Menopause and Hot Flashes-Words I need to know

We could be discussing various subjects concerning all kinds of medical conditions and there are many words used that we are not familiar with. When it comes to this subject menopause and hot flashes, there has been many words in my post that were used. Some of them were understood and some were not.
I am providing a short  list of the terminology used for menopause and other medical conditions. Familiarize yourself with the terms for better understanding of your conditions.

Terms used:

1. Androgens: A group of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.
2. Antidepressants: Medication used to treat depression.
3. Anxiety: A feeling of apprehension, fear, nervousness, or dread accompanied by restlessness or tension.
4. Birth Control: A way for men and women to prevent pregnancy. Methods include birth control pills, rings, condoms, vaginal spermicides, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and vasectomy.
5. Bladder: The sac that holds urine.
6. Bone mineral density (BMD): A term used to describe the amount of calcium present in the bones.
7. 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.
8. Calcium: A mineral taken in through the diet that is essential for a variety of bodily functions, such as the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and proper heart function. Imbalances of calcium can lead to many health problems and cause nerve cell death. Calcium is also important for bone health.
9. Cancer: A general term for more than 100 diseases in which there is an uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. Cancer cells can spread throughout the bloodstream  and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
10. Cervix: The lowest part of the womb, or uterus, through which babies pass when they are born.
11. Clinical trial: An organized research program conducted with patients to evaluate a new medical treatment, drug,or device.
12. Dysmenorrhea: Pain associated with a woman’s menstrual period.
13. Dyspareunia: Pain during intercourse.
14. Endometrial cancer: Cancer of the lining of the uterus or womb.
15. Estrogen: A female sex hormone that stimulates and maintains female sex characteristics. They are either natural or synthetic. Estrogens are used to treat menstrual and menopausal disorders and are also used in oral contraceptives.
16. Fallopain tubes: Narrow, muscular tubes attached to the upper part of the uterus that serve as funnels for the ova (egg) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopain tubes.
17. Fibrinogen: A protein in the blood that helps it clot.
18. Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in the care and health of the female reproductive organs.
19. Hormone therapy (HT): The use of hormones, usually a combination of estrogen and progesterone,as a therapy, often used to treat the discomforts of menopause or to replace hormones (especially estrogen) lost after menopause.
20. Hot Flash: A momentary sensation of heat that may be accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating.
21. Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus.

There are many more terms that are used with menopause and other medical conditions. I urge you to print these definitions out for your learning and understanding of menopause and hot flashes.

My health quote for today:

Make your own recovery the first priority in your life.

~Robin Norwood


Thank you for reading and applying this information towards your condition. You are always welcomed to leave a comment, questions or suggestions below this post. Your expressions are appreciated.

Ann Moses
Vita Woman News

Data Source: Cleveland Clinic