Atherosclerosis: a condition where the arteries become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. Plaque is formed by inflammatory cells and lipid particles. Atherosclerosis can lead to stiffening and narrowing of the arteries, causing increased blood pressure and sometimes an acute clot event such as a heart attack, or MI (myocardial infarction), or a stroke in the case of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries. 

 

Bioidentical - not a medical term, but often used to describe a hormone that is structurally the same as a hormone that we produce naturally in the human body. Also referred to as body-identical. Of note, bioidentical hormones are often synthesized in a lab from plant origins. 

 

Body-identical - see bioidentical 

 

CAD = coronary artery disease = CHD = coronary heart disease: This is a specific type of cardiovascular disease (see CVD) where there is narrowing of the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the muscle of the heart to allow it to function and perform normally. Typically this is caused by atherosclerosis (see atherosclerosis). 

 

CEE = conjugated equine estrogens = Premarin (brand name) - a product that contains a variety of natural estrogens that are found in pregnant horse’s urine. Some of the estrogens in CEE are also found in humans and some are not. This product was the most popular estrogen used in the US up until the WHI trial (see WHI) in the early 2000’s. 

 

CHC = Combined Hormonal Contraception - a class of contraceptive hormone drugs that utilizes an estrogen (usually synthetic) with a progestogen in order to suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy. This class includes the birth control pill, patch and ring. 

 

Compounding (compounded drugs, compounded hormones, compounding pharmacies) - a process by which a specialized pharmacy makes a unique formulation of a medication that is utilized in a different way than FDA regulated prescription drugs. These medications or hormones can be variable in quality and safety as they are not regulated by the FDA. Compounded medications do require a prescription from a licensed medical professional such as a physician or nurse practitioner. 

 

CVD = cardiovascular disease: overarching category of a variety of issues related to the heart and vascular system. May include coronary artery disease (See CAD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, hypertension, and others. 

 

GUSM = GSM = genitourinary syndrome of menopause - inclusive term of vaginal, vulvar, and urinary symptoms that may accompany menopause and postmenopause. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, vaginal/vulvar atrophy, painful intercourse related to vaginal atrophy or dryness, certain types of urinary incontinence, and frequent urinary tract infections. 

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HRT = hormone replacement therapy. A term now largely replaced by “MHT” (see MHT), but still applicable to early or surgical menopause, where full replacement is indicated. 

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HSDD = hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Also referred to as “low libido,” it is defined by a significant persistent decrease in sexual fantasies or desire to engage in sexual activity which causes severe emotional or interpersonal distress. 

 

IUD = intrauterine device - sometimes referred to as a “T” or “coil” this is a device that gets placed inside the womb, or uterus, to prevent pregnancy. There are several types of IUDs that are inert plastic and contain a progestin called levonorgestrel, and another non-hormonal type that contains a copper coil. 

 

LARC = long acting reversible contraception - This refers to contraceptive options such as IUDs and contraceptive implants, which are reversible and work for several years. 

 

Menopause: STRAW-10 definition - 1 year after the first day of the final menstrual period. Many people utilize the word to also describe perimenopause, and/or postmenopause. 

MHT = menopausal hormone therapy, previously referred to as “HRT” or hormone replacement therapy

 

OCP = Oral contraceptive pill - a type of CHC that is given orally. Most OCPs in the US contain ethinyl estradiol and a synthetic progestin. There are a variety of doses and progestin types, and one or two other estrogen types available.

 

Perimenopause: according to the STRAW-10 criteria, its beginning is defined by 2 consecutive menstrual cycles that vary by at least 7 days in length, and its end is defined by 1 year after the final menstrual period. Many people include changes in flow, mood, or other symptoms that may start earlier as part of perimenopause, though there is no consensus definition that includes this.

 

Postmenopause: STRAW10 definition - the timeframe starting after the final menstrual period and going until death 

 

Premarin (see CEE)

 

Synthetic hormones - hormones made in a laboratory that are similar to and mimic some of the actions of our body’s natural hormones. Examples: ethinyl estradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethindrone acetate. 

 

Vasomotor symptoms: category of menopause symptoms that include hot flashes and night sweats

 

VTE = venous thromboembolism: This refers to a dangerous type of blood clot in the large veins - usually a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the legs or pelvis, or a PE (Pulmonary embolism) in the veins of the lungs. 

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WHI = Women’s Health Initiative - a large, CDC funded trial starting in the 1990s with the intention to examine whether hormone therapy in the form of Premarin or Prempro would be helpful for long-term disease prevention. The findings and cultural outcome of the WHI trial are thought to be a major turning point in the use of and attitudes towards menopausal hormone therapy.