Female Reproductive System, Menstrual Cycle, Diagnostics, and Menstrual Disturbances — Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering anatomy, cycle physiology, diagnostics, screening guidelines, and common menstrual disturbances as described in the lecture notes.

Menarche

The beginning of menses; the first menstrual cycle indicating puberty and the body's ability to support pregnancy.

Menstrual cycle

The regular, recurring cycle of hormonal changes that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, involving ovarian and uterine cycles.

Day 1 of the cycle

The first day of menstrual bleeding in the cycle.

Ovulation

The release of a mature oocyte from a dominant ovarian follicle, typically around mid-cycle.

Follicular phase

Ovarian phase from the start of menstruation to ovulation; FSH promotes growth of ovarian follicles; estrogen rises.

Luteal phase

Ovarian phase after ovulation; the corpus luteum secretes progesterone to support possible pregnancy.

Proliferative phase

Uterine cycle phase after menses where estrogen causes thickening of the endometrium.

Secretory phase

Uterine cycle phase after ovulation where progesterone prepares the endometrium for implantation.

Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Ovarian axis

Hormonal system (GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone) coordinating female reproduction.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus; stimulates release of FSH and LH.

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone; stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.

LH

Luteinizing hormone; triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum.

Estrogen

Ovarian hormone that supports development of female characteristics and prepares the uterine lining.

Progesterone

Hormone that stabilizes and prepares the endometrium for potential pregnancy.

Primary follicle

An immature oocyte within a developing ovarian follicle.

Corpus luteum

Structure formed after ovulation that secretes progesterone to support possible pregnancy.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds during the menstrual cycle.

Ovarian cycle

Cycle of follicle development, ovulation, and luteal activity in the ovaries.

Uterine cycle

Cycle of menstruation, proliferative (follicular) phase, and secretory phase in the uterus.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help capture the ovulated oocyte.

Pap smear

Cervical cells scraped to screen for cervical disease and cancer.

HPV testing

Testing for human papillomavirus; used in cervical cancer screening, often with Pap testing.

Colposcopy

Magnified examination of the cervix and vagina to identify abnormalities.

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

Procedure to dilate the cervix and remove uterine lining tissue for pathology.

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive abdominal surgery using CO2 to visualize the uterus and adnexa.

Culdoscopy

Visual inspection of the uterus via the posterior vaginal wall (less common).

Mammogram

Radiologic imaging of breast tissue to screen for cancer or benign conditions.

CA-125

Tumor marker used to monitor certain cancers; not diagnostic on its own.

hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin; hormone measured to confirm pregnancy.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstrual flow; can be normal (puberty, pregnancy) or abnormal.

Primary amenorrhea

No menses by age 17–18 regardless of secondary sexual characteristics.

Secondary amenorrhea

Cessation of menses for 6 months or more in a person who previously menstruated.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual cramps during menses.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain without pelvic pathology; often early in cycle life and may improve after pregnancy.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain due to underlying pelvic disease (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids, PID).

Menorrhagia

Excessive menstrual bleeding at regular intervals (longer duration and/or heavier flow).

Metrorrhagia

Bleeding between periods or after menopause; a red flag symptom.

PMS

Premenstrual syndrome; symptoms occur 7–10 days before menses and subside after flow begins.

PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; severe mood-related symptoms with PMS timing.

Menopause

Cessation of menses; climacteric phase typically between ages 42–58 with ovarian hormonal changes.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

Therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing estrogen/progesterone; carries risks like VTE, MI, stroke, breast cancer.

Conjugated estrogens (Premarin)

Estrogen therapy that supports bone health and modulates gonadotropin release; watch for side effects.

Danazol

Synthetic androgen causing endometrial atrophy and decreased FSH/LH; may cause weight gain and other side effects.

Leuprolide (Lupron)

GnRH agonist that lowers estrogen/progesterone to shrink endometrial tissue and relieve symptoms.

Oral contraceptives

Combined estrogen and progestin to suppress ovulation; used for contraception and cycle regulation.

Screening guidelines (ACS) – cervical cancer

HPV primary testing starting at 25 every 5 years; if not available, co-testing every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years; stop after 65 with adequate prior screening; HPV vaccination status affects recommendations.

Screening guidelines – breast cancer

ACS recommendations: 40–44 optional annual mammograms; 45–54 annual; 55+ every 1–2 years; higher risk may start earlier.