The following Glossary contains terms and abbreviations you may encounter on this Web site.
Bioidentical hormones:
Hormones that are similar to or identical to those produced by your body.
Bilateral oophorectomy:
Surgery in which both ovaries are removed.
Dementia:
A deterioration of mental abilities, such as memory, concentration and decision making. It may also include emotional problems and personality changes.
Estrogen:
A female sex hormone that helps to maintain female sex characteristics. It can be natural or synthetic. Estrogens are used to treat menstrual and menopausal symptoms. They are also used in oral contraceptives (pills that prevent pregnancy).
Estrogen therapy:
This refers to an estrogen-only treatment for menopause. ENJUVIA® (synthetic conjugated estrogens, B) Tablets are an example of estrogen therapy.
Hormones:
Chemicals produced by glands in the body. Hormones control the actions of certain cells or organs.
Hot flashes:
Sensations of heat that may be accompanied by a red, flushed face and perspiration (sweating).
Hysterectomy:
The surgical removal of the uterus. An operation in which the uterus and the ovaries are removed is known as a total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy.
Mammogram:
A series of special x-rays of the breast that can show if there are any unusual growths or changes in the breast tissue.
Menopause:
When a woman has not had her period for 12 months, as long as she has not been ill, pregnant, breast feeding, or using any medicines that can cause her menstrual periods to stop.
Menstrual:
The normal monthly cycle of hormonal changes for women, which result in a period each month.
Night sweats:
Hot flashes that occur during the night.
Oophorectomy:
Surgery in which one, or both, of the ovaries is removed.
Osteoporosis:
A condition in which a person loses bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile or "thin."
Ovaries:
Small organs in the pelvis that produce a woman's female hormones and hold her eggs. Most women are born with two ovaries: one on either side of the uterus. The ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen as a woman enters menopause.
Perimenopause:
Refers to the time leading up to menopause, when menstrual periods become irregular.
Plant derived:
Coming from a plant source.
Progesterone:
A female hormone that helps prepare the uterus for a fertilized egg.
Progestin:
A synthetic form of progesterone. (See above.) If a woman still has her uterus, her doctor may prescribe a progestin along with estrogen therapy to help treat menopausal symptoms.
Surgical menopause:
Menopause that results from surgical removal of the ovaries. Surgical menopause can occur at any age. Whether menopause is surgical or natural, it can cause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Uterine cancer:
Cancer of the lining of the uterus.
Uterus:
Also called the womb, the uterus is a small, hollow, pear-shaped organ held by a woman's pelvis. It is where a fetus (unborn young) develops.
Uterine prolapse:
Weakening of the tissues that normally hold the uterus in place in the pelvis, allowing it to slip into the vagina.
Vaginal atrophy:
Thinning of the lining of the vagina due to a decline in estrogen. Vaginal atrophy can cause dryness, itching, and painful intercourse.
Vasomotor symptoms:
Also called hot flashes and night sweats, moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms are the most common symptoms associated with menopause.