Menstruation |
The monthly shedding of the endometrium. Menstruation is the part of a woman's menstrual
cycle where the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is shed, resulting in discharge of
blood.
Menstruation occurs each month if the egg released
at ovulation is not fertilized. It occurs from menarche during puberty until menopause.
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Metrorrhagia |
Uterine bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods, which usually
indicates an underlying medical condition.
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Mittelschmerz |
Pain occurring during ovulation on one side of the lower abdomen. The location (left or right side)
is based on which ovary produces the ovum that month.
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Oligomenorrhea |
Menstrual periods with abnormally light flow.
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Oligoovulation |
Very irregular ovulatory cycles.
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Ovary |
Female reproductive organ located in the pelvis. There are two ovaries, one of the right
side of the uterus, the other on the left side. Produces eggs (ova) and the
female hormones.
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Oviduct |
Another word for Fallopian tube.
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Ovulation |
Release of a mature egg from one of the two ovaries. Occurs approximately midway between the
menstrual cycle. The egg is released into the Fallopian tube, where it is available
for fertilization.
Ovulation is the second phase of the menstrual cycle, with Follicular being phase one, and Luteal being phase three.
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Ovum |
Female reproductive cell, the ovum (also known as the egg) is produced by the ovaries. Ova is plural for ovum.
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Perimenopause |
Transitional period of several years before menopause.
Hormone level fluctuations (gradual decrease in estrogen) can result in
irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms.
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Period |
An occurrence of menstruation.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) |
A combination of physical and mood
related symptoms that occur after ovulation and usually terminate at the start of
the menstrual period or shortly thereafter. Many symptoms have been attributed to
PMS, including mood changes, bloating, acne, fatigue, anxiety and irritability,
breast swelling and tenderness.
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Polymenorrhea |
Menstrual periods that are abnormally frequent.
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Progesterone |
Female hormone produced by the corpus luteum; responsible for preparing and maintaining
the uterus for pregnancy.
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Spotting |
Light bleeding that occurs at a time during the month other than the menstrual period.
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Uterus |
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ.
It is normally where the fertilized ovum (egg) is implanted, and where the
fetus develops.
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Vagina |
Tube-like organ that is part of the female reproductive system, it connects the uterus to the outside of the body.
Also referred to as the birth canal.
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Womb |
Another word for uterus.
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