The M Dictionary

Here’s a list of words and terms related to menopause and how they matter! Let us know on wtfmenopoze@gmail.com if we’ve missed any.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB): It's like your uterus deciding to throw a party with irregular, heavy, or marathon-length periods, often leaving you wondering when it'll RSVP back to normal. Think of it as your body's way of keeping you on your toes, with surprise visits from Aunt Flo.
Acupuncture: Imagine your body as a pincushion for good vibes. Acupuncture is like having a zen master gently tap-dancing on your pressure points, helping you find your inner calm in the chaos of menopause.
Alendronate: Meet your bone's new best friend. Alendronate is like a superhero for your skeleton, swooping in to save the day by making your bones as strong as a fortress. Who needs a knight in shining armor when you've got alendronate?
Alternative Medicine: Think of it as your body's personal spa day, with treatments ranging from herbal teas to healing crystals. It's like giving your body a little extra TLC, the natural way.
Androgens: Meet the undercover agents of your body, working behind the scenes to keep things in balance. Androgens are like the unsung heroes of menopause, helping you stay strong, sassy, and ready to take on the world.
Antidepressants: When life hands you lemons, sometimes you need a little pharmaceutical lemonade. Antidepressants are like a mood-boosting magic potion, helping you keep those mood swings in check and your spirits soaring.
Antihypertensives: Picture your blood pressure as a stubborn toddler throwing a tantrum. Antihypertensives are like the calm, soothing voice that gently coaxes it back to a state of zen, keeping your heart happy and healthy.
Anti-inflammatory Drug: Think of it as your body's personal firefighter, rushing in to extinguish the flames of inflammation and joint pain. It's like giving your body a little dose of chill pill, so you can keep strutting your stuff through menopause without missing a beat.
Aromatase Inhibitors: Meet the estrogen blockers, the gatekeepers of your hormonal kingdom. Aromatase inhibitors are like the bouncers at the menopausal nightclub, keeping those pesky estrogen levels in check so you can dance the night away without any hot flashes crashing the party.
Arthritis: Imagine your joints throwing a little protest party, complete with swelling, stiffness, and plenty of creaking. But fear not, with the right treatment, you'll have those joints feeling limber and lively again in no time.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: A treatment option that uses hormones derived from plant sources, such as soy or yams, that are chemically identical to those produced by your body. It's like giving your body a natural boost to help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Brain Fog: That feeling of walking into a room and forgetting why you're there or trying to remember where you put your keys for the hundredth time. It's like your brain decided to take a vacation without telling you.

Dietary Supplements: Natural remedies like black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and evening primrose oil, which some women find helpful for managing menopausal symptoms. It's like stocking up on nature's remedies to support your body through this transition.

Estrogen: The superstar hormone responsible for keeping your lady parts happy and your bones strong. During menopause, estrogen levels take a nosedive, leading to all sorts of fun symptoms.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A treatment option that involves replacing the hormones your body no longer produces during menopause, to help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It's like giving your body a little boost to help it navigate this wild ride with ease.
Hot Flash: A sudden sensation of heat that spreads throughout your body, making you feel like you've just stepped into a sauna fully clothed. It's nature's way of reminding you that you're still smokin' hot, even if you're not feeling it.

Lifestyle Changes: Simple tweaks to your daily routine, like staying active, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting plenty of sleep, which can all help ease the symptoms of menopause. It's like giving your body the love and attention it deserves, so you can sail through menopause with grace and style.

Menopause: The magical time when your body decides to take a vacation from its usual hormonal antics, usually around your late 40s or early 50s. It's like hitting a milestone in the wild ride of womanhood.
Mood Swings: The emotional rollercoaster ride that comes with menopause, where you can go from laughing to crying to yelling in the span of five minutes. It's like having PMS on steroids, but with a side of wisdom and sass.

Night Sweats: When you wake up drenched in sweat, feeling like you just ran a marathon in your sleep. It's your body's way of saying, "Let's kick off the covers and cool down, shall we?"

Osteoporosis: A condition where your bones become fragile and prone to fractures, thanks to the drop in estrogen levels during menopause. It's like your body saying, "Handle with care," so make sure to load up on calcium and vitamin D to keep those bones strong.

Perimenopause: The phase leading up to menopause when your body starts to transition, often characterized by irregular periods, mood swings, and other delightful surprises. It's like the pre-game warm-up before the main event.
Progesterone: Another hormone that plays a role in regulating your menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. Like estrogen, progesterone levels also decline during menopause, contributing to hormonal chaos.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Medications that mimic the effects of estrogen on certain tissues in the body, like bone, without affecting others, like the breast or uterus. They're like the Goldilocks of hormones, providing just the right amount of support where you need it most.
Sleep Disturbances: When you toss and turn all night long, unable to get a decent night's sleep thanks to those pesky hot flashes and night sweats. It's like trying to catch some Z's while riding a rollercoaster, but with the right sleep routine, you'll be snoozing like a baby in no time.
Sexual Health: Menopause doesn't have to put a damper on your sex life! With a little communication and openness, you can still enjoy a healthy and satisfying sex life after menopause.

Vaginal Dryness: When your lady parts decide to become the Sahara desert, making sex about as enjoyable as sandpaper. It's like trying to navigate a dry spell in the bedroom, but with a little extra lubrication, you'll be back in action in no time.
Vaginal Estrogen: Estrogen-based creams, tablets, or rings that are inserted directly into the vagina to help relieve symptoms of vaginal dryness and discomfort. It's like giving your lady parts a little extra TLC, so you can keep the fire burning in the bedroom.
Vaginal Lubricant: It's like giving your vagina a slip 'n slide, ensuring smooth sailing during intimate moments.
Vaginal Moisturizer: The hydrating hero for your most sensitive areas, keeping discomfort at bay and pH levels in check.
Vaginitis: The fiery fiesta in your nether regions, causing irritation and discomfort until the culprit—be it bacteria, yeast, or viruses—is shown the door.
Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin, bringing rays of bone-strengthening goodness to your body, whether from the sun or a handy supplement.
Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA): This is a fancy way of saying that the tissues in your vagina and vulva become thinner and drier due to the decrease in estrogen. It can lead to pain during intercourse, burning, and itching. But don't worry, there are treatments available!

Weight Gain: The frustrating phenomenon where your metabolism decides to slow down and your waistline decides to expand, no matter how much kale you eat or how many squats you do. It's like your body saying, "Let's embrace those curves and rock that midlife glow."
Women's Health Initiative (WHI): The groundbreaking research project shedding light on menopause-related mysteries, like a detective uncovering clues to better health.

Yeast Vaginitis: The unwelcome yeast party in your lady parts, causing itching and discomfort until antifungal treatments bring peace back to your nether regions.

Z-score, T-score (Redux): It's like giving your bones a double take, comparing them to their peers and to their younger selves once again—because bone health is serious business, but it doesn't hurt to have a little fun with it!