PMS Terminology
Table of contents
- 1. acne
- 2. aldosterone
- 3. birth control pill
- 4. cervical mucus
- 5. cervix
- 6. disorder
- 7. dysphoria
- 8. embryo
- 9. endometrium
- 10. estrogen
- 11. fallopian tubes
- 12. fluid retention
- 13. hormone
- 14. implantation
- 15. menstruation
- 16. oral contraceptive (OC)
- 17. ovaries
- 18. ovulation
- 19. premenstrual dysphoric disorder (or PMDD)
- 20. premenstrual syndrome (or PMS)
- 21. progesterone
- 22. progestin
- 23. sebaceous glands
- 24. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs)
- 25. serotonin
- 26. symptom
- 27. syndrome
- 28. testosterone
- 29. uterus
- 30. vagina
- 31. womb
acne
A skin condition marked by pimples, blackheads and whiteheads,4 especially on the face. It is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and skin glands.
aldosterone
A hormone that regulates levels of sodium and potassium in the body. Raised levels of aldosterone after ovulation may contribute to bloating and water retention.
birth control pill
A contraceptive, taken orally, which contains hormones that (1) suppress ovulation and (2) cause changes to the cervical mucus and uterus that make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. Also known as the Pill or oral contraceptive.
cervical mucus
A slippery secretion produced by the mucus membrane of the cervix, which is the lower portion of the uterus.
dysphoria
A condition of feeling unwell or unhappy. Its opposite is euphoria, which means deep happiness or elation.
embryo
The name for the developing human baby, from the time it is implanted in the uterus until the end of the eighth week after conception,1 after which it is called a fetus.
estrogen
A hormone secreted by the ovaries that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and in the development of secondary sex characteristics (such as breasts).
fallopian tubes
Two tubes that serve as passageways for a human egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
fluid retention
Excessive accumulation of fluid in the body, often caused by ingesting too much salt or sodium.
hormone
A substance released by living cells in the body that produces a specific effect on the activity of cells in another part of the body. Also a synthetic substance that acts like a hormone.
menstruation
The discharge of blood and tissue debris from the uterus that takes place in nonpregnant women at intervals of approximately one month. Also called period or menstrual flow.
oral contraceptive (OC)
A contraceptive, taken orally, which contains hormones that (1) suppress ovulation and (2) cause changes to the cervical mucus and uterus that make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. Also known as birth control pills or the Pill.
ovaries
A pair of female reproductive organs that produce and release eggs and also release the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (or PMDD)
This condition is distinguished by more extreme symptoms of PMS, as well as symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cyclical mood shifts and lethargy.
premenstrual syndrome (or PMS)
A group of symptoms experienced by some women prior to menstruation. These can include mood swings, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, headache, water retention and abdominal pain.
progesterone
The hormone found in a woman’s body that helps prepare the endometrium for implantation by a fertilized egg.
progestin
The synthetic version of progesterone1 that is traditionally found, along with estrogen, in combination birth control pills.
sebaceous glands
These glands are located in the dermis or thick outer layer of the skin. They secrete a lubricating substance called sebum that is oily and can contribute to acne.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs)
A class of antidepressant drugs that can relieve the physical symptoms, irritability, tension and depression directly associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD.
serotonin
A brain chemical that regulates many functions including mood and sensitivity to pain. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression.
syndrome
A group of signs and symptoms that happen together and characterize a particular ailment or abnormality.
testosterone
A male sex hormone that helps produce and maintain male secondary sex characteristics. In women, small amounts of testosterone are produced by the ovaries.
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