Have you run across period terms you didn’t understand? Acronyms when it comes to cyclical health that you’d never heard before? You’ve come to the right place! If you have a word you’d like to submit to be added to this list, email us at [email protected]. Para leer este artículo en español haga clic aquí.
Jump to letter: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
B
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Basal body temperature is your body’s temperature at a rested state. Your BBT is taken before you get up in the morning and a slight increase in temperature can indicate ovulation has occurred. This method is not usually enough information to prevent pregnancy but may be used to verify ovulation and ovulation timing within the cycle. There are many different tools you can use to help you discover your BBT.
C
Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus is a fluid that comes from the cervix. This fluid changes based on hormonal fluctuations and can help women and menstruators understand what phase of their cycle they are in, and if they are in their fertile window.
Cervical Position
Cervical position refers to specific qualities of the cervix. Hormonal fluctuation throughout the cycle can result in High, Medium, and Low positions, as well as the softness and texture of the cervix. This information can be used to determine what cycle phase someone is in.
Cervix
The cervix is a cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus. Located at the lowermost portion of the uterus, the cervix is composed primarily of fibromuscular tissue. The cervix produces cervical mucus that changes in consistency during the menstrual cycle to prevent or promote pregnancy.
Corpus Luteum
Corpus Luteum is made from a follicle that housed a maturing egg. This structure starts to form as soon as a mature egg pops out of the follicle. The corpus luteum is essential for conception to occur and for pregnancy to last. The corpus luteum is responsible for the production of the hormone progesterone during early pregnancy. The role of the corpus luteum depends on whether or not fertilization occurs.
Cycle Scientist
A cycle scientist is someone who wants to learn more about their cycles and how those cycles interplay with all areas of their lives.
Cycle Syncing
Cycle Syncing is the practice of eating, exercising, or aligning with the strengths of your menstrual cycle.
D
E
Endometrium Lining
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. Each month, the endometrium thickens and renews itself, preparing for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium sheds in a process known as menstruation. If conception takes place, the embryo implants into the endometrium.
Estrogen
Estrogen is one of the two primary sex hormones in the reproductive system of women and menstruators. The ovaries produce a majority of estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels influence menstrual cycles, cholesterol, bone health, and the brain. (Including mood!)
F
Fallopian Tubes
The Fallopian Tubes are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall (endometrium lining.)
Follicular Phase
This is the second phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is preparing an egg for ovulation. This phase is marked by low levels of estrogen and progesterone. Learn even more about the Follicular Phase.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Follicle stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles on the ovaries. Lack or insufficiency in FSH can cause infertility.
G
H
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is produced by cells surrounding a growing embryo. This is sometimes call the “pregnancy hormone” and is the hormone that is tested by pregnancy tests. HCG helps maintain the production of progesterone.
I
J
K
L
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Luteinizing Hormone releases in the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen. A surge luteinizing hormone causes the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation. If fertilization occurs, luteinizing hormone will stimulate the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to sustain the pregnancy. Ovulation Predictor Kits test for this hormone.
Luteal Phase
This is the last phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is releasing progesterone to support a possible pregnancy. This phase feels the influence of low levels of estrogen and high levels of progesterone. Check out a deep dive of the Luteal Phase to learn more.
M
Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA)
Menstrual Cycle Awareness is a mindfulness practice of cycle awareness. It’s the understanding that you are a cyclical being on a 28 day hormonal cycle. It is to live in harmony with this cycle – your period, and to embrace and honor what it brings into your life. It is the ultimate empowerment tool for women.
Menstrual Phase
This is the first phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is shedding the endometrium lining. This phase takes place at the time of the period. This phase reveals itself with low levels of estrogen and progesterone. Take a look at our deep dive on the Menstrual Phase to learn even more.
N
O
Ovaries
The ovaries are two small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
Ovulation Phase
This is the third phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is releasing an egg. This phase is marked by high levels of estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. Our deep dive will teach you even more about your Ovulation phase.
P
Period
A period is the shedding of the endometrium lining of the uterus. It occurs approximately every 28 days when there is not a fertilized egg implanted in the lining. A true period can only happen after ovulation.
Progesterone
Progesterone is one of the two primary sex hormones in the reproductive system of women and menstruators. This hormoneis released by the corpus luteum in the ovaries. It plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy.
Q
R
Reproductive-System
The biological system contains all the anatomical organs involved in reproduction. This includes fluids, hormones, and pheromones. It is a system of functions that assists reproduction.
S
Spotting
Spotting is any bleeding from the vagina that is not due to a woman’s monthly period. Unlike what Dr. Google may say, this does not usually point to a serious medical issue.
T
Testosterone
Testosterone is necessary for the menstrual cycle. The ovaries produce a small amount each month. Testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman’s reproductive tissues, bone mass, and human behaviors. It also increases sex drive.
U
Uterus
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ, and is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. The uterus has two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows menstrual blood to exit.
V
Vagina
The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix to the outside of the body. Around mid-cycle, when estrogen is highest, vaginal tissue becomes thicker and fuller. The vagina changes throughout your cycle, during sex, and with age.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal Discharge is any non-period fluid that leaves the vagina. The majority of this fluid is cervical mucus. It may also include arousal fluid, vaginal lubrication, and sperm.
Vulva
The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora and clitoris.
W
Womb
The womb is another term for the Uterus.
X
Y
Z
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