Word parts
What it means
The natural end of menstruation and of being able to become pregnant, as the ovaries make less estrogenES-truh-jenA female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.Full entry and progesterone. In the United States it most often happens around age 51; it can also be caused by surgery that removes both ovaries, or by some cancer treatments. The years of change leading up to it are called perimenopause, and can bring hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes and vaginal dryness.
For the nurse
Lower estrogen after menopause raises the risk of osteoporosisos-tee-oh-puh-ROH-sisA condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.oste/o bonepor/o pore, small opening-osis abnormal conditionFull entry and heart disease, so teach about calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise and screening. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause is reported for follow-up.
At a glance
| Spanish | menopausia |
|---|---|
| Also written | menopausal, postmenopausal |
Related terms
osteoporosis
A condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.
estrogen
A female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.