Glossary of Menopause Terms

This glossary provides clear and concise definitions to help you navigate the complexities of menopause and make informed decisions about your health.

1. Amenorrhea The absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, is one of the defining markers of menopause. It is classified into two types:

• Primary amenorrhea: When an individual over 15 years old has never experienced menstruation.
• Secondary amenorrhea: When someone who previously had regular periods misses menstruation for three or more consecutive months.

Common causes include hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, excessive exercise, stress, and significant weight changes.

2. AndrogensAndrogens are a group of sex hormones, such as testosterone, produced in small amounts by women, that play a crucial role in initiating puberty and influencing reproductive health and body development. While both men and women produce androgens, individuals assigned male at birth typically have higher levels, with testosterone being the most common androgen. 

These hormones are made primarily in the testicles for men and ovaries for women, as well as in the adrenal glands located atop each kidney. In addition to their role in sexual development, androgens contribute to bone density, muscle development, red blood cell production, and sexual desire and function.

3. Bioidentical HormonesBioidentical hormones are lab-produced compounds designed to chemically match the hormones naturally made by the human body. They are often used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) They are commonly used in treatments for individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances, such as those undergoing menopause. These hormones are often derived from plant sources and are available in various forms, including pills, creams, gels, sprays, and vaginal inserts. 

4. EstrogenEstrogen is a vital sex hormone essential for sexual and reproductive health, predominantly in individuals assigned female at birth. It regulates the menstrual cycle, influences the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and plays a significant role during pregnancy and menopause. Beyond reproductive functions, estrogen contributes to bone density, cardiovascular health, and the maintenance of skin and hair. Imbalances in estrogen levels can lead to various health issues, including menstrual irregularities, mood swings, and increased risk of osteoporosis. Monitoring and maintaining appropriate estrogen levels are crucial for overall health and well-being.

5. Hot FlashesHot flashes are sudden sensations of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushed skin, commonly experienced during menopause. They typically begin in the chest and spread to the neck and face, lasting from one to five minutes.

6. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances, particularly those associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. HRT works by supplementing the body with estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both to restore hormone levels. It can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve the overall quality of life for some individuals. 

7. MenopauseMenopause marks the natural end of menstruation and fertility, typically occurring around age 45–55. It happens when hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, decline, causing symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

8. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It occurs when bone density decreases, often due to aging, hormonal changes, or inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Commonly associated with declining estrogen levels post-menopause.

9. PerimenopausePerimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically starting in a woman’s 40s, although it can begin earlier. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, and menstrual cycles become irregular. Women may experience early signs of menopause, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years and ends when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months, marking the start of menopause.

10. PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Found in foods like soy, flaxseed, and legumes, they are often used as natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. Phytoestrogens are thought to help alleviate some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, by binding to estrogen receptors in the body. 

11. Postmenopause The phase of a woman’s life after menopause has occurred, often marked by reduced menopause symptoms and a significant drop in estrogen levels but increased risks for conditions like osteoporosis. During this time, women may experience a reduction in menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, although they may continue to face long-term health risks, including osteoporosis and heart disease. Postmenopausal women may also experience vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms due to the ongoing decrease in estrogen.

12. Premature Menopause Premature menopause occurs when a woman experiences menopause before the age of 40. This can result from genetic factors, medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or certain health conditions such as autoimmune disorders. Premature menopause leads to the sudden and irreversible loss of fertility and may be accompanied by more severe menopausal symptoms due to the rapid drop in hormones.

13. ProgesteroneProgesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. It works alongside estrogen to maintain the lining of the uterus and prevent overgrowth, ensuring the proper balance of the reproductive system. In menopause, progesterone levels decrease, which can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms. Progesterone is often included in hormone replacement therapy to help balance estrogen’s effects and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.

14. Sleep Disturbances Common issues such as insomnia or frequent waking, are often experienced by women during menopause due to hormonal changes. Sleep disturbances are common during menopause, often caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Hot flashes and night sweats can further disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and mood swings during the day. Managing sleep disturbances may involve lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, practicing relaxation techniques, or using medications prescribed by a doctor.

15. Vaginal AtrophyVaginal atrophy, also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), is the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls due to the decline in estrogen levels after menopause. This condition can cause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, discomfort during intercourse, and increased urinary frequency. Vaginal atrophy can be managed with estrogen creams, vaginal rings, or other lubricants to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

16. Weight RedistributionWeight redistribution during menopause is a common occurrence, with fat often accumulating around the abdominal area. This change is thought to be linked to the decline in estrogen and the body’s adaptation to a lower metabolic rate. As a result, many women experience an increase in visceral fat, which is the fat that surrounds internal organs. This type of fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.

17. Night Sweats Night sweats are intense episodes of sweating that occur during sleep, often associated with hot flashes. They are a common symptom of menopause and can cause discomfort, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Night sweats are caused by hormonal changes that affect the body's temperature regulation system.

18. Cognitive ChangesCognitive changes, including memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and "brain fog," are commonly reported during menopause. These changes are often linked to fluctuating estrogen levels, which can affect brain function. While these symptoms are usually temporary, some women may find them disruptive.

19. Urogenital SymptomsUrogenital symptoms are those that affect the urinary and genital areas, including increased urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort during urination. Vaginal dryness and a weakened pelvic floor can also contribute to urinary incontinence or discomfort. These symptoms occur due to a decline in estrogen, which affects the tissues of the vagina, urethra, and bladder. Treatments may include vaginal moisturizers, topical estrogen therapy, or pelvic floor exercises to improve symptoms.

20. Surgical MenopauseSurgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed through surgery, such as during a hysterectomy. Unlike natural menopause, which occurs gradually, surgical menopause causes an abrupt drop in hormone levels, leading to more immediate and often more intense menopausal symptoms.