of menstruation in nonmenopausal women may be due to pregnancy, illness, disorders of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, medication, stress, overexercise, or malnutrition, among other causes. In particular, it can be a symptom…

The periodic blood that flows as a discharge from the uterus. Also called menorrhea, the time during which menstruation occurs is referred to as menses. The menses occurs at approximately 4 week intervals to compose the menstrual cycle.

The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus (endometrium), starting with the preparation of an egg for fertilization. When the follicle of the prepared egg in the ovary breaks, it is released for fertilization and ovulation occurs. Unless pregnancy occurs, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of the endometrium, which is menstruation. Although…

Cramping in the lower abdomen, usually in the first or second day of the menstrual cycle, that is caused by contractions of the uterus as it expels its unneeded contents and by the passage of clotted blood through the cervix. Ibuprofen or other pain relievers can reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, and some women report that exercise is…

Excessive uterine bleeding occurring at the expected intervals of the menstrual periods. The bleeding from the uterus starts on schedule but is heavier than usual and may last longer than usual. Menorrhagia may be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as hormone imbalance, endometriosis, uterine fibroids or, rarely, cancer of the uterus. Menorrhagia may cause significant anemia.

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when menstrual periods permanently stop; it is also called the “change of life.” Menopause is defined as the time when there have been no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and no other biological or physiological cause can be identified. It is the end of fertility, the end of…

Excessive uterine bleeding, both at the usual time of menstrual periods and at other irregular intervals. Menometrorrhagia can be a sign of a number of different disorders including hormone imbalance, endometriosis, benign fibroid tumors in the uterus, and, less commonly, cancer. Women who have abnormal menstrual bleeding should always consult their physician to rule out these conditions. Anemia may result from the excessive uterine…

Inflammation of the meninges, the three membranes that envelop the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by infection by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Other causes include cancer (metastasis to the meninges), inflammatory diseases, and drugs. In some cases the cause of meningitis cannot be determined. The treatment depends on the cause of the meningitis.