ABDOMEN - the area of the belly, between the bottom of the ribs and the groin.

Amenorrhoea - absence of menstrual periods.

BONE DENSITY - a measure of the amount of mineral, mainly calcium, in a bone.

BONE LOSS - the process of losing bone density.

CANCER - a disease that is caused by the rapid multiplication of abnormal cells in any part of the body.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - any disease of the circulatory system.

CERVICAL SMEAR - a test performed to check for abnormal changes to the cells on the cervix.

CHOLESTEROL - a steroid that is classified as a lipid that is a constituent of all animal cells. High blood cholesterol levels increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

CIRCULATION - the movement of blood around the body, via veins and arteries.

CLIMACTERIC - the years of the menopause, starting with the peri-menopause. Typically when you start experiencing menopausal symptoms.

CONTINUOUS-COMBINED HRT - a form of HRT where you take both oestrogen and progesterone.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS - the reasons for not using a particular treatment, usually because it will be made worse.

COLLAGEN - a fibrous protein that gives strength and elasticity to skin, bones, cartiliage and connective tissues.

CORTICAL BONE - the hard outer layer of the bone.

D&C - dilation and curettage

DILATION AND CURETTAGE - the procedure of scraping away the lining of the uterus, under general anaesthetic.

DOWAGERS HUMP - a curve on the upper spine as a result of compression of the spinal column. Often a symptom of Osteoporosis.

Dysmenorrhoea - is pain that occurs before and/or during menstruation.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - manufactures and distributes hormones into the bloodstream.

ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION - removal of the inner lining of the uterus by the use of radio waves or laser treatment.

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER - cancer of the lining of the uterus.

ENDOMETRIOSIS - occurs when cells of the endometrium appear outside the uterus, resulting in blood blisters.

ENDOMETRIUM - the lining of the uterus.

Epidural anaesthetic - injection of anaesthetic drugs around the spinal nerves to abolish pain.

ERT - Estrogen Replacement Therapy.

ESTROGEN - the American spelling of Oestrogen.

ENZYME - proteins that cause chemical changes in other cells. They are necessary to breakdown or metabolize nutrients, drugs and hormones.

FALLOPIAN TUBES - the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus.

FIBROIDS - non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus.

GYNAECOLOGIST - a doctor specialising in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female genital organs.

HDL’s - High Density Lipoproteins.

HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS - a form of cholesterol that attaches to low density lipoproteins and allows them to be absorbed out of blood vessels.

HORMONES - substances made by the body that are transported by the blood to affect other parts of the body.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY - the replacement of natural hormones by manufactured hormones.

HOT FLUSH - sudden flow of heat to the skin, usually the face.

HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy

HYPOTHALAMUS - the area of the brain regulating temperature, appetite, thirst and hormonal glands. At the base of the brain and connected to the pituitary gland.

HYSTERECTOMY - the surgical removal of all or part of the female reproductive organs.

IMPLANT - a form of HRT in which a small pellet is inserted under the skin, usually in the abdomen.

INSOMNIA - inability to sleep.

LIBIDO - sex drive.

LDL’s - Low Density Lipoproteins

LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS - a form of cholesterol that can become attached the the walls of blood vessels , inhibiting the flow of blood.

MENOPAUSAL - refers to the menopause

MENOPAUSE - the final menstrual period.

MENSTRUATION - the monthly (usually) bleed.

Metrorrhagia is vaginal bleeding, in-between normal menstrual periods. May or may not be associate with the post-menopausal period.

MINERALS - inorganic chemicals , essential to cellular function.

NATURAL MENOPAUSE - menopause that occurs naturally.

SURGICAL MENOPAUSE - menopause that occurs following a hysterectomy and/or removal of the ovaries.

OESTRADIOL - the most potent natural oestrogen found in the blood.

OESTROGEN - the female sex hormone, secreted mainly by the ovaries, responsible for female development.

OESTROGEN DEFICIENT - does not produce enough oestrogen.

OESTROGEN RECEPTORS - the areas of the brain that respond the presence of oestrogen.

OESTRIOL - the weakest natural oestrogen found in the blood.

OESTRONE - natural oestrogen found in the blood.

Oligomenorrhoea - infrequent menstruation, or periods.

OOPHORECTOMY - removal of the ovaries (unilateral - one ovary or bilateral - both ovaries).

ORAL HRT - hormone replacement therapy in the form of tablets.

OSTEOBLASTS - cells within the bone that form new bone by a constant process of rebuild and repair.

OSTEOCLASTS - cells within the bone that dissolve old bone so that it can be replaced

OSTEOPOROSIS - a disease where the bone becomes so porous, brittle and fragile that it breaks easily.

OVARIES - two organs on either side of the uterus that produce the hormone oestrogen and eggs for fertilisation.

PALPITATIONS - rapid or irregular heartbeats.

PATCH - an adhesive patch applied to the bottom or top of leg, so that HRT can be absorbed by the skin.

PEAK BONE MASS - the period when the bones contain the most mineral, usually achieved by 30 - 35.

PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES - muscles at the base of the pelvis, that support the pelvic organs.

PERI-MENOPAUSE - time before the menopause when the production of female sex hormones is reduced.

PITUITARY GLAND - gland in the brain that manufactures hormones controlling other glands.

POST-MENOPAUSE - after the final period.

Primary postpartum haemorrhage - bleeding from the birth canal in excess of half a litre or excessive bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours after the baby is born.

PREMATURE MENOPAUSE - a menopause that occurs before the age of 45 , either naturally or surgically.

PROGESTERONE - a naturally occurring female hormone.

PROLAPSE - abnormal dropping of an organ, usually the rectum, uterus, vagina or bowel.

RDA - Recommended Daily Allowance.

RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE - daily intake of vitamins and minerals recommended by government health agencies.

ROUTE - in this case means the way that HRT is administered.

SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN - a protein in the blood that binds with and transports sex hormones, at this time they are not active.

STROKE - when blood supply to the brain is affected so that normal function is reduced.

SUBCUTANEOUS HRT - an implant, usually in the lower abdomen or bottom.

SURGICAL MENOPAUSE - a menopause occurring following surgery, usually hysterectomy or removal of ovaries.

TACHYPHYLAXIS - this is a condition some women taking subcutaneous HRT have a return of menopausal symptoms even though blood oestrogen levels are normal.

TESTOSTERONE - male sex hormone, small amounts are produced in women by the ovaries.

THROMBOSIS - blood clots that form in veins or arteries.

TRABECULAR BONE - the inner layer of bone that is most at risk from osteoporosis.

TRANSDERMAL HRT - HRT which is administered via the skin, either by patch or cream.

UTERUS - womb

VAGINA - the birth canal, leads from the uterus to outside the body.

VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS - symptoms of menopause that are caused by constriction of the blood vessels, hot flushes, night sweats and some headaches.