Glossary — The Intel Dictionary

The hormonal cycle (~21–45 days) that prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy.

The menstrual cycle is the monthly hormonal cycle the female reproductive system goes through to prepare for a possible pregnancy. It typically lasts 21–45 days and is divided into four main phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Day 1 is the first day of bleeding.

See also: Follicular phase, Luteal phase, Ovulation, Menstruation (period)

The shedding of the uterine lining, typically lasting 3–7 days. Day 1 of the cycle.

Menstruation is the monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs when pregnancy has not taken place. It typically lasts 3–7 days and marks Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Common symptoms include cramps, fatigue, and mood shifts.

See also: Menstrual cycle, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

Days ~1–13: FSH rises, follicles mature, energy and mood typically climb.

The follicular phase starts on Day 1 of the cycle and lasts until ovulation (typically Day 13). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises, stimulating follicle growth in the ovaries. Estrogen also rises. Most people experience increased energy, better communication, and improved mood during mid-to-late follicular phase.

See also: Menstrual cycle, Ovulation, Estrogen

Release of a mature egg, typically around Day 14. Peak fertility window.

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically occurring around Day 14 of a 28-day cycle. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surges 24–36 hours beforehand. The egg is viable for 12–24 hours. Combined with sperm viability (up to 5 days), this creates a fertility window of roughly 6 days. Ovulation often brings peak energy, libido, and confidence.

See also: Fertility window, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicular phase

Days ~15–28: progesterone rises then drops. PMS often appears in late luteal.

The luteal phase runs from ovulation to the next period (Days 15–28 in a 28-day cycle). Progesterone rises, peaks mid-luteal, then drops in late luteal if no pregnancy occurs. Early luteal is often stable; late luteal (~Day 22+) frequently brings PMS: irritability, bloating, cramps, fatigue, cravings.

See also: Progesterone, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), Menstrual cycle

Day number within the cycle, counted from Day 1 (first day of period).

Cycle day (CD) is a way to track where someone is in their menstrual cycle. CD1 is the first day of bleeding. A typical 28-day cycle runs CD1 through CD28, with CD14 being the common ovulation day. CivvyMode briefings often reference CD to indicate phase.

See also: Menstrual cycle, Follicular phase, Luteal phase

Physical and emotional symptoms appearing 1–2 weeks before the period.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) describes the cluster of physical and emotional symptoms that appear in the late luteal phase (roughly 1–2 weeks before menstruation). Common symptoms: bloating, cramps, breast tenderness, irritability, fatigue, mood swings, food cravings. Affects up to 75% of menstruating people to some degree.

See also: PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), Luteal phase, Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

A severe form of PMS with disabling emotional symptoms. Affects 3–8% of menstruating people.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS with disabling emotional and physical symptoms. Unlike regular PMS, PMDD can significantly impair work, relationships, and quality of life. Symptoms may include severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and hopelessness. Requires clinical diagnosis and treatment.

See also: PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), Luteal phase

Uterine muscle contractions during menstruation. Often the most common period complaint.

Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine muscle contractions during menstruation, triggered by prostaglandins. Pain can range from mild to severe. Primary dysmenorrhea is general menstrual cramping; secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by underlying conditions like endometriosis. Heating pads, NSAIDs, and gentle movement can help.

See also: Menstruation (period), PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Abdominal fullness and water retention common before and during menstruation.

Menstrual bloating is abdominal fullness caused by water retention and hormonal shifts in the late luteal phase and during early menstruation. It can cause temporary weight gain (1–5 lbs / 0.5–2 kg). Usually resolves within a few days of the period starting.

See also: PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), Luteal phase

Rapid emotional shifts tied to hormonal fluctuations, often most pronounced in late luteal.

Menstrual mood swings are emotional shifts triggered by rising and falling estrogen and progesterone across the cycle. The most pronounced shifts occur in late luteal phase due to the drop in serotonin-boosting estrogen. Understanding the pattern helps partners respond with patience rather than confusion.

See also: PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), Luteal phase, Progesterone

The 5–6 day span each cycle when pregnancy can occur.

The fertility window is the 5–6 days in each cycle when pregnancy is possible. It includes the 5 days before ovulation (sperm viability) plus ovulation day and the 12–24 hours after. Apps predict it based on past cycles, BBT, and optional LH testing.

See also: Ovulation, Basal body temperature (BBT), Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Lowest resting body temperature, measured daily to detect ovulation patterns.

Basal body temperature (BBT) is the body's lowest resting temperature, typically measured first thing in the morning. BBT rises ~0.3°C / 0.5°F after ovulation due to progesterone. Tracking BBT over several cycles reveals ovulation patterns. Used primarily by people trying to conceive.

See also: Ovulation, Fertility window

Hormone that surges 24–36 hours before ovulation, triggering egg release.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland. It surges 24–36 hours before ovulation, triggering the release of the mature egg. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) detect this surge to pinpoint the fertility window.

See also: Ovulation, Fertility window

Primary female sex hormone. Rises in follicular phase; drops at menstruation.

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. Levels rise through the follicular phase, peak just before ovulation, dip slightly, rise again in mid-luteal, then drop sharply before menstruation. Estrogen supports energy, cognitive function, and mood (partially through serotonin).

See also: Progesterone, Follicular phase, Ovulation

Hormone that rises after ovulation, preparing the uterus for potential pregnancy.

Progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation. It rises through the luteal phase, peaking around day 21–22, then drops if no pregnancy occurs. Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation and has a mildly calming (sometimes dampening) effect on mood.

See also: Luteal phase, Estrogen

Contraceptives that use hormones to prevent pregnancy; typically suppress ovulation.

Hormonal contraceptives (combined pill, progestin-only pill, implant, IUD, injection, patch, ring) use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy, usually by suppressing ovulation or thickening cervical mucus. Cycle tracking apps have reduced predictive value when the user is on hormonal birth control because natural cycles are suppressed.

See also: Menstrual cycle, Ovulation

Condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. Often causes severe pain.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic lining. It causes severe pain during periods and can affect fertility. Affects ~10% of menstruating people. Requires medical diagnosis and treatment.

See also: Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), Menstruation (period)

Aligning daily activities and nutrition with cycle phases to optimize energy and mood.

Cycle syncing is the practice of aligning activities — work intensity, exercise, nutrition, social plans — with the four phases of the menstrual cycle. Proponents argue energy and focus naturally ebb and flow with hormones, so planning accordingly is more effective than fighting it. Evidence base is mixed, but many report quality-of-life improvements.

See also: Menstrual cycle, Follicular phase, Luteal phase

Framework of 5 ways people express and receive love: words, time, touch, acts, gifts.

Love languages are a framework popularized by Gary Chapman describing five ways people express and receive love: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. Partners often have different primary languages. Expressing love in your partner's primary language is typically more effective than in your own.

See also: Active listening, Emotional intelligence (EQ)

Fully focusing on a speaker, reflecting back understanding, without forming a rebuttal.

Active listening is a communication technique where the listener fully focuses on the speaker, avoids formulating a response, and reflects understanding back. Key behaviors: eye contact, removing distractions, summarizing what was heard, asking clarifying questions, not immediately problem-solving. Most effective when emotions run high.

See also: Emotional intelligence (EQ), Love language

Ability to recognize, understand, and regulate one's own and others' emotions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions and those of others. It has four main domains: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. High EQ predicts better relationship satisfaction, conflict resolution, and workplace success. Can be developed intentionally.

See also: Active listening, Love language

CivvyMode's built-in AI that generates daily tactical relationship briefings.

Roger AI is CivvyMode's AI engine that generates personalized daily briefings based on the partner's current cycle phase, recent mood logs, and historical patterns. Briefings are written in CivvyMode's tactical voice — concise, actionable, non-judgmental. The AI does not chat; it pushes intel once per day.

See also: Status codes (Green / Yellow / Red), Daily briefing

CivvyMode's glanceable HUD system for daily relational awareness.

Status codes are CivvyMode's signature HUD feature: a color-coded Green / Yellow / Red indicator summarizing the day's outlook based on phase and mood. Green = optimal (good for big conversations). Yellow = proceed with awareness. Red = support mode (prioritize comfort, avoid stress). Displayed on home screen and Apple Watch complications.

See also: Roger AI, Daily briefing

CivvyMode's once-per-day push notification summarizing the day's intel.

A daily briefing is the once-per-day push notification CivvyMode delivers containing the day's tactical intel: phase, status code, likely mood, and 1–3 suggested actions. Users choose delivery time. Example: "CD 23 — Status YELLOW. Luteal phase, late stage. Energy likely declining by 1600. Suggested: handle dinner logistics; postpone heavy topics."

See also: Roger AI, Status codes (Green / Yellow / Red)

CivvyMode feature to securely share cycle data between two devices via 6-digit code.

Partner sync is CivvyMode's bidirectional data-sharing feature. Both partners install the app. One generates a 6-character sync code from Settings; the other enters it. Data is shared via end-to-end encrypted Supabase channels with row-level security. Either party can revoke sync anytime. Designed for mutual consent — partner sync cannot be enabled unilaterally.

See also: Roger AI, Tracker role, Partner role

The CivvyMode user who logs their own cycle (typically the person menstruating).

In CivvyMode, the Tracker is the user who logs their own cycle — typically the person who menstruates. Trackers see cycle logs, symptom tracking, and phase detection. When partner sync is active, their data flows to the Partner's view.

See also: Partner role, Partner sync

The CivvyMode user who receives intel about their partner's cycle — typically the non-menstruating partner.

In CivvyMode, the Partner is the user who receives daily briefings about their partner's cycle — typically the non-menstruating partner. Partners do not log cycles; they consume intel. Status codes, daily briefings, and Apple Watch complications are optimized for this role.

See also: Tracker role, Partner sync, Daily briefing

CivvyMode's phase-matched product recommendation feature.

Supply Drop is CivvyMode's phase-matched product recommendation feature. Different phases surface different suggestions: heating pads and comfort food during menstrual phase; dark chocolate and chamomile tea during late luteal; date night ideas during follicular. Monetized via affiliate links, clearly labeled where sponsored.

See also: Status codes (Green / Yellow / Red), Daily briefing

CivvyMode's voice / tone label for concise, actionable situational updates.

Intel brief is the tone-label CivvyMode uses for its communication style: concise, actionable, non-judgmental. Every briefing is written as an intel brief — not a lecture, not a chat, not wellness content. The style reframes emotional attunement as situational awareness, which many users find more approachable than traditional relationship advice.

See also: Roger AI, Daily briefing