BioMirco Glossary

Tropical fruit, naturally contains very high levels of vitamin C.

One of two active forms of vitamin B12. Involved in cellular energy production within the mitochondria.

Aunt Flo. Forum/community shorthand for menstruation (period).

Present in BioMirco formulas. Full claims listed on the relevant product page.

Medical treatments to help people conceive. Includes IVF, ICSI, IUI, and others.

Your body's lowest resting temperature, measured first thing in the morning. Tracking BBT helps identify when ovulation occurred.

A precursor to vitamin A. Sourced from Dunaliella salina algae in BioMirco formulas.

Common forum and patient-community shorthand. BFP = Big Fat Positive (positive pregnancy test). BFN = Big Fat Negative.

How well your body can absorb and use a nutrient from its supplement form. Active forms (like 5-MTHF folate) typically have higher bioavailability than synthetic forms.

Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the maintenance of normal hair, skin, and mucous membranes (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Naturally rich in anthocyanins. Long history of traditional use..

A trace mineral involved in bone health and hormonal regulation. No GB Authorised Health Claim currently.

A protein-digesting enzyme complex from pineapple. Often paired with quercetin for absorption support.

Dopamine agonists used to lower elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia), which can suppress ovulation. Cabergoline (Dostinex) is the more commonly prescribed of the two now.

Used in long-protocol IVF to first suppress the body's own hormones, then to support egg maturation. Buserelin (Suprecur) is the common UK brand; Lupron (leuprolide) is more common in the US. Daily nasal spray or subcutaneous injection.

Contributes to normal blood clotting, normal muscle function, and normal neurotransmission (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Present in BioMirco formulas. Full claims listed on the relevant product page.

Cycle Day. The day of the menstrual cycle, with day 1 being the first day of full menstrual flow. Used in scheduling fertility monitoring and IVF protocols.

Present in BioMirco formulas. Full claims listed on the relevant product page.

Daily subcutaneous injection added midway through IVF stimulation to prevent premature ovulation, allowing the clinic to control retrieval timing. Cetrotide is cetrorelix; Orgalutran is ganirelix; Fyremadel is another brand.

Increasingly recognised role in maternal nutrition and infant brain development.

Contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels (GB Authorised Health Claims).

A daily subcutaneous injection used as an anticoagulant in fertility cases where there's a suspected thrombophilia (clotting disorder), antiphospholipid syndrome, or history of recurrent miscarriage. Often combined with low-dose aspirin. Continued through early pregnancy.

An oral tablet (typically 50-150mg for 5 days starting cycle day 2-5) that triggers the brain to release more FSH and LH, prompting ovulation. First-line for women with anovulation or PCOS before injectable stimulation.

Involved in mitochondrial energy production. An active research area for both egg cell and sperm cell quality. No GB Authorised fertility claim currently.

Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal immune function, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation. The medical term for the IVF stimulation phase, where daily FSH (and sometimes LH) injections grow multiple follicles simultaneously.

A cheap synthetic form of vitamin B12 used in budget supplements. BioMirco does not use this form.

Alternative GnRH agonists used in long-protocol IVF for ovarian suppression before stimulation. Decapeptyl is triptorelin (depot injection lasting several weeks); Synarel is nafarelin nasal spray.

An over-the-counter adrenal androgen supplement (in some countries; prescription in UK) sometimes used 6-12 weeks before IVF in poor responders or women with diminished ovarian reserve. Typical dose 25-75mg daily. Evidence is mixed.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Reduced egg quantity and quality for one's age, indicated by low AMH and AFC. Not the same as infertility, but predicts a reduced response to IVF stimulation.

A long-acting FSH single injection that replaces the first 7 days of daily FSH injections. Used in antagonist IVF protocols for women in normal weight and response ranges.

The fertilised egg cell as it develops in the first weeks after conception.

Embryo Transfer. The procedure where one or two embryos are placed into the uterus via a thin catheter.

The 5 to 6 days each cycle when conception is most likely. Roughly the 5 days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation itself.

The active form of folate, usable by 100% of women regardless of MTHFR status. Contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy and has a role in cell division (GB Authorised Health Claims).

The synthetic form of folate used in fortified foods and budget supplements. Requires enzymatic conversion to be useful, which up to 40% of women perform poorly. BioMirco uses 5-MTHF instead.

A small sac in the ovary that contains a developing egg cell.

The hormone that signals the ovaries to develop follicles each cycle.

Either intrauterine infusion or subcutaneous injection used in some clinics for thin endometrium or recurrent implantation failure. Brand names include Filgrastim and Neupogen. Evidence is limited but growing.

Traditionally used. Naturally contains gingerols, the active plant compounds.

The gold-standard certification for supplement manufacturing facilities. BioMirco is manufactured at a UK GMP-certified partner facility.

Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone given as a daily subcutaneous injection during IVF ovarian stimulation. Daily dose ranges from 75-450 IU depending on age, AMH, and prior response. Other recombinant FSH brands include Bemfola, Rekovelle (delta), Ovaleap.

Recombinant human growth hormone, given as daily subcutaneous injection. Used in some clinics for poor ovarian responders to improve oocyte quality and ovarian response to stimulation, and occasionally for thin endometrial lining. Expensive and reserved for specific cases.

Plant-based capsule material. What BioMirco uses for our vegan delayed-release capsules.

An X-ray imaging test where dye is passed through the cervix to check whether the fallopian tubes are open. Common early-stage fertility investigation.

An oral anti-malarial drug used off-label as an immune modulator in fertility care. May be prescribed when antiphospholipid syndrome, Sjögren's, lupus, or other autoimmune conditions are suspected to be contributing to implantation failure or recurrent miscarriage. Typically 200mg once or twice daily during preconception and early pregnancy.

An IV infusion of soybean oil emulsion, originally developed as parenteral nutrition. Theorised to modulate natural killer (NK) cell activity that may be implicated in recurrent implantation failure. Typically given before transfer and again in early pregnancy. Evidence is mixed and use is clinic-dependent.

Contributes to normal thyroid function and to the normal production of thyroid hormones (GB Authorised Health Claims). Thyroid function affects ovulation.

A fertility treatment where egg and sperm are combined outside the body and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.

A pooled donor antibody product given by IV infusion, used in some clinics for recurrent pregnancy loss with a suspected immune component. Expensive, time-intensive, and reserved for specific indications. Evidence base is contested.

A branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). Used in BioMirco Vitamin D3 to support absorption.

An oral aromatase inhibitor originally for breast cancer, now widely used off-label for ovulation induction. Often outperforms Clomid in PCOS with fewer side effects on cervical mucus and endometrium. Typically 2.5-7.5mg daily for 5 days.

Synthetic thyroid hormone (T4) prescribed for hypothyroidism. Thyroid status matters significantly for fertility — most clinics aim to keep TSH below 2.5 mIU/L during preconception and pregnancy.

The hormone that triggers ovulation. The LH surge is what ovulation predictor kits detect.

A 75mg daily oral tablet sometimes recommended in fertility care for thin endometrial lining, antiphospholipid syndrome, or as part of a recurrent miscarriage protocol. Antiplatelet effect is mild but sustained.

The second half of the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to the start of the next period. Typically 10 to 16 days.

Contributes to normal protein synthesis, normal psychological function, normal muscle function, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the protection of cells from oxidative stress (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Combines FSH and LH activity (extracted and purified from urine of post-menopausal women). Used during IVF stimulation either alone or alongside recombinant FSH. Daily subcutaneous injection.

An oral diabetes medication, frequently prescribed in PCOS to improve insulin sensitivity. Can support ovulation regulation, reduce miscarriage risk, and improve outcomes for women with insulin resistance during IVF.

One of two active forms of vitamin B12. Supports nervous system function and homocysteine metabolism.

Contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism (GB Authorised Health Claim).

The active form of folate. Used by your body directly, with no conversion required. The form BioMirco uses in every fertility formula.

A gene that produces the enzyme responsible for converting synthetic folic acid into 5-MTHF (the active form your body uses). Up to 40% of women have a variant that reduces this conversion.

Natural Killer cells. White blood cells with a role in the immune system. Elevated uterine NK cell activity is theorised to interfere with implantation in some recurrent miscarriage cases, though the link is debated.

The EU's reference amount of a nutrient for an average adult. Listed on supplement labels as %NRV per serving.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. A serious potential complication of IVF stimulation where the ovaries respond excessively to fertility drugs. Symptoms range from mild bloating to severe abdominal pain, fluid build-up, and shortness of breath. Risk is higher in PCOS and high-AMH patients.

Another word for egg cell.

A urine test that detects the LH surge roughly 24 to 36 hours before ovulation.

Oocyte Pickup. Another term for egg retrieval, the procedure to collect mature eggs from the ovaries during IVF.

hCG injection used as the trigger shot 34-36 hours before egg retrieval to complete final egg maturation. Mimics the natural LH surge. Ovitrelle is recombinant; Pregnyl is urinary-derived.

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, roughly mid-cycle.

A common hormonal condition that affects ovulation patterns.

PGS (Pre-implantation Genetic Screening) and PGD (Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis). Older terms now mostly replaced by PGT-A (for chromosome counting) and PGT-M (for specific known genetic conditions).

Poor Ovarian Response. When IVF stimulation produces fewer eggs than expected, often defined as 3 or fewer mature follicles. Different from low ovarian reserve — a woman with normal AMH can still respond poorly.

The 90-day window before conception, when egg and sperm cells are developing.

A short-course oral steroid sometimes prescribed around embryo transfer to dampen immune activity that might interfere with implantation. Common dose is 5-10mg daily from around the time of transfer through early pregnancy. Use is debated and varies by clinic.

Used after embryo transfer to support the uterine lining through the luteal phase and early pregnancy. Crinone is a vaginal gel; Cyclogest and Utrogestan are vaginal pessaries; Lubion is daily subcutaneous progesterone injection. Continued until 10-12 weeks if pregnancy confirmed.

Oral oestrogen tablets used to build the endometrial lining ahead of a frozen embryo transfer. Mimics the natural follicular-phase oestrogen rise. Sometimes combined with patches for higher dosing.

A bioflavonoid found naturally in onions, apples, and many plants. Sourced from Sophora japonica in BioMirco. Active research compound.

Recurrent Implantation Failure. Variously defined as failure to achieve clinical pregnancy after transferring 3+ good-quality embryos across 3+ IVF cycles. Triggers investigation including immune testing, uterine imaging, and embryo genetic testing.

Traditionally used, naturally contains vitamin C and polyphenols.

Contributes to normal spermatogenesis, normal thyroid function, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Saline-Infused Sonography. A transvaginal ultrasound with saline injected into the uterus to detect polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue affecting the endometrial cavity.

The process of sperm cell development. Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis (GB Authorised Health Claim).

A selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) historically used in ovulation induction. Less common now than Letrozole or Clomid, but occasionally prescribed for specific situations.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. A blood test that screens thyroid function. Most fertility clinics aim to keep TSH below 2.5 mIU/L during preconception and through the first trimester.

Trying to Conceive.

The 10-14 day period between ovulation or embryo transfer and when a pregnancy test can give a reliable result. Often the hardest emotional stretch of a cycle.

The natural form of Coenzyme Q10, derived from yeast fermentation. The form BioMirco uses.

When prescribed in fertility care, sildenafil is used off-label as a vaginal pessary or suppository (not the oral tablet) to improve blood flow to the uterus and thicken a thin endometrial lining ahead of embryo transfer. Started a few weeks before transfer.

Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the normal function of the nervous system (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Contributes to normal red blood cell formation, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal nervous system function, and normal homocysteine metabolism (GB Authorised Health Claims). BioMirco uses both active forms.

Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to the maintenance of normal red blood cells, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to normal psychological function, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and some neurotransmitters (GB Authorised Health Claim).

Contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, normal red blood cell formation, and normal psychological function (GB Authorised Health Claims).

A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin. Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, normal immune function, and normal collagen formation (GB Authorised Health Claims).

The active form of vitamin D. Contributes to normal calcium absorption, immune function, and has a role in cell division (GB Authorised Health Claims). Many UK adults are deficient, especially in winter.

A fat-soluble antioxidant. Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (GB Authorised Health Claim).

The bioactive long-acting form of vitamin K. Contributes to normal blood clotting and to the maintenance of normal bones (GB Authorised Health Claims).

Contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, normal immune function, and the protection of cells from oxidative stress (GB Authorised Health Claims).