Menopause Definitions  

The Menopause Society has compiled a comprehensive list of definitions for terminology related to menopause, perimenopause, and other terms relating to midlife women’s health issues.  

A 

Abdomen. The part of the body below the ribs and above the pelvis. 

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Bleeding that is abnormal in frequency, severity, or duration. Different from normal irregular periods during perimenopause or bleeding from hormone therapy including estrogen and progestogen.  

Amenorrhea. The absence of a woman’s monthly period not related to menopause. 

Anal incontinence. Loss of anal sphincter control leading to involuntary leakage of gas or solid or liquid stool sufficient to impair quality of life.  

Androgenetic alopecia. Thinning of the hair on the scalp in midlife women.  

Androgens. A group of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics and structures. They are produced in smaller quantities in women and are important in the synthesis of estrogen. They also play a role in sexual function, muscle mass and strength, bone density, distribution of fat tissue, energy, and psychological well-being.  

Antidepressants. Prescription therapy government approved to treat depression and anxiety.  

Antihypertensives. Prescription therapy government approved to treat high blood pressure. 

Anti-inflammatory drug. A type of prescription and nonprescription therapy used to relieve inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.  

Antimüllerian hormone (AMH). Identified as a marker of ovarian reserve, AMH levels are used primarily to assess ovarian reserve in women seeking fertility assessment.  

Anxiety. A feeling of apprehension, fear, nervousness, or dread accompanied by restlessness or tension. 

Aromatase inhibitors. A class of prescription drugs government approved for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.  

Arthritis. A disease of inflammation in the joints that may be associated with pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness as well as deformities of those affected joints. 

Asymptomatic. Causes no symptoms. 

Atherosclerosis. Also called hardening of the arteries. A disease characterized by a narrowing of the arteries caused by cholesterol-rich plaques on the inside of the artery wall. Atherosclerosis is a common cause of heart disease.  

Atrophic vaginitis. Inflammation or infection of the vagina, sometimes accompanied by vaginal walls that are thin, smooth, pale, dry, and inflamed. 

B 

Benign. Noncancerous. 

Bilateral oophorectomy. The surgical removal of both ovaries (and, usually, fallopian tubes). 

Biopsy. A minor surgical procedure during which a small tissue specimen is removed and examined microscopically for the presence of disease. 

Birth control. A way to prevent pregnancy. Methods for women include birth control pills, condoms, vaginal spermicides, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and others. 

Bladder. A saclike organ in the pelvic region where urine is stored before it leaves the body. 

Bladder prolapse. A condition in which the bladder moves downward from its normal position. It is usually caused by a weakness in the pelvic floor after childbirth.  

Body mass index (BMI). A number calculated from a person’s weight and height that provides for most people a reliable indicator of body size.  

Bone mineral density (BMD). The amount of bone tissue in a segment of bone. Measuring BMD is the best way to evaluate bone strength and predict fracture risk.  

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Gene mutations with potential cancer-causing effects. Women with these gene mutations are sometimes recognized through their family histories of breast and ovarian cancer. 

Breast cancer. A disease in which abnormal cells in the breast divide and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. The cells can invade nearby tissue and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system (lymph nodes) to other parts of the body. 

Breast ultrasound. A noninvasive, safe technique that uses sound waves to create images of structures deep within the breast.  

C 

Calcium. A mineral that ensures proper functioning of cells in the body including in the heart, nerves, muscles, and bones. Calcium is found in the skeleton and teeth, in the cells, and in the blood.  

Cardiovascular disease (CVD). An umbrella term used to describe many conditions related to the circulatory system, both inside and outside the heart. Includes heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), and coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as peripheral vascular disease.  

Cervix. The lower, narrow end of the uterus. A Pap test tests for cancer of the cervix and for changes that would progress to cancer with time (dysplasia). 

Clitoris. A small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the anterior end of the vulva. 

Cognitive function. Conscious intellectual activity (thinking, reasoning, remembering). 

Colonoscopy. A test to view inside the colon that also allows for the biopsy and removal of precancerous polyps. 

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A broad range of healing philosophies and approaches not typically used in conventional medicine.  

Conjugated estrogens (CE). A mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation.  

Contraception. Any method used to prevent pregnancy during sexual activity.  

Coronary artery disease (CAD). Sometimes called coronary heart disease (CHD). The most common form of heart disease. 

Custom-compounded hormones. Hormone therapies that are mixed from a prescription into formulations such as topical creams, gels, lotions, tablets, and suppositories. These compounds are not regulated by the government.  

Cystectomy. Surgical removal of an ovarian cyst, frequently performed with a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. 

Cystitis. Inflammation of the urinary bladder. 

Cystocele. Protrusion of the urinary bladder through the vaginal wall. 

D 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). One of the androgens circulating in the body that is a precursor of androstenedione, testosterone, and estrogen.  

Dementia. Loss of memory and other intellectual abilities severe enough to interfere substantially with independence or usual daily activities. 

Depression. A disorder marked by a persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that affects eating, sleeping, and activity.  

Diabetes. A group of diseases in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in the blood, resulting in high sugar levels that may cause a variety of complications ranging from cardiovascular disease to blindness and kidney failure.  

Digital mammogram. A mammogram that records the image of the breast directly into a computer and can be enlarged or highlighted.  

Dilation and curettage (D&C). A surgical procedure that involves dilating (opening) the cervix and scraping, removing, and analyzing the uterine lining (endometrium) to determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, among other conditions. 

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The standard test for measurement of bone mineral density (BMD).  

Dyslipidemia. An abnormal amount of lipids (cholesterol or fat) in the blood. 

Dysmenorrhea. Pelvic pain and cramping associated with a menstrual period. 

Dyspareunia. Vaginal pain during intercourse. 

Dysplasia. The growth of abnormal cells. Dysplasia is a precancerous condition that may or may not develop into cancer at a later time. 

E 

Early menopause. Menopause that occurs earlier than the normal range of menopause. See also Premature menopause. 

Endometrial ablation. A surgical procedure in which heat energy, in the form of lasers or electrical currents, is used to remove or thin down the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) for the treatment of abnormally heavy uterine bleeding. 

Endometrial biopsy. A sample of endometrial tissue is removed through the opening of the cervix and examined microscopically for abnormal cells. 

Endometrial cancer. Cancer of the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus. 

Endometrial hyperplasia. An overgrowth of tissue or a thickening of the uterine lining, probably caused by excess estrogen. It is a risk factor for cancer of the uterus. 

Endometriosis. A condition in which the same kind of tissue that lines the inside wall of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus (eg, on the ovaries or bowel), often resulting in severe pelvic pain and infertility. 

Endometrium. The tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. 

Esterified estrogens. Oral products of synthetic estrogen mixtures. 

Estradiol. Also called 17β-estradiol. The most potent of the naturally occurring estrogens and the primary estrogen produced by women in their reproductive years.  

Estriol. The least potent of the estrogens produced in the body. 

Estrogen. A variety of hormone 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. Several types of estrogen therapies are available for menopause indications.  

Estrogen patch. Also estrogen skin patch or estrogen transdermal delivery system. A form of estrogen therapy contained in a special patch that is adhered to the skin. The patch technology allows a gradual release of estrogen through the skin directly into the bloodstream, where it circulates throughout the entire body (systemically), affecting many different tissues.  

Estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT). Also known as combination hormone therapy. Estrogen is the hormone in this duo that provides the most relief for menopause-related symptoms. Progestogen is added to protect the uterus from estrogen stimulation and the increased risk of endometrial cancer. 

Estrogen therapy (ET). General term describing a wide range of estrogen types that are available in various government-approved systemic and local formulations in oral, skin patch, and vaginal prescription drugs. 

F 

Fallopian tubes. Narrow, muscular tubes attached to the upper part of the uterus that serve as tunnels for the egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tube. 

Fecal occult blood test. Also, fecal immunochemical test. A test that detects the presence of blood in the gastrointestinal tract not visible to the naked eye. 

Fertile. Capable of reproducing. 

Fertilization. The moment at which a sperm penetrates an egg, and an embryo begins to develop into a baby. 

Fibroids. Common, benign (noncancerous) tumors (myomas) made up of muscle cells and connective tissue that develop within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in midlife and beyond. 

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A hormone produced by the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain). In women, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles (the small cysts that hold the eggs) and the supporting cells responsible for the growth and nurturing of the egg.  

Formication. Irritating sensations to the skin, ranging from severe itching to phantom symptoms of “ants crawling on their skin” experienced by some perimenopausal women. 

Fracture. The breaking of bone, resulting either from trauma (such as a fall) or because bone has become weakened from a condition such as osteoporosis. 

FRAX. Risk-calculating computer software that evaluates the 10-year fracture risk in women. 

G 

Gabapentin. A nonhormone prescription drug government approved for the treatment of seizures from epilepsy. 

Genital warts. Soft growths that occur on the genitals. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These skin growths can cause pain, discomfort, and itching. 

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). A collection of symptoms and signs associated with decreased estrogen and other sex steroid levels that can involve changes to the labia, clitoris, vagina, urethra, and bladder. The term includes symptoms associated with menopause affecting the vaginal area as well as the lower urinary tract. 

Gonad. The part of the reproductive system that produces and releases eggs (ovary) or sperm (testicle/testis). 

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). A hormone released by the hypothalamus (a region in the brain) that helps suppress ovarian production of estrogen.  

Gonorrhea. A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, symptoms are mild or nonexistent. Untreated gonorrhea can spread to the reproductive tract, anus, urethra, mouth, throat, and eyes. 

Gynecologist. A doctor who specializes in the care and health of the female reproductive organs. 

H 

Heart disease. Any disorder that affects the heart muscle or the blood vessels of the heart (eg, arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart attack, heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mitral regurgitation, and pulmonary stenosis). 

Herpes, genital. Infections caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2, and infection typically occurs during sexual contact. 

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Referred to as the “good” cholesterol. High HDL-C helps to lower the risk of heart disease. 

Hormone. Specifically, 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. Also includes non-sex hormones such as thyroid hormone. 

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

Hot flash. A condition resulting in a red, flushed face and neck, perspiration, an increased pulse rate, and a rapid heartbeat, often followed by a cold chill. This is the most common menopause-related discomfort, thought to be the result of changes in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates the body’s temperature.  

Human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. There is no treatment for HPV, but in most cases, it goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems.  

Hypertension. Abnormally high blood pressure. 

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Problems with sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic response, and sexual pain.  

Hysterectomy. Surgical removal of the uterus. Does not result in menopause but ends menstrual periods and fertility.  

Hysteroscopy. A surgical procedure to examine the inside of the uterus by inserting a thin, lighted tube into the vagina and through the cervix (lower, narrow end of the uterus). 

I 

Incontinence. Involuntary loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) or bowel control (anal incontinence). 

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

Infertility. The condition of being incapable of, or unsuccessful in, reproducing (in women, becoming pregnant). 

Insomnia. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking early. 

Intrauterine device (IUD). Also called intrauterine system (IUS). A device with either progestin or copper inserted in the uterus by a healthcare professional to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The progestin device can be used with estrogen. 

Isoflavones. Naturally occurring estrogen-like compounds found in soybeans, soy products, and red clover. 

K 

Kegel exercises. Urogenital muscle exercises, sometimes helpful for urinary incontinence. 

L 

Late menopause. A vague term used to indicate menopause that occurs later in the normal range of menopause. 

Laparoscopy. A surgical procedure to look inside the pelvic cavity by inserting a tubelike instrument through a small cut in the abdomen. 

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL-C increases the risk of heart disease. 

Leiomyoma. A fibroid tumor. 

Lichen planus. An inflammatory dermatosis that affects the skin of the vulva, characterized by the thickening of all layers of the epithelium. 

Lichen sclerosis. The thinning of the vulvar epithelium characterized with sore, burning lesions that can be seen over the entire labia. The lesions can also appear on the thighs, breasts, and shoulders. There is a high association of lichen sclerosis with vulvar cancer.  

Leiomyoma. The technical term for a fibroid tumor. 

Local therapy. Drug therapy that has an effect limited to the site of drug application. It is not systemic (does not circulate through the body, affecting many body systems).  

Luteinizing hormone (LH). Produced by the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain). In women, causes the dominant follicle to release its egg from the ovary (ovulation). 

M 

Mammogram. Specialized x-rays of the breast used to detect abnormal growths or changes in the breast tissue. 

Melatonin. A hormone that is secreted by the brain in response to darkness. Has been linked to the regulation of the body’s 24-hour (circadian) rhythm. 

Menarche. The first menstrual period. 

Menopause. The final menstrual period, which can be confirmed after 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). 

Menopause transition. See Perimenopause. 

Menorrhagia. Increased menstrual bleeding occurring at regular intervals or bleeding that last more than 7 days. 

Menses. The menstrual period. 

Menstrual cycle. The time each month (typically every 4 weeks) when an egg develops in the ovary, the lining of the uterus thickens, and the egg is released into the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, the lining of the uterus (with the egg tissue) is shed through menstruation and the cycle begins again. This cycle typically becomes irregular during perimenopause and ends completely at menopause. 

Menstruation. A woman’s “period”—the discharge of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus that recurs in nonpregnant women. 

Metabolic syndrome. The presence of three or more of these factors: central obesity (increased waist circumference), elevated triglyceride levels, low HDL-C, elevated blood pressure, or elevated fasting glucose level.  

Migraine. A condition typically marked by a moderate to severe throbbing pain that is worse on one side of the head and usually aggravated by physical activity. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. 

Myomectomy. An operation to remove fibroid tumors (myomas). 

N 

Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. A licensed healthcare professional who has achieved a certification in the field of menopause from The Menopause Society by passing a competency examination. 

Naturopathy. An alternative medical system that views disease as a manifestation of alterations in the processes by which the body naturally heals itself. 

Night sweats. 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. 

O 

Obesity. Excessive accumulation of fat in the body defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. Obesity is associated with adverse health consequences including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, some cancers, osteoarthritis, and premature death. 

Off-label. Refers to the use of a drug to treat a condition for which it has not been officially government approved. This practice is legal and common in medicine. 

Oophorectomy. Surgical removal of an ovary. 

Orgasm. Sexual climax. 

Osteoarthritis (OA). The most common form of joint disease. Increases in frequency with the “wear and tear” of aging and particularly affects aging women.  

Osteoporosis. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a disease of older women in which the bone density of the skeleton has decreased to a point where bone has become fragile and at higher risk for fractures, often with little or no trauma. In most women, bone loss accelerates during the first few years after menopause, which is related to the decline in estrogen levels. 

Ovarian cancer. An abnormal growth of tissue that develops into a malignant tumor in a woman’s ovaries. 

Ovarian cyst. A sac filled with fluid or a semisolid material that forms on or within one of the ovaries, usually noncancerous. 

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.  

Ovulation. The release of a mature egg cell from the ovary. 

P 

Pap test. A screening test in which a sample of cells is taken from a woman’s cervix and examined under a microscope for precancerous conditions. 

Parathyroid hormone (PTH). A substance made by the parathyroid gland (located in the neck) that helps the body store and use calcium. Available as a synthetic hormone (teriparatide) in a prescription injectable drug government approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. 

Pelvic cavity. The space inside the lower abdomen that holds the reproductive organs (the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes). 

Pelvic examination. Clinical exam of the vulva (external genitalia), vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a Pap test is usually done during this examination.  

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). An infection in the pelvis caused by bacteria, usually from a sexually transmitted infection.  

Pelvic ultrasound. A test that uses sound waves to produce an electronic image of the organs of the pelvis. 

Pelvis. The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones. 

Perimenopause. A span of time 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. Also called the menopause transition. See also Induced menopause. 

Phytoestrogens. Plant compounds (such as isoflavones) that have a chemical structure similar to that of estrogen and have weak estrogen-like biologic activity. Available in foods (such as soy) and as nonprescription supplements. 

Placebo. An inactive substance used in controlled experiments testing the effectiveness of another substance (as a drug). 

Postmenopause. The span of time after menopause (the final menstrual period). 

Premature menopause. Menopause that occurs at or before the age of 40, which may be the result of genetics, autoimmune disorders, or medical procedures or treatments. 

Premenopause. The span of time from puberty (onset of menstrual periods) to perimenopause. 

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). A condition that occurs at an earlier age than 40 in which many periods in a row are skipped or there are no periods at all, which can be a sign of menopause or of very few eggs left in the ovaries. POI differs from premature menopause in that ovarian activity may resume. 

Progesterone. A female hormone that is released by the ovaries after ovulation to prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg and thus permit pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone (and estrogen) levels fall, resulting in menstruation. Available in prescription and nonprescription therapies (as a bioidentical hormone). 

Progestin. A class of progestogen compounds synthesized to act like progesterone in the body. Available in oral prescription drugs and combined with estrogen in prescription skin patches.  

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

Prolapse. The falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position (eg, with a uterus or bladder if the ligaments holding it in place become stretched). 

R 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A joint disease caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue, causing inflammation. This is different than the aging-related wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis.  

S 

Selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM). A compound that has a similar chemical structure to estrogen and has an estrogen-like effect on some tissues and an antiestrogen effect on others.  

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.  

Sexual function. An overall term that includes issues of sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction, and attitudes; age- and health-related concerns; and counseling and other therapeutic interventions in which there are problems. 

Sexually transmitted infection (STI). A disease passed from one person to another by unprotected sexual contact involving the mouth, anus, or vagina.  

Sigmoidoscopy. A test to view inside the rectum and lower colon. 

Sonogram. An imaging procedure (called ultrasound) in which echoes from sound waves passing through tissue create pictures of structures deep within the body. 

Speculum. A metal or plastic instrument inserted into the vagina to help examine the vagina, cervix, and uterus. 

Spontaneous menopause. Menopause that is not caused by any medical treatment or surgery. It occurs, on average, at age 52. Also known as natural menopause. 

Statins. A group of prescription drugs government approved to lower cholesterol.  

Stress incontinence. An involuntary loss of urine that occurs during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. 

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

Syphilis. A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can remain undetected for many years.  

Systemic therapy. Drug therapy that circulates through the body, affecting many body systems. Examples include oral and skin patch estrogen drugs. 

T 

T-score, Z-score. Values that report the results of evaluating bone strength and predicting fracture risk. The Z-score compares the bone density to similar-age women and is a rough index of the need for extra diagnostic studies, whereas the T-score compares bone density to young women and is a rough index of the need for treatment.  

Testosterone. The male androgen hormone that is essential for sperm production and responsible for inducing and maintaining male secondary sex characteristics. In women, testosterone (partially produced by the ovaries) may regulate sexual desire and may also help maintain bone and muscle health. 

Thyroid gland. A gland located beneath the voice box in the throat that produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. 

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

Trichomoniasis. A sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginitis, usually accompanied by a copious vaginal discharge. Bladder symptoms may also be present.  

Tubal ligation. The tying, clamping, or cutting of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy and induce sterility. 

U 

Ultrasonography. A diagnostic imaging technique based on the application of ultrasound, used to see internal body structures such as tendons, muscles, joints, vessels, and internal organs. Helpful in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding, breast cancer screening, and cervical evaluation. 

Urge incontinence. Involuntary leakage of urine accompanied by a sense of urgency (cannot reach the bathroom in time), usually because of an overactive bladder. May be helped by medication or pelvic floor therapy. 

Urinary incontinence. Involuntary loss of urine caused by any number of conditions, including urinary tract infection, pelvic relaxation, and bladder contractions. 

Urinary tract infection (UTI). An often uncomfortable condition that occurs when bacteria in the urinary tract cause infection and inflammation. 

Urogynecologist. A gynecologist specially trained to treat problems of the female urogenital (urinary and reproductive) system, such as incontinence and pelvic relaxation problems. 

Urologist. A doctor specially trained to treat problems of the urinary system. 

Uterine bleeding. Any bleeding that originates in the uterus, including a menstrual period, but typically used to describe abnormal uterine bleeding. 

Uterus. The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis from which menstrual bleeding originates and in which a fetus develops. 

V 

Vagina. The muscular, tubular part of the female genital tract that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and childbirth and for the release of the menstrual flow. 

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. 

Vaginal estrogen. Prescription estrogen therapy that is applied vaginally (as cream, ring, suppository, or tablet) and is government approved to treat moderate to severe vaginal dryness and atrophy. Most vaginal estrogen therapies provide local, not systemic, treatment.  

Vaginal lubricant. Nonprescription, water-based products that are applied to the vagina to decrease friction and reduce discomfort during intercourse. 

Vaginal moisturizer. Nonprescription products similar to vaginal lubricants but offering longer duration of effect by replenishing and maintaining water content in the vagina, often preferred by women who have symptoms of irritation, itching, and burning that are not limited to intercourse.  

Vaginitis. Inflamed vaginal tissues that result in vaginal discharge, burning, or irritation. Tissues may be prone to injury, tearing, and bleeding during sexual intercourse or a pelvic examination. 

Vasomotor symptoms. Also known as hot flashes and night sweats, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause. In almost all women, menopause-related vasomotor symptoms subside over time without any intervention. 

Vitamin D. A nutrient that enables the body to absorb calcium, among other things. It is normally produced within the skin in response to sunlight, provided no sunscreen is worn.  

Vulva. The external parts of the female genitalia (lips or labia) around the opening of the vagina. 

Vulvodynia. Pain in the vulva, usually described as a burning, stinging, itching, irritating, or raw feeling. 

Vulvovaginitis. An inflammation or infection of the vulva that has many causes, such as bacteria, yeast, viruses, allergens, and sexually transmitted infections. Women and girls of any age can get vulvovaginitis. 

W 

Weight-bearing exercise. Exercise during which bones and muscles work against the force of gravity or bear the body’s weight. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance-training exercises. May slow bone loss in the early postmenopause years and reduce fracture risk. 

Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Large research project established by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 to look into the most common causes of death, disability, and impaired quality of life in postmenopausal women.  

Y 

Yeast vaginitis. An infection of the vagina caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida albicans.