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Estrogen
A hormone secreted by the ovaries that influences a woman's sexual development and menstrual cycle. It also affects mood, memory, vascular tone, skin turgor (fluid retention), bladder control and more.
Estrogen therapy (ET)
A medication containing estrogen, prescribed for menopausal and postmenopausal women, which may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause and may also offer protection from some diseases.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates estrogen production in the ovaries.
Hormone therapy (HT)
A treatment of prescribed medication containing estrogen and progestogen, prescribed for menopausal and postmenopausal women; HT may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. The addition of progesterone is necessary for women who still have a uterus.
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus.
Induced menopause
An instant, forced menopause caused when both of a woman's ovaries were either damaged or removed by a medical procedure or a surgical intervention.
Menopause
A time in a woman's life when she has not menstruated for an entire year, either naturally as a function of age or after she has had her ovaries damaged or removed.
Osteoporosis
The loss of bone density, resulting in weakened, porous bones.
Perimenopause
A transitional time, lasting as long as eight years, that starts when menopausal changes begin and ends when a woman has not had a menstrual period for an entire year.
Phytoestrogens
Plant compounds with estrogen-like activity, but weaker than natural estrogen in the body.
Postmenopause
The rest of the time in a woman's life after menopause has been reached.
Premature menopause
Reaching menopause before a woman is 40 years old.
Progesterone/Progestin
These two words are often used interchangeably. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries until menopause; it is important in controlling the growth of cells lining the uterus. Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone.
Transdermal hormone therapy
Hormone therapy that is administered through the skin via a patch
Unopposed estrogen therapy
A form of hormone therapy consisting of estrogen only. It is usually prescribed for women who have undergone a hysterectomy.
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Related Articles
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External Sources
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The North American Menopause Society
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Menopause Guidebook: Helping Women Make Informed Healthcare Decisions Through Perimenopause and Beyond, (2001)
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A Practice Committee Report, The Menopausal Transition, (American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2001)
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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