Reference

Menopause glossary

Every term you're likely to hear during the menopausal transition, defined in plain English. Sourced. Educational only.

The transition years leading up to menopause.

The point 12 consecutive months after the final period.

Every year after the menopause anniversary.

Premature menopause

Menopause before age 40.

Early menopause

Menopause between 40 and 45.

Surgical menopause

Menopause caused by removal of the ovaries.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS)

Hot flashes and night sweats.

A sudden episode of heat and flushing.

A hot flash occurring during sleep.

The primary estrogen produced by the ovaries.

The family of female sex hormones.

A hormone that supports the second half of the cycle.

A hormone women make in small amounts.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A pituitary hormone that rises in the transition.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A pituitary hormone tied to ovulation.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

A marker of ovarian reserve.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly hormonal cycle.

Anovulatory cycle

A cycle without ovulation.

The second half of the menstrual cycle.

Follicular phase

The first half of the cycle.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

Changes in urinary and vaginal tissues after menopause.

Vaginal atrophy

Older term for tissue changes now within GSM.

Reduced bone density with increased fracture risk.

Lower-than-typical bone density, above the osteoporosis threshold.

The imaging test that measures bone density.

Cardiovascular risk

The risk of heart and vessel disease, which rises after menopause.

The primary stress hormone.

Allopregnanolone

A calming metabolite of progesterone.

A neurotransmitter involved in mood.

The brain region that regulates temperature and hormones.

The hormonal loop between brain and ovaries.

A sensation of insects crawling on the skin.

Vaginal microbiome

The bacterial community of the vagina.

The muscles supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel.

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

Shoulder pain and stiffness peaking in midlife women.

Thermoneutral zone

The narrow temperature range that doesn't trigger a heat response.

Age-related loss of muscle mass.

Fat stored around abdominal organs.

A hormone that signals nighttime.

CBT for menopause

An evidence-based talk therapy adapted for menopause symptoms.

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