Menopause

angina--a disease marked by brief attacks of chest pain

biopsy--removal and examination of living cells from the body

cardiovascular disease (CVD)--disorders of the heart and circulatory system

ERT--estrogen replacement therapy; the use of estrogen alone for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of some long-term effects of menopause.

endometrium--the tissues lining the uterus

estrogen--one of the female sex hormones produced primarily bythe ovaries before menopause and by fat and other tissues after menopause.

HDL--high density lipoprotein cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol thought to have a cleansing effect in the bloodstream

HRT--hormone replacement therapy; the use of estrogen combined with progestin for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the prevention of some long-term effects of menopause.

hysterectomy--surgical removal of the uterus

IUD--intrauterine birth control device, which prevents implantation of an embryo into the uterus should fertilization occur

LDL--low density lipoprotein cholesterol, the "bad"cholesterol believed to be linked to fat accumulation in the arteries

menopause--the point when menstruation stops permanently

oral contraceptives--pills which usually consist of synthetic estrogen and progesterone that are taken for three weeks after the last day of a menstrual period. They inhibit ovulation, thereby preventing pregnancy.

osteoporosis--a disease in which bones become thin, weak and are easily fractured

perimenopause--the time around menopause, usually beginning 3 to 5 years before the final period.

progesterone--one of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries

progestin--the synthetic form of progesterone

tubal ligation--a surgical procedure in which the uterine tubes are cut and tied to prevent pregnancy

urinary incontinence--loss of bladder control

vasectomy--in males, the surgical removal of part of the sperm duct (vas deferens) to induce infertility