The Girls Glossary
Real words for real things, all in one place. Search a term or scroll through the full list below.
A
Acanthosis nigricans
Dark, velvety patches of skin, usually on the neck, armpits, or groin. It's linked to insulin resistance and is one of the signs doctors look for with PCOS.
Acne (hormonal)
Breakouts caused by hormone shifts, not by being dirty or eating the wrong food. Cyclical acne shows up around the same time every month, usually on the chin and jawline. Cystic acne is the deep, painful kind under the skin, and it's worth seeing a dermatologist for, not something to just wait out.
Adenomyosis (adeno)
Sometimes called "endo's sister." The uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus itself, rather than outside it. Affects an estimated 20 to 35% of women in some form. Often shows up on a transvaginal ultrasound as a thickened, textured uterine wall.
Adolescent medicine specialist
A doctor trained specifically in teen health, sometimes a better fit than a general OB-GYN for a first gynecological visit.
Areola
The darker skin around the nipple. Size, color, and shape are different for every person, and none of it means anything is wrong.
B
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
An imbalance in natural vaginal bacteria, usually causing thin, grey discharge with a distinct odor. Requires a prescription antibiotic, not an over-the-counter fix.
Body autonomy
The basic right to decide what happens to your own body: who touches it, who sees it, who knows about it. Not something that has to be earned.
Body dysmorphia
A distorted, distressing view of one's own appearance that goes beyond normal insecurity and can significantly affect daily life.
Body neutrality
The idea of accepting a body without needing to love it every single day. Often a more sustainable goal than body positivity.
Breast buds
The very first stage of breast development: a small, sometimes tender bump under the nipple. Can start as early as 8, most commonly between 8 and 13. One side developing faster than the other is normal.
C
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
A structured, evidence-based type of therapy shown to help with anxiety, comparison spirals, and mood-related conditions like PMDD.
Coinsurance
A percentage of the cost that's still owed after the deductible has been met.
Combined oral contraceptives (the Pill)
A daily pill with estrogen and progestin. About 91% effective with typical use, 99% with perfect use.
Consent
Clear, ongoing, freely given agreement to any kind of touch or sexual activity. It can be taken back at any point, for any reason, no explanation owed.
Copay
A flat fee charged per visit, often kicking in after the deductible is met.
Copper IUD
Brand: Paragard. Hormone-free IUD option. Lasts up to 10 to 12 years and can also be used as emergency contraception if placed within 5 days.
Cortisol
The body's main stress hormone. It's supposed to spike and settle throughout the day; when it stays elevated for too long, it can throw off the whole hormonal system, including the cycle.
Cycle (menstrual cycle)
The full monthly pattern the body runs, not just the days of bleeding. A typical cycle is about 28 days, but anywhere from 21 to 35 is normal. It has four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal.
Cycle syncing
A popular idea that you should time workouts, food, and work tasks to each phase of your cycle. It's a cultural trend, not something backed by strong science. Worth knowing the term, but not something to stress over.
Cycle tracking
Writing down when a period starts (and, for more detail, symptoms, flow, and mood) over a few months. It's how patterns that feel random start making sense. Apps like Clue, Flo, or Natural Cycles work, or a plain calendar.
D
Deductible
The amount that has to be paid out of pocket before insurance starts covering costs.
Diaphragm / cervical cap
Barrier methods inserted before sex and used with spermicide. Both require a fitting from a healthcare provider.
Discharge (vaginal)
Clear or whitish fluid that shows up in underwear, often 6 to 12 months before a first period. It's the body's way of keeping things clean, not a sign something's wrong.
Disordered eating
A range of unhealthy eating patterns (obsessive food thoughts, binge-purge cycles, body checking) that may not meet the full clinical definition of an eating disorder but still deserve attention and support.
E
Ella (ulipristal acetate)
A prescription emergency contraception option, effective up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, and more reliable than Plan B for people at higher body weights.
Emergency contraception (Plan B)
A high-dose hormone pill that can prevent or delay ovulation if taken soon after unprotected sex. Does not end an existing pregnancy. Available over the counter.
Endometriosis (endo)
A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, where it has nowhere to go when it swells and bleeds each cycle. Affects roughly 1 in 10 women. The only way to definitively diagnose it is laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery.
Establishing-care visit
A short first appointment with a new provider, mainly to share medical history and get into their system before anything urgent comes up.
Estrogen
A hormone that rises in the first half of the cycle. It's linked to energy, confidence, and mood lift.
Excision surgery vs. ablation surgery
Two approaches to removing endometriosis tissue. Excision cuts it out completely; ablation burns it off the surface. Excision generally has better long-term outcomes.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
The statement sent after a visit showing what insurance paid and what's owed. It is not a bill, even though it can look like one.
F
Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)
Tracking the cycle closely to identify fertile days and avoid sex (or use backup protection) during that window. Requires real training to do accurately. Not a good starting method for anyone new to birth control.
Fibroids (uterine leiomyomas)
Non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. Extremely common: up to 70 to 80% of women will develop at least one by age 50. Named by location: submucosal (inside the uterine cavity), intramural (within the muscle wall), or subserosal (on the outer surface).
Follicular phase
The days after a period ends, when estrogen starts rising. Most people feel more energy and clearer thinking during this window.
Formulary
The list of medications a specific insurance plan covers.
G
Grooming
A pattern of behavior an adult or older person uses to build trust with a young person in order to abuse them. Often starts subtly and escalates.
H
Hirsutism
Excess hair growth in a "male pattern" (upper lip, chin, chest). A common sign doctors look for with PCOS.
Hormonal IUD
Brands: Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla. A small device placed in the uterus that releases a low dose of progestin locally. Lasts 3 to 8 years depending on the brand, over 99% effective.
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus. Considered a definitive treatment for adenomyosis and severe fibroids, but typically a last resort, not a first step.
I
Implant
Brand: Nexplanon. A small rod placed under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestin. Lasts 3 to 5 years.
In-network / out-of-network
Whether a provider has a pricing agreement with a specific insurance plan. In-network is almost always cheaper.
Insulin resistance
When cells stop responding normally to insulin, which can push the ovaries to produce more androgens. A key driver behind PCOS symptoms.
Internal condoms
A non-latex pouch inserted into the vagina before sex. About 79% effective with typical use.
Irregular periods
Periods that don't come on a predictable schedule. Completely normal for the first one to two years after a first period. Outside of that window, cycles that are consistently very short, very long, or unpredictable are worth mentioning to a doctor.
L
Laparoscopy
A minimally invasive surgery using a small camera, used to diagnose and treat endometriosis directly.
Luteal phase
The back half of the cycle, after ovulation. Progesterone rises, then both hormones drop right before the next period starts. This is when PMS symptoms tend to show up.
M
Medical gaslighting
When a patient's pain or symptoms are dismissed or downplayed by a provider, often described as "just normal" without real investigation. Well documented as something young women experience disproportionately, and a real reason to seek a second opinion.
Menarche
The medical term for a first period. The average age is 12, but anywhere from 9 to 15 is considered normal.
Menstrual cups
Small, reusable silicone cups worn inside the vagina that collect blood instead of absorbing it. Usually takes 2 to 3 cycles to get comfortable using one.
Menstrual discs
Similar idea to a cup, but shaped to sit at the base of the cervix. Can be worn during sex, unlike cups or tampons.
Menstrual phase
Days 1 through 5 or so, when the uterus sheds its lining. This is the period itself. Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
Myomectomy
Surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. The fertility-preserving alternative to hysterectomy.
O
OB-GYN
A doctor specializing in reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Out-of-pocket maximum
The most that will be paid in a given year before insurance covers everything else at 100%.
Ovulation
The point in the cycle, usually around day 14, when an egg is released from an ovary. Estrogen peaks around this time, and a lot of people feel their most confident and social here.
P
Pads
Absorbent product worn inside underwear. Come in different sizes and absorbencies; changing every 3 to 4 hours (or sooner) is the general rule.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
One of the most common hormonal conditions, affecting roughly 1 in 10 women. Despite the name, it isn't really about cysts, it's about the body producing more androgens (like testosterone) than typical, which can affect ovulation, skin, hair growth, and weight. Diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria, which requires at least 2 of 3 specific markers.
Period underwear
Regular-looking underwear with built-in absorbent layers. Brands like Thinx, Knix, and Saalt make them. Good as backup or as a full replacement for pads.
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)
A more serious, medically recognized condition: intense depression, hopelessness, or rage in the luteal phase that's severe enough to disrupt daily life. Affects roughly 3 to 8 percent of menstruating people and is diagnosed by tracking mood across at least two cycles. Treatable, not something to just push through.
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
The mild mood changes, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness a lot of people feel in the days before a period. Usually resolves within a day or two of the period starting.
Premium
The amount paid monthly just to have insurance coverage, regardless of whether it's used.
Primary amenorrhea
No period by age 16. A reason to see a doctor, not a reason to panic.
Primary care provider (PCP)
The main doctor for general health and annual physicals, separate from an OB-GYN.
Prior authorization
Pre-approval an insurance company requires before it will cover certain treatments or medications.
Progesterone
A hormone that rises after ovulation. It has a calming effect but can also bring fatigue, cravings, or emotional sensitivity, especially as it drops before a period.
Progestin-only pill (mini-pill)
A pill option for people who can't take estrogen. Has to be taken within the same 3-hour window every day to work as intended.
Puberty
The years-long process of a body growing from a child's into an adult's. It isn't one event, it's a stretch of time, and every body runs on its own timeline.
Puberty stages (Tanner stages)
The medical stages doctors use to describe physical development, from Stage 1 (no visible changes yet) through Stage 5 (adult physical form). Stage 2 is when breast buds typically begin; Stage 4 is when a first period usually happens.
Pubic hair
Hair that grows between the legs during puberty. What someone does with it (shave, trim, leave it) is entirely personal preference.
S
Safe touch, uncomfortable touch, wrong touch
A framework for sorting out what's okay: safe touch is wanted and comfortable, uncomfortable touch can be stopped with a simple "please stop," and wrong touch (anything involving private body parts without consent, or being asked to keep a secret) should always be reported to a trusted adult.
SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)
A nurse specially trained to care for and collect evidence from a sexual assault survivor. Worth requesting by name at an ER or clinic if it's an option.
Second opinion
Getting evaluated by a different doctor when the first one's answer doesn't sit right. Always allowed, no permission needed from anyone.
Secondary amenorrhea
Periods that were happening regularly and then stop for three or more months, when pregnancy isn't the reason. Worth getting checked out.
Self-advocacy
Speaking up for what you need, whether that's telling a teacher something's wrong, asking a doctor for a second opinion, or setting a boundary with a friend.
Stealthing
Removing a condom during sex without a partner's knowledge or consent. It's not a gray area: it's assault.
STI panel
A round of testing for sexually transmitted infections, typically including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and HPV. Worth asking for "the complete panel" by name at a clinic visit.
T
Tampons
Absorbent product worn inside the vagina. Should be changed every 4 to 8 hours and never left in longer than 8, because of the (rare but real) risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Testosterone
Yes, everyone has some. Levels peak around ovulation and play a role in energy and libido.
The patch
Brands: Xulane, Twirla. A weekly patch worn on the skin, 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
The ring
Brands: NuvaRing, Annovera. A flexible ring inserted into the vagina, worn 3 weeks in and 1 week out.
The shot
Brand: Depo-Provera. A progestin injection given every 3 months. Can delay the return of fertility after stopping, and long-term use is linked to some bone density loss.
Title IX
A federal law that, among other things, requires colleges to have a process for reporting and investigating sexual harassment or assault on campus.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
A rare but serious bacterial illness linked to leaving a tampon in too long. Signs include sudden fever, vomiting, or a rash. Never leave a tampon in longer than 8 hours.
Transvaginal ultrasound
An ultrasound performed internally, which gives a clearer picture of the uterus and ovaries than an external one. Key diagnostic tool for adenomyosis, fibroids, and PCOS.
U
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
A minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
A bacterial infection in the urinary tract, usually causing burning when peeing and a frequent urge to go. Treated with antibiotics.
V
Vulva
The outer, visible part of female genitals. Different from the vagina, which is the internal canal. Both are normal words to know and say.
Y
Yeast infection (candidiasis)
An overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast, usually causing thick, white discharge and intense itching. Treated with over-the-counter options like Monistat or a single prescription pill (Diflucan).