Reference Guide

Here you will find a reference guide related to periods, including period-related vocabulary. Where appropriate, these will be linked to relevant outside sources. Is there a resource or vocabulary term you think we should include? Leave a comment and let us know!

 

Because we are based in the USA, most of our links and resources are USA-specific. Let us know if you'd like to see global resources and share some with us! 

 

Links last updated: February 24, 2026 

SEXUAL ASSAULT HELP:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 

 

RAINN--Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network: 24/7 support in English or Spanish

• Call 1-800-656-4673 (the National Sexual Assault Hotline)
• Chat at RAINN.org/hotline
• Text HOPE to 64673 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Find a state-by-state listing of resources HERE.

 

PERIOD-RELATED VOCABULARY

Click on the terms to be taken to more in depth explanations. 

Amenorrhea: absence of menstruation, usually referring to missing one or more menstrual periods

 

Cis-gender: when a person's gender identity matches the gender they were assigned at birth

• AFAB: Assigned female at birth--when a baby's external genitalia appears female and the baby is declared female
• AMAB: Assigned male at birth--when a baby's external genitalia appears male and the baby is declared male 

Endometriosis: a medical condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus 

 

Free bleeding: allowing period blood to flow without collecting it in a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup, though using period underwear is sometimes part of free bleeding

 

Intersex: people born with sex traits that do not fit into typical male or female patterns

 

Menarche: pronounced me-NAR-kee; a person's first menstrual period 

 

Menopause: the end of the reproductive years, considered to start 12 months after one's last period 

 

Menstrual Cup: a small, flexible cup, usually made of silicone that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood, an alternative to menstrual pads or tampons; similar to a menstrual disc but in a different shape and different insertion/removal method

 

Menstrual Cycle or Cycle: the reproductive cycle of ovulation followed by menstruation if pregnancy does not occur 

 

Menstrual Disc: Similar to a Menstrual Cup but with a different shape and and different insertion/removal method; a shallow, disc-shaped product to collect menstrual blood 

 

Menstruation: the process of shedding the uterine lining as part of the reproductive cycle; also called a period or menses

 

Ovulation: the release of an egg from an ovary about halfway through a menstrual cycle 

 

PMDD or Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder: a severe form of PMS that can be debilitating to the point of requiring lifestyle modifications or medical management 

 

PMS or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome: a range of physical and emotional symptoms occurring a few days up to two weeks before menstruation