Period Jargon: Explained

Period Jargon: Explained

“Yeah, let’s order a CBC, FSH, LH, and Estradiol. Who’s your PCP?”

“Uh, what?” You might say.  

Studies have shown that the most intimidating part of a doctor’s visit isn’t facing the doctor; it’s facing the confusing language that goes along with doctor’s visits. You take your checkout slip to the receptionist, and he/she prints you a summary of today’s visit. Perhaps it has a diagnosis you haven’t heard of. What just happened in there?

At Advanced Women’s Healthcare, our providers are committed to making a difference. Part of this difference includes taking the necessary time to explain proper diagnoses and procedures. We even have a blog series that asks Dr. Helliwell. The explanations of the following terms will have you feeling like a star of Grey’s Anatomy.

Amenorrhea  is the absence of menstruation — one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea, as do girls who haven’t begun menstruation by age 15. The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy.

Dysmenorrhea- painful periods

Menorrhagia– Heavy period flow

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)– syndrome of nervous tension, irritability, weight gain, edema, headache, mastalgia, dysphoria, and lack of coordination occuring during the last few days of the the menstrual cycle before the onset of menses.

Endometriosis– the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. You can read more about endometriosis, here.

LMP– Last Menstrual Period

Menarche– The start of your first menses, ever. (Notice how the word ‘Anarchy’ is in there. Coincidence? We think not.

These are a few of the most common terms when talking about one’s period. Your period is a natural occurrence in your body, that sometimes causes women to feel embarrassed or ashamed. This is a completely normal feeling and can be overcome with the right provider. Schedule an appointment today.

Back To News & Updates