| Number of major female sex hormones | 3 primary types: estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (including testosterone) |
| Average menstrual cycle length | 21–35 days (varies by individual) (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) |
| Age perimenopause typically begins | Mid-40s on average, though it can start earlier (The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS)) |
| Hormone tests commonly used | FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, progesterone, thyroid panel |
| Gland that regulates reproductive hormones | The pituitary gland, via FSH and LH signalling |
Why Hormonal Vocabulary Matters
If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling more confused than when you arrived — a blur of unfamiliar terms washing over you — you're far from alone. Hormonal health comes with its own dense vocabulary, and when you don't recognise the words, it's harder to ask the right questions, understand a diagnosis, or evaluate your options.
This reference guide cuts through the jargon. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, preparing for a consultation, or simply curious about how your body works, having these terms clearly defined is a genuine first step. For a broader picture of how hormones shift over your lifetime, see The Hormonal Lifecycle.
| Number of major female sex hormones | 3 primary types: estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (including testosterone) |
| Average menstrual cycle length | 21–35 days (varies by individual) (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) |
| Age perimenopause typically begins | Mid-40s on average, though it can start earlier (The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS)) |
| Hormone tests commonly used | FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, progesterone, thyroid panel |
| Gland that regulates reproductive hormones | The pituitary gland, via FSH and LH signalling |
Core Hormonal Terms Defined
The terms below cover the hormones and physiological concepts most commonly referenced in women's health conversations. They are the building blocks — once you recognise them, other information starts to fit together more naturally.
Estrogen
A group of hormones — primarily estradiol in reproductive-age women — that regulate the menstrual cycle, support bone density, and influence mood and cardiovascular function. Levels fluctuate across the cycle and decline significantly at menopause.
Progesterone
A hormone produced mainly after ovulation that prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels fall, triggering menstruation. It also has calming effects on the nervous system.
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovary. A sharp rise in LH (the 'LH surge') is what at-home ovulation tests detect.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the ovaries to develop follicles — the fluid-filled sacs that contain eggs. Elevated FSH levels can indicate reduced ovarian reserve or the approach of menopause.
Follicular Phase
The first half of the menstrual cycle, starting on day one of menstruation and ending at ovulation. During this phase, rising estrogen drives follicle development and rebuilds the uterine lining.
Luteal Phase
The second half of the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to the start of the next period. The empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to support a potential pregnancy.
Ovarian Reserve
A measure of the quantity and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries. It naturally declines with age and can be estimated through blood tests (such as AMH) and ultrasound.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
A hormone produced by cells in ovarian follicles, used as a marker of ovarian reserve. A lower AMH level may suggest fewer eggs remaining, though it does not directly predict fertility outcomes.
Cortisol
The body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Chronically elevated cortisol can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, affecting cycle regularity and ovulation.
Perimenopause
The transitional period before menopause, during which hormone levels — particularly estrogen and progesterone — begin to fluctuate more widely. It can last several years and is associated with irregular periods, hot flushes, and mood changes.
Androgen
A class of hormones, including testosterone and DHEA, present in all women in smaller amounts. Androgens influence libido, energy, and muscle mass; elevated levels are associated with conditions such as PCOS.
Anovulation
The absence of ovulation in a menstrual cycle. A woman may still experience bleeding without having ovulated. Anovulation can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, or conditions like PCOS.
For a deeper look at what estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone each do day-to-day, this plain-language explainer covers each one in detail. If reproductive terms in particular feel unfamiliar, the Reproductive Wellness Glossary is a useful companion resource.
Recognising These Terms in a Clinical Context
Knowing a term in isolation is helpful; knowing how it appears in a real clinical conversation is even more useful. Hormonal conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids are frequently discussed using this vocabulary — and they are often misunderstood. A plain-language comparison of these three conditions can help you distinguish between them.
These Terms Are a Starting Point, Not a Diagnosis
Recognising hormonal terminology helps you engage more confidently with healthcare providers — but the same term can mean different things in different clinical contexts. An elevated FSH reading, for example, requires interpretation alongside other tests and your full health history. Always discuss results and terminology with a qualified professional rather than drawing conclusions from definitions alone.
Before your next appointment, it's also worth knowing that your thyroid — a gland regulated by some of the same signalling hormones covered here — can influence energy, mood, and menstrual patterns significantly. Thyroid Disorders at a Glance explains the connection in accessible terms.
When you feel ready to use this knowledge in conversation with your care team, Questions to Ask Your Doctor at a Hormonal Health Appointment offers a practical checklist to guide a more productive visit.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your hormonal health or any medical condition.