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Medical Notice: General education only, not medical advice.
Chapter 39 of 40
2 min readEvidence-Informed Educational Content

Medical Glossary

Cervix: The narrow, lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Dysmenorrhea: The medical term for painful periods.

Part 7: Resources & ToolsPeriod Talk Healthcare Editorial Team

Cervix: The narrow, lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Dysmenorrhea: The medical term for painful periods.

Endometriosis: A condition where uterine-lining-like tissue grows outside the uterus.

Estrogen: A key hormone that helps build the uterine lining and drives puberty changes.

FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone; signals the ovaries to prepare an egg.

Fibroid: A non-cancerous growth in or around the uterus.

LH: Luteinizing hormone; triggers the release of an egg (ovulation).

Menarche: The medical term for a person's first period.

Menstrual cycle: The repeating, roughly monthly process the body goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

Ovulation: The release of a mature egg from an ovary, usually near the midpoint of the cycle.

PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; a hormonal condition affecting ovulation and the cycle.

PMDD: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; a severe form of PMS involving intense mood symptoms.

PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome; physical and emotional symptoms in the days before a period.

Progesterone: A hormone that helps maintain the uterine lining after ovulation.

Puberty: The years when a child's body gradually develops into an adult body.

Uterus: The pear-shaped, muscular organ where the lining builds up and sheds each cycle.

Vulva: The external genital area, including the labia and clitoris.

Educational Health & Safety Notice

Global Evidence Standards

Period Talk provides general educational health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical concerns.

Authority & Emergency: Aligned with evidence-based guidelines from international health organizations (ACOG, NHS, WHO, FOGSI). If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care or contact your local emergency service immediately.