Being informed about hormonal changes is empowering.
We hope you find this glossary useful as a foundation for understanding some of the key terms related to menopause and its effects on female health.
1. Perimenopause: The transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate, causing symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings.
2. Menopause: The stage when menstruation permanently stops, defined as occurring 12 months after the last period.
3. Post menopause: The period after menopause, characterized by low oestrogen levels and the end of reproductive years.
4. Oestrogen: A key female hormone that regulates menstrual cycles, bone density, and other body functions; declines during menopause.
5. Progesterone: A hormone that works with oestrogen to regulate menstrual cycles and prepare the body for pregnancy; also declines during menopause.
6. Hot Flashes: Sudden sensations of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating, a common symptom of menopause.
7. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A treatment involving supplemental hormones (oestrogen and/or progesterone) to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
8. Osteoporosis: A condition where bones become brittle and fragile, often associated with decreased oestrogen levels after menopause.
9. Phytoestrogens: Plant-based compounds found in foods like soy and flaxseeds that mimic oestrogen’s effects in the body.
10. Vaginal Atrophy: Thinning and drying of vaginal tissues due to reduced oestrogen, leading to discomfort during intercourse or urination.
11. Mood Swings: Emotional fluctuations caused by hormonal changes during menopause.
12. Adrenal Fatigue: A controversial term referring to stress-induced exhaustion of the adrenal glands, which can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
13. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor-quality sleep, often due to night sweats and hormonal changes.
14. Weight Gain: A common concern during menopause due to hormonal shifts and a slowing metabolism.
15. Bioidentical Hormones: Hormones derived from plants that are chemically identical to those the human body produces.
16. Bone Density: The strength and density of bones; often decreases during post menopause, increasing fracture risk.
17. Cortisol: A stress hormone that can disrupt sleep and exacerbate menopausal symptoms if levels remain high.
18. Vasomotor Symptoms: Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats caused by blood vessel dilation due to hormonal changes.
19. Libido: Sexual desire, which can be affected by hormonal changes during menopause.
20. Urogenital Health: Refers to the health of the urinary and genital systems, often affected by reduced oestrogen during menopause.
21. Testosterone: Though often associated with men, this hormone also plays a role in women’s sexual health and energy levels; levels may decrease during menopause.
22. Andropause: Sometimes called “male menopause,” referring to hormonal changes in men, often used in contrast to menopause.
23. Isoflavones: A type of phytoestrogen found in soy products, thought to help alleviate some menopausal symptoms.
24. Cognitive Fog: A term describing memory lapses and difficulty concentrating during menopause.
25. Pelvic Floor Health: Refers to the strength of pelvic muscles, which can weaken post-menopause, leading to incontinence or discomfort.
