-F-
Fallopian tubes: Narrow, muscular tubes attached to the upper part of
the uterus that serve as tunnels for the egg to travel from the ovaries to the
uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in
the fallopian tube.
Fertile: Capable of reproducing.
Fertilization: The moment at which a sperm penetrates an egg and an embryo begins to develop into a baby.
Fibrinogen: A protein in the blood that helps it to clot.
Fertilization: The moment at which a sperm penetrates an egg and an embryo begins to develop into a baby.
Fibrinogen: A protein in the blood that helps it to clot.
Fibroids:
Non-cancerous growths of the uterus consisting of muscle and fibrous tissue,
growing independent of surrounding tissue and having no positive physiological
function. Usually benign, but can turn malignant under certain conditions. This
is a common cause of heavy bleeding in women.
Follicle:
Cell structures within the ovary that contain an egg.
FSH
(Follicle Stimulating Hormone): A hormone produced by
the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain). In women, FSH
stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles (the small cysts that hold the eggs)
and the supporting cells responsible for the growth and nurturing of the egg.
FSH also stimulates production of estrogen by the ovaries. When estrogen
production is low (after menopause), FSH levels will be high.
Follicular phase:
The 1st part of the menstrual cycle, when follicles in the ovary grow to
prepare for the releasing of the egg.
-G-
Gonadotrophins: A
collective term for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenising hormone
(LH).
Glucosamine: An
amino sugar present in almost all human tissues that is believed to play a role
in cartilage formation and repair. As a nonprescription supplement, alone and
with chondroitin, it has been shown to be effective for treating symptoms of
osteoarthritis. See also Osteoarthritis, Chondroitin sulfate.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): A hormone released by the hypothalamus (a region in the brain) that helps suppress ovarian production of estrogen. Drugs similar to GnRH are sometimes prescribed to shrink fibroid tumors or control abnormal uterine bleeding.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): A hormone released by the hypothalamus (a region in the brain) that helps suppress ovarian production of estrogen. Drugs similar to GnRH are sometimes prescribed to shrink fibroid tumors or control abnormal uterine bleeding.
-H-
Heart Palpitations: The
uncomfortable sensation that the heart is beating rapidly, out of sequence, too
strenuously, or in some other abnormal fashion.
Hippocampus: The part
of the brain responsible for creating, storing, and retrieving memory.
Hormone:
A chemical messenger produced by a gland or organ that influences a number of
metabolic actions in our cells.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Therapy
consisting of estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin designed to
replace the loss of these hormones in menopause and thus combat the effects of
this deficiency, including bone loss, vaginal atrophy, hot flashes, and other
conditions. Used interchangeably with the term “Menopausal Hormone Therapy” or
MHT.
Hot Flashes (flushes): Hot
flashes or flushes can be mild or severe, but in general, they involve a
fast-spreading sensation of warmth through the face, neck, and shoulders due to
vasodilation of the blood vessels in the skin. Hot flashes are the result of
fluctuating hormone levels, but their triggers, intensity, and frequency vary
from woman to woman. Hot flashes that occur during sleep are often known as
night sweats.
Hypertension: High
blood pressure that occurs when arteries become too inflexible to allow an
ample supply of blood to circulate, especially under periods of exertion or
stress, thus causing excess pressure against arterial walls. Severe or ongoing
high blood pressure can lead to stroke and other life-threatening conditions.
Hypothalamus:
The control center situated at the base of the brain which regulates functions
of the autonomic nervous system and hormonal system, such as body temperature,
thirst, appetite, and sex drive. It releases hormones that travel to the
pituitary gland and stimulate release of pituitary hormones, which govern the
other endocrine glands.
Hysterectomy: The
surgical removal of the uterus that may or may not also be accompanied by the
removal of the cervix and/or ovaries. If ovaries remain, the hysterectomy
doesn’t necessarily cause menopause, though menstrual bleeding ceases.
Hysteroscopy: A surgical procedure to examine the inside of the
uterus by inserting a thin, lighted tube into the vagina and through the cervix
(lower, narrow end of the uterus).
Induced Menopause: Induced menopause is a cessation of menstrual cycles
that occurs when a woman has her ovaries surgically removed in a procedure
called oophorectomy, or when a woman’s ovaries cease to function prematurely as
a result of medication, radiation, a lack of nutrition, or excessive exercise.
With treatment and intervention, some nonsurgical types of induced menopause
may be temporary. See also temporary menopause.
Insomnia: An inability to fall and/or remain asleep that occurs three or more nights a week.
Insulin:
A hormone made by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Intrauterine device (IUD): Also
called Intrauterine system (IUS). IUD is a device with either progestin or
copper inserted in the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent unwanted
pregnancy. The progestin device can be used with estrogen for EPT.
In vivo:
Means occurring in a living organism.
Isoflavones: A
type of plant estrogen found in soybeans, red clover, and (in much lower
quantities) green tea, peas, pinto beans, lentils, and other legumes, that may
have benefits in treating some symptoms of menopause.
-K-
Kegel Exercise: An
exercise designed to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor to improve
vaginal muscle tone, improve sexual response, and limit involuntary urine
release due to stress urinary incontinence.
Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure to look inside the pelvic
cavity by inserting a tube like instrument through a small cut in the abdomen.
Libido: Sex
drive.
Local therapy: Drug
therapy that has an effect limited to the site of drug application. It is not
systemic (does not circulates through the body, affecting many body systems).
Examples include most vaginal estrogen drugs.
Lumpectomy:
Surgery to remove only the abnormal breast tissue; usually followed by
radiation therapy.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
A pituitary-produced hormone which triggers ovulation and the development of
the corpus luteum.
Mammogram:
An x-ray of the breast.
Mastectomy:
Surgery to remove the breast.
Menarche: The
first menstrual period.
Menses: The
menstrual
period.
Menopause:
The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months without
periods), occurring at the average age of 52.
Menorrhagia:
Excessive bleeding from the uterus which occurs at the regular times of the
menstrual periods but the bleeding is heavier than usual and may last longer
than usual.
Metabolic syndrome: The
presence of 3 or more of the following factors: central obesity (increased
waist circumference), elevated triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol,
elevated blood pressure, or elevated fasting glucose level. Women with
metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2
diabetes (adult onset diabetes).
Metabolism:
The chemical and physical processes continuously going on in the body involving
creation and breakdown of molecules; a process utilizing the raw materials of
nutrients, oxygen, and vitamins, along with enzymes, to produce energy for
bodily functions.
Micronized/Micronization:
A process designed to decrease particle size of hormones, including
progesterone and estradiol. Micronization allows the formulation of natural
hormone products that have a longer half-life, reduced destruction in the
gastrointestinal tract, and enhanced bioavailability.
Migraine Headaches: Intensely
painful headaches thought to be associated with spasms in constricted blood
vessels in the brain. Women who suffer migraines describe them as pounding headaches
that can produce nausea, vomiting, and a painful sensitivity to light, noise,
and odors.
Molecule:
The smallest possible quantity of atoms that retains the chemical properties of
an element or compound. A molecule is made up of 2 or more atoms that are
chemically combined.
Myomectomy:
The surgical removal of a uterine fibroid tumor.
NAMS Menopause
Practitioner: A licensed
healthcare provider who has achieved a certification in the field of
menopause from The North American Menopause Society by passing a competency
examination.
Natural Hormones:
Hormone products formulated (usually from plant sources) to be bio-identical
(biologically the same) in structure to hormone molecules produced by the human
body. The crucial variable defining "natural" is whether the
hormone's chemical structure matches that of the hormone it is intended to
replace, not where it came from or how it is produced. Because they are
chemically identical to our own naturally occurring hormones, natural hormones
are easily metabolized by the body.
Natural hormone replacement therapy
(NHRT): Use of bio-identical (natural) hormones such as
estradiol and micronized progesterone instead of the conventional Premarin or
progestins. Natural hormones are available both in brand-name products and from
compounding pharmacies, which can supply any of the bio-identical hormones
alone or combine them into one dose in the form desired (e.g, sublingual
tablets, oil caps, or cream).
Natural Menopause:
The cessation of all periods resulting from the halt of ovarian hormone
production that is spontaneous and not the result of other physical or
pathological conditions or treatments; natural menopause is diagnosed when a
women has had twelve months of amenorrhea.
Natural Micronized Progesterone:
A hormone product that is bio-identical to endogenous progesterone. It is available
as micronized progesterone USP and referred to as natural progesterone.
Prescribed for treatment of infertility and as part of hormone replacement
regimens in menopausal women, who still have their uteruses.
Obesity: A condition of being more than 30 percent over your
ideal weight, or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. (A BMI of
25-30 is considered "overweight").
Omega-3 fatty acids: Essential fatty acids found in fish, nuts, flaxseed,
tofu, and in soybean and canola oils, that help nourish the hair and nails, and
offer a number of benefits for cardiovascular health.
Oophorectomy:
Surgical removal of the ovaries.
Orgasm: Sexual
climax.
Osteoarthritis (OA): The
most common form of joint disease. Increases in frequency with the “wear and
tear” of aging and particularly affects aging women. Considerable research is
ongoing to clarify the relationship between hormones and arthritis. See also
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoporosis: A chronic disease in which a loss of bone mass
results in porous, fragile bone that is prone to fracture. An age-related
disease in menopause, osteoporosis can manifest itself sooner in women who have risk factors.
Ovarian Failure:
When the ovaries run out of eggs.
Ovaries:
The pair of female
reproductive organs on either side of the uterus that
produce eggs and hormones (estrogen, progesterone and small amounts of
testosterone).
Ovulation:
The release of the egg mid-cycle each month.
Pap test or Pap smear: A tissue sample taken during an internal vaginal
exam to test for precancerous cell changes and cervical cancer. Named after
George N. Papanicolaou.
Parathyroid Hormone (PH):
A hormone, synthesized and released by the parathyroid glands, that controls
the distribution of calcium and phosphate in the bones.
PDR: Physicians'
Desk Reference. Doctors rely on the PDR for all FDA-approved drug information
they need when they prescribe medications. Many doctors will not prescribe
anything not included in this reference.
Pelvic cavity: The
space inside the lower abdomen that holds the reproductive organs (e.g.,
uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes).
Pelvic examination: Clinical
exam of the vulva (external genitalia), vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. A
speculum is inserted into the vagina and a Pap test is usually done during this
exam. See also Pap test, Speculum.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An
infection in the pelvis caused by bacteria, usually from a sexually transmitted
disease. PID can affect the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes, and may
cause pain, fever, scarring of the pelvic organs, and infertility.
Pelvic ultrasound: A
test that uses sound waves to produce an electronic image of the organs of the
pelvis.
Pelvis: The
lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.
Perimenopause:
Also known as premenopause. The years prior to menopause when menstrual periods
and ovulations begin to be skipped and some menopausal symptoms might occur,
such as hot flashes, bone loss or sleep changes. Length of time for premenopause
and age of onset vary widely.
Phantom period:
This is having all the premenstrual symptoms leading up to a period, like
cramping, chocolate cravings, bloating and breast soreness but not having any
vaginal bleeding.
Phytoestrogens:
Plant compounds with estrogen-like activity. They are usually considerably
weaker than natural estrogens and compete for the same estrogen receptor sites
throughout the body. They have often been used to decrease symptoms of estrogen
excess.
Phytohormones:
Substances found in some herbs and other plants that may help to regulate plant
growth. Some types, referred to as phytoestrogens, can bind to the human body’s
estrogen receptors and may act like an estrogen or an anti-estrogen on the
body, depending upon their particular type and dosage.
Phytosterols:
Any of the various sterols (fatty substances) obtained from plants. Sterols are
composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen arranged in a multiple ring-like
structure. Bile, sex and adrenal hormones and vitamin D contain sterols.
Pituitary Gland:
Small endocrine gland situated at the base of the brain which supplies many
hormones that govern many vital and needed processes of the body such as growth
and metabolism; secretes the hormones controlling ovulation, for instance.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
An inherited hormonal imbalance that won't allow eggs to be expelled from the
ovaries. It can lead to extremely irregular or heavy menstrual periods, lack of
periods, infertility, endometrial and uterine cancer, male-pattern hair growth
and fat deposition, weight gain, insulin resistance and increased risk for
cardiovascular disease, among other things.
Polyp, Uterine:
Small, tag-shaped growths of uterine tissue, attached to the lining of the
uterus. Polyps can cause irregular bleeding; doctors remove them to confirm
there is no precancerous change.
Postmenopause:
The time after menopause.
Pregnenolone:
A precursor hormone made primarily in the adrenal glands, but also in the
brain, liver, skin, and ovaries. It can convert to DHEA and progesterone and
all the adrenal steroid hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
Premarin:
Conjugated estrogens. An estrogen supplement created primarily from the urine
of pregnant mares; while the ingredients are natural to horses, they are not
natural to humans, and so therefore Premarin is essentially a synthetic
estrogen and comes in varying oral doses and also a vaginal cream.
Premature menopause: Menopause
that occurs at or before the age of 40, which may be the
result of genetics, autoimmune disorders, or medical procedures or treatments.
Premature ovarian failure (POF): A
condition that occurs at an earlier age than 40 when the ovaries “fail,”
causing menstrual periods to stop. POF differs from premature menopause in that
ovarian activity may resume.
Premenopause:
See Perimenopause
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A
debilitating type of premenstrual syndrome that can include symptoms such as
severe depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue in addition to a
wide range of physical disturbances. Though premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and
PMDD differ in severity, diagnosis, and treatment, both seem to be linked to
the way the body processes and responds to reproductive hormones and possibly
serotonin.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A
condition occurring ten to fourteen days before the onset of menstrual bleeding
and involving physical and emotional symptoms that include bloating, water
retention, pelvic pressure or cramping, headaches or migraines, irritability,
mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and food cravings.
Progestational hormones:
A class of sex hormones including endogenous progesterone, natural
progesterone, and the various progestins (see progestational hormones,
synthetic). Also called progestogens.
Progestational hormones, synthetic:
Compounds obtained by chemical synthesis that have some progesterone-like
actions (e.g., in the uterus), but differ in structure from progesterone. Also
called progestins.
Progesterone:
Endogenous hormone produced in the corpus luteum of the female ovaries to
prepare the endometrium for egg implantation and to maintain pregnancy. Serves to
oppose (balance) estrogen, promotes proliferation of uterine mucosa and
prevents further follicular development.
Progestin:
Any of a group of hormone products that are formulated in a laboratory from
progesterone or testosterone and that have progesterone-like effects on the
uterus. Often referred to as synthetic because the chemical structure differs
from naturally occurring hormone molecules. Progestins are included in hormonal
contraceptives including birth control pills and the new birth control skin
patch, and are prescribed as part of HRT in menopausal women who still have
their uteruses, but they are contraindicated in pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone
acetate (MPA) and norethindrone acetate (NETA) are two common progestins.
Progestogen:
An umbrella term applied to any substance possessing progestational activity. A
steroid hormone (including progesterone) that induces changes in the
endometrium after priming with estrogens. There can be substantial differences
between progestogens, both in chemical structure and in pharmacological
profile.
Prolactin:
pituitary hormone that stimulates milk production and also suppresses ovarian
function in the early postpartum days. It also has hormone regulating functions
during the menstrual cycle.
Prolapse: The
falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position (e.g., with a
uterus or bladder if the ligaments holding it in place become stretched).
Sources
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