| Follicle |
An egg sac in the ovary inside which an ovum (egg) will mature.
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| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) |
The hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries.
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| Follicular Phase |
The first phase of the menstrual cycle. During this phase, a follicle containing an egg develops in the ovary.
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| Luteal Phase |
The third phase of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation has occurred, and the corpus luteum
produces progesterone primarily to maintain the thickness of the endometrium lining
in the uterus in the event that fertilization has occurred. If fertilization has
not occurred, progesterone production stops and the endometrium lining is shed
during menstruation.
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| Luteinizing Hormone (LH) |
Hormone released by the pituitary gland in the brain that triggers the onset of
ovulation and prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.
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| Menarche |
A girl's first menstrual period.
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| Menopause |
The time in a women's life when menstruation permanently stops. Sometimes referred to as
the "change of life". Occurs due to the decrease in production of estrogen and progesterone
by the ovaries.
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| Menorrhagia |
Menstrual periods that are abnormally heavy in flow, or that are prolonged and last
much longer than usual.
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| Menses |
Another word for menstruation; the menstrual flow. Derives from the Latin word menses,
which means months (singular mensis refers to 1 month).
Note that the word moon, as in the earth's moon which resolves
around the earth in approximately 29.5 days, likewise derives from the Latin word mensis.
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| Menstrual |
Adjective; Of or relating to menstruation.
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| Menstrual cycle |
A recurring cycle that occurs monthly in women as the endometrium (lining of the uterus) thickens
and prepares for pregnancy. If the egg released by one of the ovaries at ovulation
(which occurs about midway through the cycle) is fertilized as it travels from the
fallopian tube to the uterus, pregnancy occurs.
If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation occurs:
the blood-rich endometrium is shed, and the next month's cycle begins again.
The first day of menstrual blood flow is considered day 1 of the menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle is comprised of three phases: the follicular phase,
ovulation, and the luteal phase.
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| Menstrual Cycle Length |
This is the number of days from the first day of one menstrual period to the day before the first day of the next menstrual cycle.
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