Cycle Terms

Have you run across a cycle terms that you didn’t understand? Acronyms when it comes to cyclical health that you’d never heard before? You’ve come to the right place! If you have a word you’d like to submit to be added to this list, email us! [email protected]

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Basal body temperature is your body’s temperature at a rested state. Basal body temperature is taken before you get up in the morning and a slight increase in temperature can indicate ovulation has occured. This method is not usually enough information to prevent pregnancy but may be used to verify ovulation and ovulation timing within the cycle.

Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus is a fluid that comes from the cervix. This fluid changes based on hormonal fluctuations and can help women and menstruators understand what phase of their cycle they are in, and if they are in their fertile window.

Cervical Position

Cervical position refers to specific qualities of the cervix. Hormonal fluxuations throughout the cycle can result in High, Medium, and Low positions, as well as the softness and texture of the cervix. This information can be used to determine what cycle phase someone is in.

Cycle Scientist

A cycle scientist is someone who wants to learn more about their cycles and how those cycles interplay with all areas of their lives.

Cycle Syncing

Cycle Syncing is the practice of eating, exercising, or aligning with the strengths of your menstrual cycle.

Estrogen

Estrogen is one of the two primary sex hormones in the reproductive system of women and menstruators. The ovaries produce a majority of estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels influence menstrual cycles, cholesterol, bone health, and the brain. (Including mood!)

Follicular Phase

This is the second phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is preparing an egg for ovulation. This phase is marked by high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. See more HERE

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Follicle stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles on the ovaries. Lack or insufficiency in FSH can cause infertility.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is produced by cells surrounding a growing embryo. This is sometims call the “pregnancy hormone” and is the hormone that is tested by pregnancy tests. HCG helps maintain the production of progesterone.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Luteinizing Hormone is released in the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen. A surge luteinizing hormone causes the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation. If fertilization occurs, luteinizing hormone will stimulate the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to sustain the pregnancy. This is the hormone tested in Ovulation Predictor Kits.

Luteal Phase

This is the last phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is releasing progesterone to support a possible pregnancy. This phase is marked by low levels of estrogen and high levels of progesterone. See more HERE

Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA)

Menstrual Cycle Awareness is a mindfulness practice of cycle awareness. It’s the understanding that you are a cyclical being on a 28 day hormonal cycle.  It is to live in harmony with this cycle – your period, and to embrace and honor what it brings into your life. It is the ultimate empowerment tool for women.

Menstrual Phase

This is the first phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is shedding the endometrium lining. This phase takes place at the time of the period. This phase is marked by low levels of estrogen and progesterone. See more HERE

Ovulation Phase

This is the third phase in the menstrual cycle. This is the phase in which your body is releasingan egg. This phase is marked by high levels of estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. See more HERE

Period

A period is the shedding of the endometrium lining of the uterus. It occurs approximately every 28 days when there is not a fertilized egg implanted in the lining. A true period can only happen after ovulation.

Progesterone

Progesterone is one of the two primary sex hormones in the reproductive system of women and menstruators. Progesterone is released by the corpus luteum in the ovaries. It plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy.

Spotting

Spotting is any bleeding from the vagina that is not due to a woman’s monthly period. Spotting does not usually point to a serious medical issue.

Testosterone

Testosterone is necessary for the menstrual cycle. The ovaries produce a small amount each month. Testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman’s reproductive tissues, bone mass, and human behaviors. It also increases sex drive.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge is any non-period fluid that leaves the vagina. The majority of this fluid is cervical mucus. It may also include arousal fluid, vaginal lubrication, and sperm.

Reproductive System Terms HERE

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