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Women's Health Glossary

Clear definitions of medical terms for endometriosis, PCOS, menopause, periods. Essential dictionary for understanding your body.

A

Adenomyosis

A benign condition where uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular uterine wall, often causing heavy, painful periods.

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Adnexitis

Inflammation of the uterine appendages (ovaries and fallopian tubes).

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Amenorrhea

Permanent absence of menstruation.

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Anovulation

When no ovulation occurs during a menstrual cycle

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Aromatase

Enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.

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B

Bone Demineralization

Loss of bone density, increasing osteoporosis risk after menopause.

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C

Cervicitis

Inflammation of the cervix, often caused by infection.

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Climacteric Syndrom

Another term for the menopausal transition, including perimenopause and early postmenopause.

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Cystalgia

Chronic bladder pain, sometimes mistaken for pelvic pain.

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D

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual cramps caused by uterine contractions.

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Dyspareunia

Pain during sexual intercourse.

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Dysuria

Pain or difficulty when urinating, sometimes linked to menopause.

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E

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pain and sometimes fertility issues.

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Endometritis

Inflammation of the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

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Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during menstruation.

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F

Free Bleeding

A technique where a person manages menstruation without using pads, tampons, or cups, by sensing and releasing flow.

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FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that helps ovarian follicles mature.

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G

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

New medical term for vaginal dryness, irritation, and urinary issues after menopause.

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GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

A hormone from the brain that triggers the release of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), starting the menstrual cycle.

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H

Hematometra

Collection of blood in the uterus, usually due to an obstruction.

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Hormone LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the luteal phase.

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Hyperandrogenism

An excess of androgens in the body

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Hyperpolymenorrhea

Menstrual bleeding that is both long and heavy.

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Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus.

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I

Inflammation

A natural immune response to injury or irritation causing redness, swelling, heat, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

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L

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery using a camera to see inside the abdomen (often for endometriosis diagnosis).

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M

Menarche

The first menstrual period.

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Menopause

The permanent end of menstruation, confirmed after 12 months without periods.

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Menstrual Equity

Menstrual equity refers to the access to safe environments in which to menstruate, including bathroom facilities and clean water, as well as access to menstrual products that allow for the ability to go to school, work, and engage in life with dignity.

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Metrorrhagia

Abnormal bleeding between periods between regular menstrual periods.

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O

Oligomenorrhea

Infrequent or very light periods (cycle > 35 days).

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P

Perimenopause

Transition phase before menopause, when cycles become irregular.

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Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)

A metabolic disorder where ovaries produce high levels of male hormones, causing irregular periods, enlarged ovaries with fluid-filled sacs, and fertility challenges.

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Polymenorrhea

Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days (too frequent periods).

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Postmenopause

The stage after menopause when symptoms like hot flashes may persist and risks (e.g. osteoporosis) increase.

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Prostaglandins

Natural chemicals that help the uterus contract; excess can cause cramps.

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S

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

A protein that carries sex hormones like oestrogen and testosterone in the blood.

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Spotting

Light bleeding or pink/brown discharge between periods.

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U

Uterin fibroids

Non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus that may cause pain, heavy bleeding, or none at all.

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Uterine Synechiae

Scar tissue or adhesions inside the uterus, sometimes after surgery or infection.

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UTIs

Common bacterial infections affecting bladder, urethra, or kidneys, causing burning, frequent urination, and pain.

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V

Vulvodynia

Chronic pain in the vulva lasting 3+ months without an identifiable cause, often described as burning or irritation.

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