Glossary Terms

Flare Cycle: A type of cycle that uses a small dose of lupron to stimulate a burst of and . This approach is often used for poor responders.

Ovarian Follicles are the basic units of female reproductive biology, each of which is composed of roughly spherical aggregations of cells found in the ovary. They contain a single oocyte (immature ovum or egg). These structures are periodically initiated to grow and develop, culminating in ovulation of usually a single competent oocyte in humans. These

Follicular Phase: the long phase constituting the first half of the human menstrual cycle. As the menstrual flow ceases, the ovarian follicle continues its development started at the end of the previous cycle and increases its production of inhibin B and estradiol. The endometrium is stimulated by increasing levels of estrogen and increases in thickness

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland.  In women and men, FSH stimulates the maturation of egg and sperm cells.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (Gn-RH): any hypothalamic factor that stimulates release of both follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Goiter: Goiter refers to any visible enlargement of the thyroid gland.