WHWS™ GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The WHWS™ Glossary of Terms was created to help members feel more confident when reading health information, preparing for appointments, asking questions, and supporting loved ones.  These plain-language definitions are for education only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

Note:  The Women’s Health and Wellness Society™ provides educational information to support awareness, prevention, self-advocacy, and community connection. This glossary is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional for medical concerns, symptoms, medications, test results, or treatment decisions. 

No one should feel embarassed for not knowing a medical term.  Healthcare language can be confusing, and clear communication is part of better care.  

Plain-language health communication is consistent with CDC health literacy guidance, and member-friendly medical definitions can be cross-checked with trusted sources such as MedlinePlus, the Office on Women’s Health, CDC, FDA Office of Women’s Health, and the National Cancer Institute dictionary.

Ablation
A surgical method that destroys the surface of endometriosis lesions using heat or energy. While sometimes used, it may not remove deeper disease and is associated with higher rates of symptom recurrence compared to excision. (ACOG) 

Abnormal Bleeding
Bleeding that is heavier, longer, more frequent, or happens outside of a usual menstrual cycle. It can occur for many reasons, including hormonal changes, fibroids, polyps, pregnancy-related issues, medications, perimenopause, or other medical conditions.  

Abscess
A pocket of pus caused by infection. It may appear as a swollen, painful, warm area on the skin or inside the body. 

ACE Score / Adverse Childhood Experiences
A measure of stressful or traumatic experiences during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household instability. A higher ACE score may increase the risk of certain physical and mental health challenges later in life, but support, therapy, safety, and healthy relationships can help reduce long-term harm.  

Acupuncture
A therapy from traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing very thin needles into specific points on the body. Some people use it for pain, stress, nausea, migraines, or symptom support. 

Acute Condition
A health issue that starts suddenly and may be short-term, such as a urinary tract infection, flu, injury, or allergic reaction.  

Adenomyosis
A condition in which endometrial-like tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods. (ACOG) 

Adrenal Glands
Small glands located above the kidneys that make hormones involved in stress response, blood pressure, metabolism, and salt balance.   

Advance Care Planning
The process of thinking through and communicating future healthcare wishes, especially in case of serious illness or medical emergency. 

Advance Directive
A legal document that explains a person’s healthcare wishes if they become unable to speak for themselves. It may include preferences about life support, resuscitation, and who can make medical decisions.

Advocacy
Speaking up for yourself or others to help ensure needs, rights, safety, and care are respected. In healthcare, advocacy may include asking questions, requesting second opinions, bringing a support person, or clarifying treatment options. 

Advocate

To actively speak up, take action, or publicly support a cause, individual, or community—especially in pursuit of equity, justice, and well-being.

Aging in place

The ability to live safely, independently, and comfortably in one’s own home and community as one grows older.

Aging Well
A whole-person approach to health that supports physical strength, emotional well-being, brain health, social connection, independence, purpose, and quality of life across the lifespan. 

Allergen
A substance that can trigger an allergic reaction, such as pollen, pet dander, certain foods, medications, latex, mold, or insect stings.

Allergy
An immune system reaction to something the body sees as harmful. Symptoms may include sneezing, itching, rash, swelling, wheezing, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.  

Amenorrhea
The absence of menstrual periods. It can be related to pregnancy, menopause, hormonal changes, intense exercise, stress, weight changes, medications, or medical conditions. 

Anemia
A condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen well. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, or feeling cold.  

Antibiotic
A medication used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections like colds or most cases of flu.  

Antioxidants
Substances that help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. They are found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other foods. 

Anxiety
A feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness that can affect thoughts, sleep, breathing, digestion, and daily functioning. Anxiety is common and treatable.

Arrhythmia
An irregular heartbeat. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others may need medical evaluation or treatment. 

Autoimmune Disease
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type 1 diabetes.

Bacterial Vaginosis
A common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance of bacteria. Symptoms may include odor, discharge, or irritation, though some people have no symptoms.  

Baseline Health
A person’s usual level of health or functioning before a new illness, injury, medication, or major life change. 

Behavioral Health
A broad term that includes mental health, substance use, coping skills, habits, stress responses, and emotional well-being.  

Bile
A fluid made by the liver that helps digest fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder.

Binge Eating Disorder

A condition involving repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, often followed by shame or distress.

Bioidentical Hormones
Hormones that are chemically similar to hormones naturally made by the body. They may be FDA-approved or compounded. Safety, dosing, and monitoring should be discussed with a qualified clinician.

Biopsy
A medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined, often to check for cancer, inflammation, infection, or other disease.  

Bladder Prolapse
A condition where the bladder drops from its usual position and pushes into the vaginal wall. It may cause pressure, urinary symptoms, or discomfort.

Bloating
A feeling of fullness, pressure, or swelling in the abdomen. Causes can include digestion changes, constipation, food intolerance, hormonal shifts, or medical conditions.  

Blood Clot
A clump of blood that can block blood flow. Clots in the legs or lungs can be serious and may require urgent care. 

Blood Pressure
The force of blood pushing against artery walls. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.

Blood Sugar / Blood Glucose
The amount of sugar in the blood. Blood sugar levels are important for energy, metabolism, and diabetes prevention or management.

Body Mass Index / BMI
A calculation using height and weight. BMI can be one screening tool, but it does not measure muscle, bone density, body composition, or overall health.

Bone Density
A measure of bone strength. Low bone density can increase the risk of fractures and may lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Breast Density
A measure of how much fibrous and glandular tissue is in the breast compared with fatty tissue. Dense breasts can make mammograms harder to read and may be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

Burnout
Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It is common among caregivers, healthcare workers, working parents, and people carrying heavy responsibilities.

Cancer Screening
Testing used to look for cancer before symptoms appear. Examples include mammograms, Pap tests, HPV testing, colonoscopy, and skin checks.

Care Coordination

The process of helping different healthcare providers, services, and caregivers work together so a person’s care is safer, clearer, and less fragmented.

Caregiver
A person who helps care for someone else, often a family member or loved one. Caregiving may include emotional support, transportation, medication help, meals, appointments, personal care, or financial coordination.

Caregiver Fatigue
Emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from caring for another person over time. It can affect sleep, mood, patience, health, and relationships.

Cardiovascular Disease
A group of conditions involving the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Cholesterol
A waxy substance in the blood. The body needs some cholesterol, but high levels of certain types can increase heart disease risk.

Chronic Condition
A health condition that lasts a long time or requires ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, asthma, arthritis, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.

Chronic Pelvic Pain
Persistent pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or longer. It may have multiple causes, including endometriosis, and often requires a multidisciplinary approach to care. (NIH) 

Clinical Trial
A research study that tests medical treatments, devices, procedures, or prevention strategies in people.

Cognitive Health
The ability to think, learn, remember, focus, reason, and make decisions. Cognitive health can be affected by sleep, stress, medications, hormones, illness, aging, and neurological conditions.

Community 

A collective of individuals connected by shared values, lived experiences, and mutual support—working together to advance wellness, equity, and social purpose.

Community Support
Connection, encouragement, shared resources, and emotional support from other people. Community support can reduce isolation and help people feel less alone.

Curated

Thoughtfully selected, organized, and presented with intention and relevance.

Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE)
A severe form of endometriosis in which lesions penetrate deeply into pelvic tissues and organs, such as the bowel or bladder, often requiring advanced surgical expertise. 

Dementia
A general term for a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, or daily functioning that is severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia.

Depression
A mental health condition that may cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, sleep changes, appetite changes, guilt, hopelessness, or difficulty functioning.

Diabetes
A condition where blood sugar levels are too high because the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well.

Diagnosis
The name or explanation for a health condition based on symptoms, examination, testing, and clinical judgment.

Diagnostic Test
A test used to help identify or confirm a condition. Examples include blood tests, imaging, biopsies, cultures, and genetic tests.

Dietary Fiber
The part of plant foods that the body does not fully digest. Fiber supports digestion, blood sugar balance, cholesterol management, and fullness.

Digital Health
The use of technology to support health, such as telehealth, health apps, wearable devices, patient portals, remote monitoring, and digital education tools.

Discharge Instructions
Written or verbal directions given after a healthcare visit, emergency visit, procedure, surgery, or hospital stay. They often include medication guidance, warning signs, follow-up care, and activity limits.

Disease Prevention
Actions that reduce the chance of illness or detect problems early. Examples include vaccines, screenings, healthy eating, exercise, sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco.

Dysbiosis
An imbalance in the body’s normal microorganisms, often discussed in relation to gut, vaginal, skin, or oral health.

Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstrual cramps that can range from mild to severe. Secondary dysmenorrhea is often associated with underlying conditions such as endometriosis. (ACOG)  

Dyspareunia
Pain during or after sexual intercourse, which may be associated with conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic floor dysfunction. 

Eating Pattern
The overall way a person eats over time, including food choices, timing, portions, culture, preferences, access, and habits.

Edema
Swelling caused by fluid buildup, often in the legs, ankles, feet, hands, or face.

Educate

To share knowledge, build understanding, and empower informed action.

Emergency Symptoms
Symptoms that may need immediate medical attention, such as: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, fainting, severe allergic reaction, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden severe pain.

Endometriosis
A chronic, systemic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These lesions can be found throughout the pelvis and, in some cases, beyond (including the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and other organs). Endometriosis is associated with a wide range of symptoms, including pelvic pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal and urinary issues, and infertility, reflecting its whole-body impact. It is a complex disease that often requires multidisciplinary care. (NIH; ACOG; peer-reviewed literature) 

Estrogen
A hormone involved in menstrual cycles, bone health, vaginal and urinary health, skin, mood, brain function, and cardiovascular health.

Evidence-Based Care
Healthcare guided by research, clinical expertise, and patient values. It means decisions are based on the best available information, not trends alone.

Excision Surgery
A specialized surgical technique used to treat endometriosis by carefully cutting out (excising) lesions from affected tissue. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment when performed by a trained vetted endometriosis excision specialist, as it aims to remove disease at its root. (ACOG; peer-reviewed surgical literature) 

Exercise
Planned physical activity that supports strength, endurance, mobility, mood, bone health, heart health, and metabolic health. 

Expanded Access
A pathway that may allow some patients with serious conditions to access investigational treatments outside of clinical trials when no comparable options are available.

Exposure
Contact with something that may affect health, such as a virus, chemical, allergen, toxin, medication, trauma, or environmental risk.

Eye Health
The care and protection of vision and eye structures. Eye health may involve screening for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, macular degeneration, and vision changes.

Fatigue
A deep feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that does not always improve with rest. It may be related to sleep, stress, anemia, thyroid disease, depression, autoimmune disease, infection, medications, or chronic illness.

Femtech

Technology designed to address women’s health needs, from reproductive care to wellness tracking.

Fertility
The ability to become pregnant. Fertility can be affected by age, hormones, ovulation, sperm health, uterine health, fallopian tubes, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.

Fibroids
Noncancerous growths in or around the uterus. They may cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, pain, anemia, or no symptoms at all.

Flare
A period when symptoms of a chronic condition get worse. Flares can occur with autoimmune disease, pain conditions, skin conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurological conditions.

Food Insecurity
Limited or uncertain access to enough nutritious food. Food insecurity is a major life factor that can affect health, stress, pregnancy, chronic disease, and child development.

Functional Medicine
A healthcare approach that looks at underlying contributors to illness, such as nutrition, stress, sleep, hormones, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. It should still be evidence-informed and coordinated with conventional medical care when needed.

Functional Status
A person’s ability to perform daily activities such as walking, bathing, cooking, working, driving, managing medications, and caring for themselves.

Genetic Testing
Testing that looks for changes in genes or chromosomes that may affect health, disease risk, medication response, or family planning.

Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It can affect both mother and baby and usually requires monitoring, nutrition guidance, activity, and sometimes medication.

Glucose
A type of sugar that the body uses for energy. Glucose comes from food and is regulated by insulin and other hormones.

Grief
A natural response to loss. Grief can affect emotions, sleep, appetite, memory, concentration, energy, and the body. It does not follow a perfect timeline.

Gut Health
The function and balance of the digestive system, including digestion, bowel patterns, gut bacteria, inflammation, and the gut-brain connection.

Gynecology
The area of medicine focused on the female reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva, menstrual health, menopause, contraception, and pelvic health.

Health

A dynamic state of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being—not merely the absence of disease.

Health Equity
The idea that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to reach their best possible health, regardless of income, race, geography, disability, age, language, gender, or other life factors.

Health Literacy
The ability to find, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions. Health literacy is not just a patient responsibility; healthcare organizations also need to communicate clearly.

Heart Attack
A medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. Symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, jaw pain, back pain, arm pain, or unusual fatigue.

Heart Disease
A broad term for conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disease, and cardiomyopathy.

Hormone Therapy
Treatment that uses hormones or hormone-blocking medications. In menopause care, hormone therapy may help with hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms for some people.

Hormones
Chemical messengers that help regulate body functions such as metabolism, reproduction, mood, sleep, stress response, growth, and blood sugar.

HPV / Human Papillomavirus
A common virus. Some types can cause genital warts, and some high-risk types can increase the risk of cervical and other cancers.

Hypertension
High blood pressure. It often has no symptoms but can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems.

Holistic medicine

Healthcare + wellness. An approach to healing that treats the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and environment—promoting overall health and wellbeing.

Immune System
The body’s defense system against infection, injury, and harmful substances. It includes cells, tissues, organs, and proteins that work together.

Immunization / Vaccination
A way to help the immune system recognize and fight certain infections. Vaccines can reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications.

Incontinence
Loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary incontinence may happen with coughing, sneezing, urgency, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, pelvic floor issues, neurological conditions, or surgery.

Inflammation
The body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation. Short-term inflammation helps healing; long-term inflammation may contribute to disease.

Informed Consent
The process of understanding the risks, benefits, alternatives, and purpose of a treatment, test, procedure, or research study before agreeing to it.

Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, even when there is enough opportunity to sleep.

Insulin Resistance
A condition where the body’s cells do not respond well to insulin, making it harder to keep blood sugar stable. It can be associated with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome.

Integrative Health
A care approach that combines conventional medicine with supportive therapies such as nutrition, mindfulness, acupuncture, movement, or stress reduction when safe and appropriate.

Joint Health
The health of areas where bones meet, such as knees, hips, shoulders, fingers, and spine. Joint health can be affected by arthritis, injury, inflammation, weight, hormones, movement, and aging.

Joint Pain
Discomfort, aching, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement in a joint. Causes may include injury, arthritis, autoimmune disease, infection, overuse, or inflammation.

Judgment-Free Care
Healthcare that treats people with dignity and respect, without shame, blame, stigma, or assumptions.

Kidney Function
How well the kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. Kidney function may be checked with blood and urine tests.

Kidney Stones
Hard deposits that form in the kidneys and may cause severe pain, nausea, blood in urine, or urinary symptoms.

Kegel Exercises
Exercises that strengthen pelvic floor muscles. They may help with bladder leakage, pelvic support, sexual health, and postpartum recovery when done correctly.

Ketones
Substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Ketones may be discussed in diabetes care, fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, and certain medical conditions.

Kidney Function
How well the kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. Kidney function may be checked with blood and urine tests.

Kidney Stones
Hard deposits that form in the kidneys and may cause severe pain, nausea, blood in urine, or urinary symptoms.

Kegel Exercises
Exercises that strengthen pelvic floor muscles. They may help with bladder leakage, pelvic support, sexual health, and postpartum recovery when done correctly.

Ketones
Substances made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Ketones may be discussed in diabetes care, fasting, low-carbohydrate diets, and certain medical conditions.

Lab Work
Blood, urine, or other tests used to help assess health, diagnose conditions, monitor treatment, or screen for risk.

Life Factors
WHWS language for the everyday conditions that shape health, such as housing, food access, transportation, income, education, work, caregiving, safety, social connection, environment, culture, and access to care.

Lifestyle Medicine
A medical approach that uses healthy behaviors—such as nutrition, movement, sleep, stress reduction, social connection, and avoiding tobacco—to prevent and manage disease.

Lipid Panel
A blood test that measures fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Long COVID
A condition where symptoms continue or appear after a COVID-19 infection. Symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, dizziness, sleep problems, pain, or heart-racing sensations.

Loneliness
The distressing feeling of being disconnected or unsupported. Loneliness can affect mental and physical health, even when someone is around other people.

Lupus
An autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, blood, heart, or lungs. Symptoms can vary widely and may come and go.

Longevity

The length and quality of life, shaped by genetics, lifestyle, environment, and access to care.

Mammogram
An X-ray of the breast used to screen for or evaluate breast cancer.

Medical Disclaimer
A statement explaining that information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medication Reconciliation
The process of reviewing all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products a person uses to reduce errors, interactions, duplications, or missed medications.

Menopause

The natural biological transition marking the end of menstrual cycles, typically between ages 45–55, with hormonal shifts.

Menstrual Cycle
The monthly hormone-driven process that prepares the body for pregnancy. It includes menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

Mental health

A state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that influences how individuals think, feel, and act.

Metabolic Health
How well the body manages blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, waist circumference, liver fat, and energy use.

Metabolic Syndrome
A group of risk factors that increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These may include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat.

Migraine
A neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe head pain, nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, visual changes, dizziness, or fatigue.

Mindfulness
Paying attention to the present moment with curiosity rather than judgment. Mindfulness practices may help with stress, anxiety, sleep, pain, and emotional regulation.

Multidisciplinary Care
A coordinated approach to healthcare that involves multiple specialists (e.g., gynecologic surgeons, pain specialists, pelvic floor physical therapists) to address the complex and varied impacts of conditions like endometriosis. 

Multiple Sclerosis / MS
A chronic condition where the immune system affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may include fatigue, numbness, weakness, vision problems, pain, balance issues, or cognitive changes.

Nutrition
The way food and nutrients support the body’s energy, growth, repair, immune function, hormones, metabolism, and overall health.

Neurodiversity
The idea that differences in how people think, learn, communicate, focus, and process the world are part of human variation. It may include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other brain-based differences.

Neuropathy
Nerve damage or nerve irritation that may cause numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or pain, often in the hands or feet.

Night Sweats
Heavy sweating during sleep. Night sweats can be related to menopause, infection, medications, anxiety, thyroid problems, cancer, or other conditions.

Noncommunicable Disease
A disease that is not spread person-to-person, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, or autoimmune disease.

Nutraceutical
A food-derived product or supplement marketed for health benefits. Nutraceuticals may still have side effects or interactions and should be discussed with a healthcare 

professional.

Non-biased

Free from prejudice, favoritism, or exclusion; rooted in fairness and objectivity.

Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Organization

 An organization created to serve the public good. Any money it receives is used to support its mission, programs, services, education, outreach, operations, and community impact — not to enrich private individuals. 

Obesity
A complex chronic condition involving excess body fat that may affect health. It can be influenced by genetics, hormones, medications, sleep, stress, environment, food access, trauma, and metabolism.

Obstetrics
The area of medicine focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Osteopenia
Lower-than-normal bone density that is not low enough to be called osteoporosis. It may increase future fracture risk.

Osteoporosis
A condition where bones become weak and more likely to break. It is more common after menopause but can affect people for many reasons.

Ovarian Cyst
A fluid-filled sac in or on an ovary. Many are harmless and go away on their own, but some can cause pain, bloating, bleeding, or complications.

Ovulation
The release of an egg from an ovary, usually occurring once during a menstrual cycle.

Pap Test / Pap Smear
A screening test that checks cervical cells for changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

Patient Portal
A secure online tool where patients may view test results, message care teams, schedule appointments, request refills, or review health information.

Pelvic Floor
A group of muscles and tissues that support the bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum, and bowel function.

Pelvic Health
The health of the pelvic organs, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. It may involve bladder function, bowel function, sexual health, pelvic pain, prolapse, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
A condition in which the muscles of the pelvic floor do not function properly, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, and pain during intercourse. It often coexists with chronic pelvic conditions. 

Perimenopause
The transition leading up to menopause, when hormones may fluctuate. Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, mood changes, weight changes, brain fog, and vaginal or urinary symptoms.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / PCOS
A hormone-related condition that may involve irregular periods, excess androgen symptoms, acne, hair growth, insulin resistance, ovarian follicles, and fertility challenges.

Postpartum
The period after childbirth. Postpartum recovery includes physical healing, emotional changes, sleep disruption, feeding support, hormone shifts, and mental health needs.

Prebiotic
A type of fiber or food component that supports beneficial gut bacteria. 

Prediabetes
Blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It can often be improved with lifestyle changes and medical support.

Preventive Care
Healthcare focused on preventing illness or finding problems early. Examples include screenings, vaccines, counseling, checkups, dental care, and risk assessments. 

Probiotic
Live microorganisms that may support gut or vaginal health when taken in adequate amounts. Effects vary by strain, dose, and person.

Progesterone
A hormone involved in menstrual cycles, pregnancy, sleep, mood, and the uterine lining.

Public Benefit Nonprofit 

A nonprofit formed for charitable, educational, scientific, health, or public-good purposes. 

Public Benefit Corporation

A for-profit company that also commits to a public benefit purpose, but it can still generate profit for owners/shareholders. 

Quadriceps
The group of muscles at the front of the thigh that help straighten the knee and support walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

Qualified Health Professional
A licensed or certified person trained to provide healthcare services within their scope of practice.

Quality of Life
A person’s overall well-being, including physical comfort, emotional health, independence, relationships, purpose, safety, and ability to participate in daily life.

Qualitative Test
A test that shows whether something is present or absent, such as positive or negative.

Quantitative Test
A test that gives a number or measurement, such as a blood glucose level, cholesterol level, hormone level, or lab value.

Quarantine
Separating or limiting movement after possible exposure to an infectious disease to reduce the chance of spreading it.

Quercetin
A plant compound found in foods such as onions, apples, berries, and tea. It is often discussed for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Radiology
The medical field that uses imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, and mammograms.    

Range of Motion
How far a joint can move in different directions. Reduced range of motion may be due to injury, arthritis, pain, tightness, or neurological issues. 

Reflux / GERD
A condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest discomfort, sour taste, cough, or throat irritation. 

Remission
A period when symptoms of a disease decrease or disappear. Remission may be temporary or long-term depending on the condition. 

Reproductive Health
Health related to the reproductive system, including menstruation, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, sexual health, menopause, and gynecologic conditions.

Resilience
The ability to adapt, recover, or keep going during or after stress, trauma, illness, grief, or change. Resilience can be strengthened with support and skills.    

Resting Heart Rate
The number of heartbeats per minute when a person is at rest. It can be affected by fitness, stress, sleep, hydration, medications, and illness. 

Retinopathy
Damage to the retina, often discussed in relation to diabetes or high blood pressure.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and sometimes other organs. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and flares.

Risk Factor
Something that increases the chance of developing a disease or health problem. Risk factors can be genetic, environmental, behavioral, social, or medical.

Routine Screening
Regular testing is recommended based on age, risk, sex, health history, or family history to find health problems early.  

Rupture
A tear or break in tissue, such as a tendon rupture, ovarian cyst rupture, or organ rupture. 

Sarcopenia
Loss of muscle mass and strength that can occur with aging, inactivity, illness, or poor nutrition. 

Screening
Testing done before symptoms appear to look for early signs of disease or risk.

Second Opinion
An evaluation by another qualified healthcare professional to confirm a diagnosis, review treatment options, or help with decision-making.

Self-Advocacy
Speaking up about your needs, symptoms, questions, boundaries, and preferences in healthcare and daily life.

Self-Care
Intentional actions that support physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Self-care is not selfish; it is maintenance.

Sepsis
A life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the body has an extreme response to infection. Symptoms may include confusion, fever or low temperature, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, severe pain, clammy skin, or low blood pressure.   

Serotonin
A chemical messenger involved in mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, and emotional regulation.

Shared Decision-Making
A healthcare approach where patients and clinicians discuss options, risks, benefits, values, and preferences together.

Sjogren’s Syndrome
An autoimmune disease that commonly causes dry eyes and dry mouth, and may also affect joints, fatigue, nerves, lungs, or other organs. 

Sleep Hygiene
Habits and routines that support better sleep, such as consistent sleep timing, limiting late caffeine, reducing screen exposure before bed, and creating a calm sleep environment.

Social Connection
Meaningful relationships and interactions with others. Social connection can support mental health, physical health, resilience, and longevity.

Social Purpose Organization

An organization that operates with a mission-first mindset, prioritizing societal impact over profit.

Society

A collective of individuals and communities united by shared values, purpose, and action.  

Strength Training
Exercise that challenges muscles using weights, resistance bands, body weight, or machines. It supports bone density, metabolism, balance, and independence. 

Stress Response
The body’s reaction to pressure or threat. It can affect heart rate, breathing, hormones, digestion, sleep, mood, and immune function.

Stroke
A medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when bleeding occurs in the brain. Warning signs may include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, sudden confusion, vision changes, dizziness, or severe headache.

Substance Use Disorder
A medical condition involving continued use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances despite harm or difficulty stopping. Treatment and recovery support are available.

Support

To uplift, resource, and stand beside others in their journey toward health and empowerment. 

Systolic Blood Pressure
The top number in a blood pressure reading. It measures pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. 

Tachycardia
A faster-than-normal heart rate. It may be related to exercise, anxiety, dehydration, fever, anemia, thyroid disease, medications, or heart rhythm issues. 

Telehealth
Healthcare delivered by phone, video, messaging, or digital tools. Telehealth can improve access but may not replace in-person care for certain exams or emergencies.  

Tendon
A strong band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. 

Testosterone
A hormone present in all bodies. In women, it may play a role in libido, mood, muscle, energy, and bone health. 

Thyroid
A gland in the neck that helps regulate metabolism, energy, temperature, heart rate, and many body functions.   

Tinnitus
Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when no outside sound is present. 

Toxic Stress
Long-lasting stress without enough support or safety, especially during childhood. It can affect brain development, immune function, hormones, and long-term health. 

Transitional Care
Care that helps a person move safely from one healthcare setting to another, such as hospital to home, hospital to rehab, or specialist back to primary care. 

Trauma-Informed Care
A care approach that recognizes how trauma can affect health, behavior, trust, and communication. It emphasizes safety, choice, collaboration, dignity, and empowerment.

Triglycerides
A type of fat in the blood. High triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and may be linked to diabetes, insulin resistance, diet, alcohol use, medications, or genetics.

Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune condition where the body makes little or no insulin. It requires insulin treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes
A condition where the body does not use insulin well and may not make enough insulin over time. It can often be managed with nutrition, movement, medication, weight management, sleep, and monitoring.

Uric Acid
A waste product in the blood. High levels can contribute to gout or kidney stones in some people. 

Ultrasound
An imaging test that uses sound waves to view organs, tissues, blood flow, pregnancy, cysts, masses, or other structures.

Urgent Care
Medical care for problems that need attention soon but are not life-threatening emergencies, such as minor injuries, infections, rashes, or mild asthma symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infection / UTI
An infection in the urinary system. Symptoms may include burning with urination, urgency, frequency, pelvic pain, cloudy urine, blood in urine, or fever.

Urodynamic Testing
Tests that evaluate how the bladder and urethra store and release urine. 

Uterine Prolapse
A condition where the uterus drops down into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic support. 

Uterus
The muscular organ where pregnancy develops. It also sheds its lining during menstruation.

Vaccine
A product that helps the immune system protect against specific infections.

Vaginal Atrophy / Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Thinning, dryness, irritation, or discomfort of vaginal and urinary tissues related to lower estrogen. Symptoms may include painful sex, dryness, urinary urgency, recurrent UTIs, or burning.

Vaginal Microbiome
The community of bacteria and microorganisms in the vagina. A healthy balance can help protect against infection and irritation.

Vagus Nerve
A major nerve involved in heart rate, digestion, breathing, voice, swallowing, inflammation, and relaxation response.

Varicose Veins
Enlarged, twisted veins often seen in the legs. They may cause aching, heaviness, swelling, or discomfort.

Vasomotor Symptoms
Menopause-related temperature symptoms, most commonly hot flashes and night sweats.

Vertigo
A spinning sensation or feeling that the environment is moving. It may be related to inner ear issues, migraines, medications, or neurological problems.

Visceral Fat
Fat stored around internal organs in the abdomen. Higher levels may be linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and heart disease risk.

Vitamin D
A nutrient and hormone-like substance important for bone health, immune function, muscle function, and calcium absorption.

Vital Signs
Basic measurements of body function, such as temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen level.

Vulva
The external female genital area, including the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and surrounding tissue.