Glossary
In this glossary (or word list) you'll find the meaning of many words you may have seen or heard mentioned about periods and puberty.
Bacteria
Germs.
Bra fitting
Being measured for a bra. The measuring is done by someone who has been trained. Bra fittings are done in specialist lingerie shops, or in the lingerie department of the big department stores. Usually you'll need to make an appointment so you can be sure the right trained member of staff will be available. See our feature about buying a bra.
Breast buds
A small bump underneath each of the nipples on your chest. These are the beginning of developing breasts.
Cramps
See "period pains" below.
Flow (menstrual flow)
How much you bleed during your period. It may be light (not very much), regular/medium, or heavy (quite a lot).
Hormones
These are natural chemicals made by the body that cause all the changes of puberty.
Hygiene
This is all about staying healthy and avoiding infection by keeping clean, mainly through washing.
Irregular periods
This means that a girl's periods don't have a regular pattern yet. It can take up to two years for them to settle down into a regular pattern (the menstrual cycle). Some women never have regular periods, but that is unusual.
Menarche
The name given to a girl's very first period.
Menses
Blood and other matter discharged from the uterus during your periods (menstruation).
Menstrual cycle
The pattern of ovulation and bleeding that is repeated around every 28 days.
Menstruation
Another word for periods – the bleeding and shedding of the lining of the uterus.
Osteoporosis
Often called the “fragile bone disease”, it causes the bones to become more porous and weaker. This means that bones can break or fracture more easily – particularly the wrist, hip or spine. Children need to build the strongest bones possible in their growing years to avoid serious problems when they are older. See our feature which explains how you can protect yourself.
Ovaries
The pair of female reproductive organs that store and release eggs for fertilisation. They are also responsible for producing the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which are involved in the menstrual cycle.
Pituitary gland
This is found at the base of the brain. It's the main gland responsible for producing (making) the hormones that start puberty.
PMS
"Premenstrual Syndrome" - physical and emotional changes that girls experience which are caused by hormones as part of the menstrual cycle. PMS can make you feel really moody or sad or tired before your period, and it is also responsible for any cramps (period pains), feelings of bloating, and acne breakouts. All these symptoms will disappear once your period starts, and will repeat again before your next period ... all part of the menstrual cycle!
Pubic hair
This is the hair that grows between your legs when puberty starts. Just like the hair on a girl's head, it might be any colour: brown, ginger/red, blonde or black, and may be different to a girl's hair colour!
Reproduction
Making babies!
Reproductive organs
All the body parts that are involved in making babies!
Spotting
Little drops of blood, which may be red or reddy-brown in colour, that appear between periods, in the middle of the menstrual cycle at around the time of ovulation. Some people also call this "the show". Girls might also get some spotting in the months leading up to their first period ... so be prepared!
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
This is a rare but extremely serious illness that can kill. It is most common in women under 25 who use tampons. It's very important to understand the risks of using tampons before you start using them - especially girls starting puberty. See our "All About Periods" page for more information.
Vaginal discharge (Cervical fluid)
Vaginal discharge is a fluid, or liquid, that keeps your vagina clean and protects your vagina from infection.
