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
Catamenial
Medical adjective meaning “related to menstruation” (e.g. catamenial epilepsy).
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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Cryptomenorrhea
Menstrual bleeding occurs but cannot exit (e.g. due to an imperforate hymen).
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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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Eumenorrhea
Medical term for a normal menstrual cycle (regular flow & timing).
F
Fibroids
Non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus that may cause pain, heavy bleeding, or none at all.
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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
Hematocolpos
Accumulation of menstrual blood in the vagina, often due to an imperforate hymen.
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Hematometra
Collection of blood in the uterus, usually due to an obstruction.
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Hematossalpinx
Accumulation of blood in a fallopian tube, often due to blockage.
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Hormone LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the luteal phase.
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Hyperestrogenism
Excess of oestrogen in the body.
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Hyperpolymenorrhea
Menstrual bleeding that is both long and heavy.
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Hyperprostaglandins
Excess prostaglandins, chemicals that trigger uterine contractions and menstrual pain.
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Hypoandrogenism
Low testosterone levels in women (also produced in small amounts), sometimes after menopause.
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Hypoestrogenism
Low estrogen levels, common after menopause and cause of many symptoms.
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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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J
K
L
Laparoscopy
Minimally invasive surgery using a camera to see inside the abdomen (often for endometriosis diagnosis).
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LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the luteal phase.
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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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Menorrhagia
Excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
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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
Bleeding between periods, not linked to the menstrual cycle.
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N
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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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
A hormonal 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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Q
R
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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T
U
Uterine Spasms
Painful contractions of the uterus, often linked to periods.
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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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