Glossary

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