Glossary

Menopause & Hormone Glossary

95 Menopause, Hormone, and Bioidentical HRT Terms Explained

This glossary explains common terms used throughout the Nature’s Balance educational library. It is for general education only and is not medical advice.

A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T U V W X

A

Addison’s Disease: A condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough adrenal hormones. It is different from ordinary tiredness and requires medical diagnosis and care.
Adrenal Glands: Small glands above the kidneys that release stress-response hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. They are often discussed because fatigue, sleep problems, weight changes, and anxiety can overlap with hormone-related symptoms.
Androgen: A group of hormones often thought of as male hormones, though women also make and need them. Testosterone and DHEA are examples.
Aromatase: An enzyme involved in estrogen metabolism. It is commonly discussed in hormone health because it can influence how certain hormones are converted in the body.
Aromatase Inhibitor: A substance that reduces the activity of the aromatase enzyme. Prescription aromatase inhibitors are used medically; some supplements are also marketed for this purpose, but they should not be treated as equivalent to prescription medicines.

B

Bioidentical Hormone: A hormone described as having the same molecular structure as a hormone made by the human body. The term does not automatically mean a product is FDA-approved, risk-free, or suitable for everyone.
Black Cohosh: An herb commonly marketed for menopause symptoms. It is not the same as estradiol, progesterone, or other human hormones.
Blood Test: A laboratory test using a blood sample. In hormone discussions, blood testing is one method used to measure some hormone levels or related markers.
BPA: Bisphenol A, a chemical used in some plastics and resins. It is often discussed as an endocrine-disrupting chemical because it can interact with hormone-related pathways.
Brain Fog: A common phrase for cloudy thinking, poor focus, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally slow. Many factors can contribute to it, including sleep, stress, medications, and hormonal changes.
Breakthrough Bleeding: Bleeding that occurs outside the expected menstrual period. It can have many causes and should be discussed with a qualified clinician, especially if new, heavy, or persistent.

C

Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels that help deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Changes in circulation can affect skin, temperature regulation, and tissue health.
Carcinogen: A substance or exposure that may increase the risk of cancer. The level of risk depends on dose, route of exposure, duration, and individual factors.
Cervical Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Screening and vaccination have important roles in prevention and early detection.
Chaste Tree: Also called vitex. An herb sometimes used in women’s health products, but it is not progesterone and should not be described as a hormone replacement.
Chrysin: A plant-derived flavonoid sometimes marketed in hormone-related supplements. Claims about its effects should be handled carefully and distinguished from prescription treatments.
Clotting: In these articles, the word often refers to menstrual clots or expelled uterine tissue during heavy bleeding. Heavy bleeding or large clots should be medically evaluated.
Compounding Pharmacy: A pharmacy that prepares customized medications for individual patients. Compounded products are different from FDA-approved mass-manufactured drugs and have different oversight.
Cortisol: A hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps regulate stress response, blood sugar, inflammation, and the sleep-wake cycle.
Cushing’s Disease: A condition involving excessive cortisol, often caused by pituitary or adrenal problems. It is a medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.

D

DHEA: Dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and used by the body as a precursor to other hormones.
Diosgenin: A plant compound found in wild yam and other plants. It can be used industrially to manufacture hormones, but the human body does not simply convert wild yam cream into estradiol or progesterone.
Dong Quai: An herb commonly used in traditional women’s health formulas. It is not the same as estrogen or progesterone.

E

Endocrine Disruptor: A substance that may interfere with the body’s hormone signaling. Examples often discussed include certain plastics, pesticides, and some plant compounds.
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, and fertility problems.
Estradiol: The main and most potent estrogen during a woman’s reproductive years. It affects many tissues, including the uterus, brain, bones, skin, blood vessels, and vaginal tissue.
Estriol: One of the three main estrogens. It is generally considered weaker than estradiol and is often discussed in pregnancy and hormone therapy contexts.
Estrogen: A family of hormones that includes estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estrogens influence reproductive tissues as well as bones, brain, skin, blood vessels, and other systems.
Estrogen Dominance: A commonly used phrase meaning estrogen activity is relatively high compared with progesterone activity. The term is used differently by different practitioners, so the exact meaning should be clarified.
Estrogen Receptor: A receptor on or in cells that responds to estrogen. When estrogen binds to these receptors, it can influence cell activity.
Estrone: One of the three main estrogens. It is often discussed in relation to estrogen metabolism, body fat, and postmenopausal hormone patterns.

F

Fibrocystic Breasts: A noncancerous breast condition involving lumpiness, tenderness, or cyst-like changes. New breast lumps or changes should always be evaluated by a clinician.
Follicle: A small sac in the ovary that contains an immature egg. Follicles mature during the menstrual cycle and are involved in hormone production.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A pituitary hormone that signals ovarian follicles to mature. FSH is commonly measured or discussed in fertility, perimenopause, and menopause contexts.
Free Hormone: The portion of a hormone not tightly bound to carrier proteins. Different tests and practitioners define and interpret free hormone measurements differently.

G

Genistein: A soy-derived isoflavone. It can interact with estrogen-related pathways but is not the same as human estrogen.
Gland: An organ or tissue that makes and releases substances such as hormones, enzymes, or fluids. The ovaries, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands are examples.

H

Heavy Flow: A menstrual period with more bleeding than usual. Heavy bleeding can have many causes and deserves medical evaluation if severe, new, or worsening.
Hormone: A chemical messenger made by the body that travels to tissues and gives instructions to cells. Examples include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones.
Hormone Decline: A phrase used in the articles to describe falling hormone production over time. Symptoms attributed to hormone changes can also have other causes, so assessment matters.
Hormone Receptor: A structure on or inside a cell that recognizes a specific hormone. Receptors are often described as locks and hormones as keys.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Treatment intended to supplement or replace hormones the body is producing in lower amounts. HRT can involve prescription drugs, compounded products, or other preparations, each with different rules and risks.
Hot Flash: A sudden feeling of heat, often with flushing, sweating, or a racing heartbeat. Hot flashes are common during perimenopause and menopause.
Hyaluronic Acid: A water-binding substance found in skin, joints, eyes, and connective tissues. It helps support moisture and tissue cushioning.
Hyperadrenalism: Excess adrenal hormone activity, commonly associated with high cortisol states such as Cushing’s syndrome. It is different from ordinary stress or fatigue.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid hormone production. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, weight loss, nervousness, and tremor.
Hypoadrenalism: Low adrenal hormone activity, such as adrenal insufficiency. It is a medical condition and should not be self-diagnosed from fatigue alone.
Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid hormone production. Symptoms can include fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and hair thinning.
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus. Some hysterectomies also involve removal of the ovaries, which changes hormone production more dramatically.

I

Insulin: A hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells and supports energy storage. Insulin is also discussed in relation to weight and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Isoflavone: A plant compound, often from soy or other plants, that can interact with estrogen-related pathways. Isoflavones are not the same as human hormones.

L

Lateral Flow Test: A test format that moves a sample across a strip, similar to many home pregnancy tests. The articles discuss this concept in relation to hormone testing.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): A pituitary hormone that helps trigger ovulation. LH rises sharply near the middle of a typical menstrual cycle.

M

Macula: A small area of the retina responsible for central vision. It is discussed in the articles in relation to eye health and aging.
Macular Degeneration: A condition affecting the macula that can impair central vision. It requires medical evaluation and management.
Melatonin: A hormone involved in sleep timing. It tends to rise in the evening and helps signal the body that it is time to sleep.
Menopause: The point at which a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period, not due to another medical cause. It reflects the end of menstrual cycles.
Menstrual Cycle: The recurring hormonal and physical cycle that prepares the uterus for possible pregnancy. A typical textbook cycle is 28 days, though normal cycles vary.
Menstruation: The shedding of the uterine lining, experienced as a menstrual period.
Metabolism: The processes by which the body converts food and stored energy into fuel and building materials. Hormones, activity, age, sleep, and health conditions can influence metabolism.
Migraine: A neurological condition that can cause severe headache, nausea, light sensitivity, and other symptoms. Hormonal changes can trigger migraines in some people.
Mood Swings: Noticeable shifts in mood, such as irritability, sadness, anxiety, or anger. Sleep, stress, hormones, medications, and health conditions can all contribute.

N

Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger used by nerve cells to communicate. Serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and acetylcholine are examples.
Night Sweats: Episodes of sweating during sleep. They can be related to menopause, infections, medications, thyroid problems, and other causes.

O

Osteoarthritis: A joint condition involving cartilage breakdown and joint changes. It can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Osteopenia: Lower-than-normal bone density that is not as severe as osteoporosis. It can increase risk of future osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become weak and more likely to fracture. Bone density testing is commonly used to assess it.
Ovary: One of two female reproductive glands that contain eggs and produce hormones such as estradiol and progesterone.
Ovulation: The release of an egg from an ovary. In a typical cycle, ovulation occurs around the middle of the cycle.

P

Perimenopause: The transition years leading up to menopause, when cycle patterns and hormone levels often fluctuate. Symptoms can begin years before periods stop.
Phytoestrogen: A plant compound that can interact with estrogen receptors or estrogen-related pathways. It is not actually human estrogen.
Pituitary Gland: A small gland at the base of the brain that releases hormones controlling many other glands, including the ovaries and thyroid.
Polycystic Ovaries: Ovaries containing multiple cyst-like follicles. This can be associated with PCOS but requires proper medical evaluation.
Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs after childbirth. It is a serious condition and should be treated by qualified healthcare professionals.
Premarin: A brand-name prescription estrogen product historically made from pregnant mare urine. It is discussed in the articles as part of HRT history.
Progesterone: A hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, uterine lining stability, and many other body functions. It rises after ovulation in a typical cycle.
Progesterone Deficiency: A phrase used to describe insufficient progesterone activity relative to need or relative to estrogen activity. It should be evaluated carefully rather than assumed from symptoms alone.
Provera: A brand-name medication containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin. It is not the same molecule as progesterone.

R

Receptor: A structure on or inside a cell that receives a chemical signal. Hormone receptors help cells respond to specific hormones.
Red Blood Cell: A blood cell that carries oxygen. The articles also discuss red blood cells in relation to hormone transport.
Resorption: The process of breaking down and reabsorbing tissue, often discussed in relation to bone remodeling.

S

Saliva Test: A test using saliva as a sample. Saliva testing is used for certain hormones and other markers, though methods and interpretation vary.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. Many medications and health conditions can affect serotonin signaling.
Sublingual: Placed under the tongue. Some hormone products are marketed this way, though absorption and swallowing can vary.

T

Testosterone: An androgen hormone made by both men and women. In women, it can influence libido, energy, muscle, mood, and other functions.
Thyroid: A gland in the neck that makes hormones involved in metabolism, temperature regulation, heart rate, and energy.
Topical HRT: Hormone therapy applied to the skin, such as creams, gels, oils, or patches. Absorption depends on the product, ingredients, dose, and skin factors.

U

Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Urinary Incontinence: Leaking urine unintentionally. It can have several causes, including pelvic floor weakness, tissue changes, bladder issues, medications, and medical conditions.
Uterine Fibroid: A noncancerous growth of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, and other symptoms.
Uterine Lining: Also called the endometrium. It thickens during the menstrual cycle and sheds during menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.

V

Vaginal Dryness: Reduced moisture in vaginal tissue. It is common after menopause but can also result from medications, breastfeeding, stress, or other causes.
Vasomotor Symptoms: Temperature-regulation symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. These are common during perimenopause and menopause.

W

Wild Yam: A plant often marketed in women’s health products. It contains diosgenin, but wild yam itself is not estradiol or progesterone.

X

Xenoestrogen: A term often used for outside substances that can interact with estrogen-related pathways. Many discussions of xenoestrogens overlap with endocrine disruptors.