Bioidentical hormones Hormones derived from plant sources that are an exact match chemically to the hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries before menopause.

Compounding Used to prepare medications in such instances as when a patient is allergic to an inactive ingredient in a commercially available product or requires an alternate form of administration. The process provides an alternative to products approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Estradiol Also called 17beta-estradiol. Estradiol is the most potent of the naturally occurring estrogens and the primary estrogen produced by women in their reproductive years. Available in oral, skin patch, gel, spray and vaginal form, these prescription drugs are FDA-approved for treating moderate-to-severe hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Estradiol gel A gel form of estradiol, a naturally occurring estrogen and the primary estrogen produced by a woman in their reproductive years.

Estrogen A variety of hormonal chemical compounds produced by the ovaries, influencing the growth and health of female reproductive organs. They are active in many cells throughout the body by interacting with estrogen receptors. The three main naturally occurring estrogens in women are estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estrogen levels fall after menopause. Several types of estrogen therapies are available for menopause indications. Estrogen is also available in some contraceptives, but at much higher doses than those used for menopause treatment.

Estrogen therapy (ET) General term describing a wide range of estrogen types that are available in various systemic and local formulations in oral, skin patch, and vaginal prescription drugs government approved for treating moderate-to-severe hot flashes and vaginal atrophy, and preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis. ET is prescribed without progestogen to women without a uterus.

Hormone A sex hormone (such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) produced by the ovaries (in women), testes (in men), or adrenal gland (in both women and men) that affects the growth or function of the reproductive organs or the development of secondary sex characteristics. Can also be used as medications when made in a laboratory to be identical to what the body makes, or somewhat different but with similar effects.

Hormone therapy (HT) Prescription drugs used most often when treating symptoms associated with menopause.

Hot flashes Hot flashes are thought to be the result of changes in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates the body’s temperature. If the hypothalamus mistakenly senses that a woman is too warm, it starts a chain of events to cool her down. Blood vessels near the surface of the skin begin to dilate (enlarge), increasing blood flow to the surface in an attempt to dissipate body heat. This produces a red, flushed look to the face and neck in light-skinned women. It may also make a woman perspire to cool the body down. An increased pulse rate and a sensation of rapid heart beating may also occur. Hot flashes are often followed by a cold chill. A few women experience only the chill.

Hysterectomy Surgical removal of the uterus. Does not result in menopause, but ends menstrual periods and fertility. The term is often mistakenly used to describe removal of the uterus and both ovaries, which results in surgical menopause. (see oopherectomy)

Induced menopause Menopause that occurs earlier than expected when both ovaries are surgically removed or permanently damaged by cancer treatments (pelvic radiation or chemotherapy).

Menopause The final menstrual period, which can be confirmed after going 12 consecutive months without a period. This time marks the permanent end of menstruation and fertility. It is a normal, natural event associated with reduced functioning of the ovaries, resulting in lower levels of ovarian hormones (primarily estrogen).

Night sweat Hot flashes that occur at night that can interfere with sleep, even if they are not strong enough to cause awakening. If heavy perspiration occurs, the condition is called night sweats. While it is a myth that menopause makes a woman irritable, inadequate sleep causes fatigue, which may lead to irritability.

Oophorectomy Surgical removal of an ovary.

Osteoporosis A disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.

Ovary The female gonad, one of a pair of reproductive glands in women located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. In premenopausal women, the ovaries produce eggs (ova) and hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. The egg travels from the ovary through a fallopian tube to the uterus. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones before menopause.

Perimenopause A span of time typically lasting 6 years or more that begins with the onset of menstrual cycle changes and other menopause-related symptoms and extends through menopause (the last menstrual period) to 1 year after menopause. Perimenopause is experienced only with spontaneous (natural) menopause, not induced menopause.

Postmenopause The years after menopause.

Progestogen A naturally occurring or synthetic progestational hormone. There are various progestogen options: progesterone (identical to the hormone produced by the ovaries) and several different progestins (formulations synthesized to act like progesterone).

Surgical menopause Induced menopause that results from surgical removal of both of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) for medical reasons. Surgical menopause can occur at any age before spontaneous menopause.

Traditional hormones Hormones derived from animal byproducts or plant sources typically not an exact match chemically to what a woman’s body produced before menopause.

Transdermal therapy Therapy delivered through the skin into the bloodstream, such as via a skin patch or a topical lotion, cream, or gel.

Vaginal atrophy A condition in which estrogen loss causes tissues of the vulva (the external parts of the female genital organs) and the lining of the vagina to become thin, dry, and less elastic. Vaginal secretions diminish, resulting in decreased lubrication.

Vaginal dryness Inadequate lubrication of the vagina that can be caused by low estrogen levels, medication or lack of sexual arousal.

Vasomotor symptoms Relating to the nerves and muscles that cause the blood vessels to constrict or dilate, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause.^xiv