Terms A to Z
Adenomyosis
- When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. Often causes heavy, painful periods and can occur with endometriosis.
Adhesions
- Bands of scar tissue that can stick organs together, sometimes caused by endometriosis or surgery.
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone)
- A hormone made by follicles in the ovaries. Often higher in PMOS; used in adults as an alternative to ultrasound in diagnosis.
Androgens
- Hormones like testosterone that everyone has. Higher levels in PMOS can cause acne, hair growth on the face or body, and scalp hair thinning.
Basal body temperature (BBT)
- Your resting temperature on waking. A sustained rise after ovulation can help confirm that ovulation happened.
Cortisol
- The main stress hormone. It follows a daily rhythm and affects blood sugar, sleep and cycle regulation.
Cycle day 1
- The first day of full menstrual bleeding. Used as the starting point for tracking and timing some blood tests.
Dysmenorrhea
- The medical term for painful periods.
Dyspareunia
- Pain during or after sex.
Endometrioma
- A cyst on the ovary filled with old blood, caused by endometriosis. Sometimes called a chocolate cyst.
Excision surgery
- Surgery that cuts out endometriosis lesions, as opposed to burning their surface (ablation).
Follicular phase
- The first part of the cycle, from your period until ovulation, when a follicle matures.
Insulin resistance
- When the body’s cells respond less to insulin, so it makes more. A common driver of PMOS symptoms.
Laparoscopy
- Keyhole surgery used to look inside the abdomen and pelvis, and to diagnose and remove endometriosis.
Luteal phase
- The second part of the cycle, from ovulation to your next period, when progesterone rises.
Pelvic floor
- The group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel and uterus. In pelvic pain, they’re often too tight rather than weak.
PMDD
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: severe mood symptoms in the luteal phase that ease once your period starts.
PMOS
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for PCOS adopted in 2026.
Progesterone
- A hormone released after ovulation that prepares the uterine lining and supports a steady cycle.
SHBG
- Sex hormone binding globulin, a protein that carries hormones in the blood. Low SHBG can mean more free testosterone.
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Last updated October 2026. Written by The Cuterus Corner team from lived experience and published research. Clinical review by our professional network is in progress; professionals can join as reviewers. This guide is educational and doesn’t replace advice from your healthcare provider.