Women’s Health and Menopause Center physicians want every patient to feel informed, confident, and fully supported when navigating their health. To help you better understand common gynecology and women’s health terms, we created this SEO-friendly glossary with clear definitions and trusted links for more information.
Adolescent Gynecology
Adolescent girls and young women often need specialized gynecologic care. WHMC physicians diagnose and treat pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, vulvovaginal conditions, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and contraceptive needs. Early women’s health care builds a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.
Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Many conditions—such as fibroids, endometriosis, and heavy menstrual bleeding—no longer require a hysterectomy. Your WHMC physician may recommend minimally invasive procedures, advanced technologies, or new medications that support faster recovery and lower risk. Together, you will choose the treatment that best fits your needs.
Colposcopy
Your physician performs a colposcopy after an abnormal Pap smear to examine the cervix more closely. Using a magnifying scope, they identify abnormal areas and may take a biopsy to guide treatment. This key gynecologic exam helps detect cervical changes early.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation offers an effective in-office option for women with heavy or prolonged periods. By cooling the uterine lining, this quick procedure often restores lighter, more manageable cycles. It takes approximately 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia.
Endometrial Ablation
Endometrial ablation treats heavy menstrual bleeding using heat, lasers, or freezing technology to remove the uterine lining. Your WHMC physician performs this minimally invasive, in-office procedure with local anesthesia to help you return to your daily routine quickly.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This condition often causes pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, and infertility. Early evaluation improves symptom management and long-term reproductive health.
Excessive Vaginal Bleeding
Heavy or irregular bleeding can occur at any age. WHMC physicians evaluate the cause—such as hormonal imbalance, fibroids, perimenopause, or infection—and provide personalized treatment to restore comfort and regulate your cycle.
Hormone Therapy (Menopausal Hormone Therapy / MHT)
Hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormone options, helps many women manage menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Bioidentical hormones match the body’s natural chemistry.
Learn more:
http://women.webmd.com/news/20090115/oprah-and-bioidentical-hormones-faq
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Some strains resolve naturally, while others cause genital warts or increase the risk of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer. Vaccination protects women under 26 and significantly lowers cancer risk.
Hysterectomy
When necessary, your WHMC physician may recommend hysterectomy to treat cancer, large fibroids, or severe bleeding. They may perform a vaginal hysterectomy or an abdominal hysterectomy depending on your diagnosis and health goals.
Learn more:
Vaginal hysterectomy: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-hysterectomy/MY00099
Abdominal hysterectomy: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hysterectomy/MY00163
Hysteroscopy
During hysteroscopy, your doctor inserts a small camera through the cervix to view the uterus. This procedure helps diagnose fibroids, abnormal bleeding, infertility concerns, miscarriages, and uterine adhesions. Treatment can often occur during the same visit.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy uses tiny abdominal incisions and specialized instruments to examine or treat conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ectopic pregnancy. This minimally invasive gynecologic surgery typically allows faster healing and less discomfort.
Learn more:
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/laparoscopic-surgery-for-endometriosis
Laser Cervical Procedures / Laser Ablation
When a colposcopy identifies abnormal cervical cells, your physician may remove them using laser energy. This quick in-office procedure uses local anesthesia and supports early cervical cancer prevention.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery uses small incisions and advanced instruments instead of traditional open surgery. WHMC physicians perform many procedures—including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy—with techniques that reduce pain, speed recovery, and deliver excellent outcomes.
Menopause
Menopause marks the end of menstruation and fertility. Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, often brings hormonal changes affecting sleep, mood, cycles, and overall well-being. WHMC menopause specialists offer evidence-based treatments that help women manage symptoms and maintain long-term health.
Menopause Clinician
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) certifies experts in menopause management. Women’s Health and Menopause Center proudly has two of the only six NAMS-certified physicians in Michigan, ensuring patients receive expert, up-to-date menopause care.
Osteoporosis
As women age, bone density naturally declines, increasing fracture risk. A bone density scan identifies weakened bones early so you and your physician can create a prevention plan with exercise, nutrition, supplements, or medication.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause begins two to eight years before menopause and ends one year after your final period. Symptoms may include irregular cycles, mood shifts, hot flashes, and sleep changes. Understanding this stage helps you stay proactive and in control of your health during the transition.
WHMC does not aim to provide specific medical advice through its website. Instead, we offer general health information to help you better understand your wellness, diagnosed conditions, and current approaches to prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care. The content on this site—and on any external sites we link to—is for educational purposes only.
This information should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional services. WHMC does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy or quality of products, services, or information found on linked websites. Always speak with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. WHMC strongly encourages all users to seek professional care for diagnosis and answers to their individual medical questions.
