Decoding Menopause: A Comprehensive Glossary of Terms

Have you ever sat in a doctor’s office and felt totally confused by the amount of terms and phrases you’re unfamiliar with?

Menopause brings many new experiences and can also come with its own set of standard terms. Since there are many phrases that are common to this life season that you may not be familiar with, we’ve decided to decode menopause and put together this comprehensive glossary of common terms you’re likely to come across. Let us know if you think we’ve missed any!

Menopause

Let’s start with the basics: menopause itself. Ironically, this term can be commonly misunderstood without a proper introduction to what it means and the stage it encompasses. Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman has experienced 12 months in a row without a menstrual period, marking the end of her reproductive years.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is often mistaken for menopause, leading to some confusion when this term is used instead of its more widely known cousin. Perimenopause is the transitional period that leads up to menopause itself, lasting anywhere from a number of months to a number of years. This is the time when oestrogen and hormone levels begin to fluctuate, menopausal symptoms introduce themselves, and periods can become irregular in their timing.

Postmenopause

This is the stage of life that follows menopause, during which menopausal symptoms may, unfortunately, continue for another few years. During this time, these symptoms become less intense before (for some women) they cease completely. Postmenopausal women are often at an increased risk for a range of health conditions, including osteoporosis and heart disease, as a result of their reduced oestrogen levels. Specialist healthcare is required during postmenopause in order to manage these risks through lifestyle and medication treatment pathways.

Hot flushes

Hot flushes (also known as hot flashes by our American friends) are sudden, surprising feelings of warmth that can spread throughout the body, often bringing with them sweat and a flushed complexion. As one of menopause’s most common symptoms, this is also one of the most challenging to manage. Hot flushes can range in intensity, frequency, and duration and are a direct result of changing oestrogen levels.

Night sweats

If you’ve ever experienced night sweats for yourself, no explanation is needed for this term! Night sweats occur when a woman experiences a hot flush during the night, leading to excessive sweating and intense sleep disruptions. As a result, night sweats can leave perimenopausal women tired, irritable, and at an increased risk of developing other health concerns.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known by the abbreviation HRT, can be a transformative form of treatment for women in the midst of menopause. With advancements in treatment pathways allowing for highly personalised hormonal medications, this therapy can reduce the impact of decreasing or fluctuating hormone levels through bioidentical synthetic hormone support. At the Australian Menopause Centre, our team of expert specialists have been supporting Australian women with individualised treatment pathways for years – contact us to learn more about how this may alleviate your menopause symptoms and improve your holistic health and wellbeing during this season.

Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a term you’ll hear time and time again throughout your menopausal years, and is likely a hormone you’re already highly familiar with from your reproductive years. This hormone, produced primarily in the ovaries, is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, amongst many other functions. As oestrogen levels begin to drop during menopause, this can result in menopause’s many symptoms, as well as a range of other health risks that need to be carefully managed.

Progesterone

Another hormone that’s largely produced in the ovaries, progesterone also plays a supporting role in regulating menstrual cycles. As progesterone production slows during menopause, this can also contribute to irregular periods and an increase in menopausal symptoms. 

Osteoporosis

This health condition isn’t isolated to menopausal women, but with an increased risk of osteoporosis connected to menopause and postmenopause, it’s a disease you’re likely to hear about during your menopause years. Osteoporosis occurs when bones are weakened (often as a result of ageing) and have an increased risk of developing fractures as a result. With declining oestrogen impacting bone health, offsetting the risk of osteoporosis through lifestyle and diet management becomes even more crucial. 

Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy refers to the thinning, drying, or inflammation of the vaginal walls as a result of decreased oestrogen levels. With symptoms including itching, burning, and pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal atrophy can become highly disruptive to the everyday wellbeing of menopausal women – but help and support is available. HRT, local oestrogen therapy, or lubricants and moisturisers can all play a critical role in its management.

Phytoestrogens

This may be one of the longest words to add to your menopause dictionary, and it’s one you’ll begin to hear more and more throughout your menopause journey. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that have similar natural structures to oestrogen, serving to mimic its effect in the body. Found in foods including soy, flaxseeds, and some fruits and vegetables, phytoestrogens can go a long way in helping to reduce the impact of menopause’s symptoms, and can be easily included in your daily diet.

Premature Menopause

While menopause most commonly begins for women in their 40s and 50s, premature menopause occurs when menopause begins before the age of 45. This can occur either naturally or as a side effect of medical treatments that impact the health of the ovaries. For women experiencing premature menopause, it’s critical to receive comprehensive healthcare support, as it can increase the risk of other health conditions developing in its stead. 

Conclusion

There’s a complicated world to navigate when it comes to your individual menopause journey, but you don’t need to do so alone. At the Australian Menopause Centre, we’re dedicated to continual learning in our menopause healthcare practices, bringing innovative healthcare to Australian women across the country. Don’t get overwhelmed by the ins and outs of menopause – instead, give us a call and discover how we can provide integral support for your holistic wellbeing throughout your menopause journey.