Menopause Glossary

Angina
A disease marked by brief attacks of chest pain

Biopsy
Removal and examination of living cells from the body

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Disorders of the heart and circulatory system

ERT
Estrogen replacement therapy; the use of estrogen alone for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of some long-term effects of menopause. (Editor's Note: Research has shown serious problems with use of estrogen replacement therapy.)

Condometrium
The tissues lining the uterus

Estrogen
One of the female sex hormones produced primarily bythe ovaries before menopause and by fat and other tissues after menopause.

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HDL
High density lipoprotein cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol thought to have a cleansing effect in the bloodstream

HRT
Hormone replacement therapy; the use of estrogen combined with progestin for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of some long-term effects of menopause. (Editor's Note: Research has shown serious problems with use of  estrogen hormone replacement therapy.)

Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus

IUD
Intrauterine birth control device, which prevents implantation of an embryo into the uterus should fertilization occur

LDL
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, the "bad"cholesterol believed to be linked to fat accumulation in the arteries

Menopause
The point when menstruation stops permanently

Oral contraceptives
Pills which usually consist of synthetic estrogen and progesterone that are taken for three weeks after the last day of a menstrual period. They inhibit ovulation, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Osteoporosis
A disease in which bones become thin, weak and are easily fractured

Perimenopause
The time around menopause, usually beginning 3 to 5 years before the final period.

Progesterone
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries

Progestin
The synthetic form of progesterone

Tubal ligation
A surgical procedure in which the uterine tubes are cut and tied to prevent pregnancy

Urinary incontinence
Loss of bladder control

Reprinted from the Archives of US NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, National Institute on Aging