Endometrium - The layer of glands that line the inside of the uterus. Most of the uterine wall is comprised of smooth muscle. The endometrium responds to estrogen, growing thicker during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle. After ovulation the ovarian hormone production changes from primarily estrogen to primarily progesterone. Progesterone helps to mature the endometrium, preparing it for implantation of an embryo. If pregnancy does not occur, the menstrual cycle begins two weeks after ovulation. The theory of retrograde menstruation states that endometriosis arises from endometrium which is implants inside of the body after flowing back through the fallopian tubes during a woman's menstrual cycle.

Excision - To cut or remove

Fallopian Tube - The tube that extends from the top of the uterus out near the ovary. The function of the fallopian tube is to pick up the egg from the ovary, provide a location for fertilization and acts as an incubator, nourishing the embryo for the first couple of days of life, prior to implantation in the uterus.

Follicle - A follicle is comprised of the egg, the support cells and fluid produced by the support cells. Just prior to ovulation the follicle measures about one inch in diameter.

GnRH agonists - A group of medicines used to treat endometriosis. GnRH agonists block the release of GnRH from the brain. GnRH is normally released by the brain, which in turn stimulates the release of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which acts on the ovaries to stimulate egg production and estrogen production. GnRH have the effect of putting women through a temporary menopause by turning off the estrogen production by the ovary.

hCG - See human chorionic gonadotropin.

HSG - See Hysterosalpingogram.

Hysterectomy - Removal of the uterus. See Total Abdominal Hysterectomy, Total Vaginal Hysterectomy and Complete Hysterectomy.

Hysterosalpingogram - A radiographic diagnostic test which evaluates the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes. This test evaluates the shape of the uterine cavity (can be used to identify a T shaped uterus classic of a DES Daughter), disease processes of the uterine cavity (fibroids, polyps, septum, scar tissue, etc.) and the size, shape and patency of the fallopian tube. This test is also referred to as a HSG.

Hysteroscopy - A small scope (similar to a small laparoscope) that is inserted up the vagina and through the cervix into the uterine cavity.

Laparoscope - A surgical instrument that allow visualization of the abdominal cavity and contents through a small incision. Most laparoscopes vary in diameter from 1/4 to 1/2 inch and are about a foot and a half long. A video camera can be attached to the laparoscope, allowing videotaping of the surgical procedure.

Laparoscopic Uteroscaral Nerve Ablation - Transection (cutting) of the uterosacral ligaments (and nerves) laparoscopically. The uterosacral ligaments (one on each side) extend from the cervix to the lower back. This procedure is of questionable efficacy.

Laparoscopy - A surgical procedure that usually involves placing the laparoscope through the belly button with one to three 1/4 inch incisions just above the pubic bone. This is the only method currently available to diagnose endometriosis.

Laparotomy - A surgical opening of the abdominal cavity. The skin incision can be either transverse vertical. The transverse incision is usually an inch or so above the pubic bone. This type of incision is also known as a bikini cut. This is the most common type of incision used during a C-Section. A vertical skin incision usually extends from the pubic bone to the belly button.

Laser - An instrument which delivers a very concentrated uniform beam of light containing a large amount of energy.

LUNA - Laparoscopic Uterosacral Nerve Ablation

Menorrhagia - Excessively heavy menstrual bleeding

Metrorrhagia - Irregular uterine bleeding or uterine bleeding during times other than a normal menstrual cycle

Osteopenia - Low bone mass. Defined as -1.00 to -2.49 standard deviations below the average peak adult bone mass as determined by a bone mineral density examination. A post menopausal woman with osteopenia is at an increased risk of experiencing a bone fracture.

Osteoporosis - Is defined as a bone mass that is >2.50 standard deviations below the average peak adult bone mass as determined by a bone mineral density examination. A post menopausal woman with osteopenia is at a marked increased risk of experiencing a bone fracture.

Ovarian Fossa - The area along the pelvic sidewall, lined with peritoneum, underneath the ovary.

Ovulation - The process by which the egg is released from the ovary. This usually occurs mid-cycle (about cycle day 14) of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Perineum - The area which includes the vaginal opening, the anus and the surrounding tissue

Peritoneum - The tissue lining the inside of the abdominal cavity. The body does not have skin inside, but peritoneum, which one can think of as resembling saran wrap

Presacral Neurectomy - Cutting or removing a portion of the presacral nerve plexus. This plexus or group of nerves conducts the pain signal to and from the uterus and the brain. This procedure is effective in controlling midline (in the middle of pelvis) pain or cramping. This can be an effective procedure for treating severe primary dysmenorrhea.

Sonogram - An instrument that uses sound waves to look inside of the body. See Ultrasound

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) - Removal of the uterus and cervix through the abdominal cavity. This definition does not refer to the removal of the ovaries and should not be confused with the term occasionally used by lay persons; a complete hysterectomy.

Total Vaginal Hysterectomy (TVH) - Removal of the uterus and cervix through the vagina.

Ultrasound - Another name for Sonogram

Uterus - An organ in the female reproductive tract which has the appearance of an upside down pear. Most of the uterus is made up of smooth muscle. The inside of the uterus is lining with a thin layer of glandular tissue known as the endometrium. The uterus holds the baby during pregnancy and contracts during labor helping to deliver the baby.