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Anemia due to failure of the bone marrow to produce red and white blood cells as well as platelets. Aplastic anemia frequently occurs without a known cause. Known causes include exposure to chemicals (for example, benzene, toluene in glues, insecticides, solvents), drugs (for example, chemotherapy drugs, gold, seizure medications, antibiotics), viruses (for instance, HIV, Epstein-Barr), radiation, immune conditions (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis), pregnancy, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and inherited disorders (for…

A blood disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Patients who have this disorder do not produce the substance in the stomach that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12. This substance is called intrinsic factor (IF). Addisonian anemia, better known today as pernicious anemia (PA), is characterized by the presence in the blood of large, immature,…

A blood disorder caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Patients who have this disorder do not produce the substance in the stomach that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12. This substance is called intrinsic factor (IF). Addison anemia, better known today as pernicious anemia (PA), is characterized by the presence in the blood of large,…

A genetic disorder that may be detected during early infancy and is characterized by the presence of three bones (phalanges) within the thumbs (triphalangeal thumbs) rather than the normal two and abnormally reduced production of red blood cells (hypoplastic anemia). The exact cause of the syndrome is unknown. However, most evidence suggests that the disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.…

The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity of hemoglobin. Anemia diminishes the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen. Patients with anemia may feel tired, fatigue easily, appear pale, develop palpitations, and become short of breath. Children with chronic anemia are prone to infections and learning problems. The main causes of anemia are bleeding, hemolysis (excessive destruction of red…

A steroid produced in the adrenal gland that is a precursor to testosterone and other male hormones (androgens). Known popularly as andro, it has been used as a supplement to increase muscle strength. Taking andro raises testosterone levels above normal. Side effects include acne, male baldness, and a decrease in ‘good’ cholesterol (which may predispose to heart disease and stroke).

An abnormal and persistent fear of men. Sufferers experience anxiety even though they may realize they face no real threat. “Androphobia” is derived from the Greek “andros” (man) and “phobos” (fear). “Andro-” enters into a number of other biomedical terms such as, for example, androgen (a male sex hormone like testosterone) and an android pelvis (a pelvis shaped like a man’s).…

The branch of medicine concerned with men’s health, particularly male infertility and sexual dysfunction. Andrology is literally the study of man (Greek andros, man). It is the male counterpart of gynecology.

There are significant differences in the anatomy of the pelvis in the female and male. The android or male pelvis is more robust, narrower, and taller than the female pelvis. The angle of the male pubic arch and the sacrum are narrower as well. The female pelvis is more delicate, wider and not as high as the…

Pertaining to the development of male characteristics, including body hair, the genital organs and muscle mass. “Androgenic” is the adjective form of the noun “androgen,” a word referring to any of the male hormones, including testosterone and androsterone. Androgenic development — that is, the development of male characteristics — begins in puberty, the time when a…