by E
Term: Grave’s disease
Definition: An autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland and leads to thyroid hyperactivity (hyperthyroidism).
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000358.htm
Term: gynecologist
Definition: A doctor specializing in the business of the shmirshky.
Term: Hashimoto’s disease
Definition: Also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which causes inflammation and leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000371.htm
Term: HDL
Definition: High-density lipoprotein; the “good” cholesterol.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003496.htm
Term: HRT
Definition: Hormone replacement therapy; also called HT (hormone therapy or hormone treatment). HRT is a supplement of hormones to treat the symptoms of PM&M. The hormones are commonly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007111.htm
Term: hyperthyroidism
Definition: Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland, is usually caused by the autoimmune illness called Grave’s disease. In this condition, the body’s immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the gland to make an excess amount of T3 and T4, the two forms of thyroid hormone. (The 3 and the 4 refer to the number of iodines in that form of the hormone.) If you’re a “hyper,” you may experience some of these symptoms: enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), bulging eyes, sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, nervousness and anxiety, irritability, tremor in the hands and fingers, sweating, changes in menstrual patterns, increased sensitivity to heat, more frequent bowel movements, and difficulty sleeping.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000356.htm
Term: hypothyroidism
Definition: Hypothyroidism is usually caused by Hashimoto’s disease. The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, which slows down the body’s metabolism. If you’re a “hypo,” you may experience weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, slow pulse, low blood pressure, constipation, depressed mood, muscle aches/weakness, hair loss, low energy, and all kinds of sluggishness.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000353.htm
Term: hysterectomy
Definition: An operation in which the uterus is removed.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002915.htm
Term: incontinence
Definition: Incontinence refers to the loss of bladder control. For shmirshkies, this can mean anything from mild drips to full-on floods.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/urinaryincontinence.html
Term: LDL
Definition: Low-density lipoprotein; the “bad” cholesterol. Too much LDL in the blood can clog your arteries.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003495.htm
Term: male menopause
Definition: The term male menopause is a bit misleading, since erlicks don’t have a menstrual cycle. What male menopause typically refers to is the decrease in testosterone levels in middle-aged men, often resulting in menopause-like symptoms including fatigue, depression, physical weakness, and a lower libido.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-menopause/MC00058
Term: mammogram
Definition: An X-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003380.htm
Term: menopause
Definition: The time in a shmirshky’s life when her period stops.73 The term menopause is often casually used in reference to the perimenopause experience; however, technically, menopause is the point in time when a shmirshky has been without her period for twelve consecutive months.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menopause.html
http://www.menopause.org/Portals/0/Content/PDF/A.pdf
Term: natural hormone
Definition: A hormone originally derived from a plant or animal source.
Term: osteoporosis
Definition: A medical condition in which the bones become brittle, typically as a result of a hormonal deficiency or reduced calcium or vitamin D levels. Shmirshkies in PM&M experience a decrease in estrogen, which can contribute to osteoporosis.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000360.htm
Term: Pap smear
Definition: An examination of cells scraped from the cervix. This sampling is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if any of the cells are cancerous or precancerous.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm
Term: perimenopause
Definition: A time in a shmirshky’s life that no one ever mentioned to me, probably because I would have requested a sex change immediately. Typically, perimenopause is the six- to ten-year symptom-laden span of time before a shmirshky finally stops getting her period for twelve consecutive months. Often when people say, “I’m going through menopause,” they are describing the perimenopausal part of the journey.
http://www.menopause.org/glossary.aspx
Term: PMS
Definition: Premenstrual syndrome; the symptoms that shmirshkies often get before their period arrives. Symptoms may include bloating, constipation, cravings, sore breasts, headache, and feeling unusually emotional, irritable, tired, anxious, or depressed, just to name a few. (Sounds like fun, right?)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001505.htm
Term: postmenopause
Definition: Yet another time in a shmirshky’s life that is not discussed. Postmenopause begins about five years after a shmirshky has reached the point of menopause and continues throughout the rest of her life. A shmirshky in postmenopause typically would have permanently reduced hormone levels. I’m not quite there yet, but I am hoping postmenopause won’t involve any postgraduate work.
http://www.menopause.org/Portals/0/Content/PDF/A.pdf
Term: Premarin
Definition: A hormone replacement made from the urine of pregnant horses, which was reported on in the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative studies.
http://www.drugs.com/premarin.html
Term: premature menopause
Definition: Most shmirshkies begin to experience PM&M symptoms in their forties or fifties. Early PM&M storms can also occur for some shmirshkies. If a shmirshky’s period is gone for twelve consecutive months or more, before the age of forty, this is currently known as premature menopause. Many resources say premature menopause can be a result of one’s genetic makeup, an illness, or medical procedures; however, some restrict it to only natural (nonsurgical) causes.
http://www.menopause.org/Portals/0/Content/pdf/A.pdf
Term: premenopause
Definition: This is a confusing and sort of antiquated term that is generally being phased out. Technically, premenopause means the entire time in a shmirshky’s life before menopause, but that is a bit too broad to be useful.
http://www.menopause.org/Portals/0/Content/PDF/A.pdf
Term: progesterone
Definition: The hormone that stimulates the uterus and gets it ready for pregnancy. Progesterone also regulates the monthly menstrual cycle. Low levels of progesterone can impact your mood and cause irritability, among other things.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menopause.html
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5060
Term: Progestin
Definition: A nonbioidentical form of HRT, intended to supplement low levels of progesterone in the body.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/progestin
Term: Provera
Definition: A synthetic progesterone included in the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative studies.
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http://www.drugs.com/pdr/provera.html
Term: synthetic hormone
Definition: A hormone whose chemical structure has been altered in a laboratory.
Term: synthroid
Definition: Medication commonly used to treat hypothyroidism.
Term: T3 and T4
Definition: Thyroid hormones that get released into the bloodstream and control the body’s metabolism. The 3 and the 4 refer to the number of iodine molecules in that form of the hormone.
http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyfunction.html
Term: testosterone (free and total)
Definition: Free testosterone is the unbound, metabolically active testosterone. Total testosterone includes both the free and bound testosterone. In shmirshkies, the ovaries produce testosterone. This benefits shmirshkies by helping to maintain a healthy libido, strong bones, muscle mass, and mental stability.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5747
Term: thyroid condition
Definition: A condition that affects the thyroid gland, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and others.
http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyfunction.html
Term: thyroid gland
Definition: A small, two-lobed gland in your neck that uses iodine to make thyroid hormones that help regulate your metabolism.
http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyfunction.html
Term: triglycerides
Definition: Molecules of fatty acid produced in your body and from foods, which are stored in fat cells in your body.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003493.htm
Term: TSH
Definition: Thyroid stimulating hormone. An imbalance in your TSH levels is one of the main indicators of a thyroid condition.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003684.htm
Term: Type A
Definition: Type A people are known for their impatience, aggressiveness, and competitiveness.
http://stress.about.com/od/understandingstress/a/type_a_person.htm
Term: Type B
Definition: Type B folks are known for having a lack of aggressiveness and tension.
http://www.answers.com/topic/type-b-personality
Term: ultrasound scan
Definition: Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of the internal systems of the body. There is no exposure to radiation. You don’t feel a thing!
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003336.htm
Term: Vitamin D3
Definition: This vitamin, named after my husband’s first initial, is typically absorbed from sunlight through the skin. D3 helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, and helps keep your bones nice and strong.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-vitamind.html
Term: WHI
Definition: The Women’s Health Initiative, which was created by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The WHI conducted a series of clinical trials and observational studies on postmenopausal shmirshkies.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi
hormone therapy menu
• Oral or tablet form: This is the most common type of hormone therapy. When swallowed, the medication immediately travels to the liver (via the gastrointestinal tract), where the majority of the hormone is metabolized (deactivated); then a small fraction of active hormone goes into the bloodstream.
• Patches: These are applied to your skin below your waist—for example, on your stomach, thigh, bottom, or hip (swab the area with alcohol first, and the patch will stick better). Patches need to be changed once or twice a week depending on your prescription and your needs. It is best to place them in a different location each time to prevent skin irritation.
• Implants: These are small pellets that are inserted into the fat under the skin. This process is carried out with a local anesthetic in your doctor’s office. These implants last about four to six months.
• Transdermal creams, gels, and sprays: These can be applied to the skin, usually once or twice daily. After application, the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Vaginal treatments: These come as tablets or creams that are inserted into the shmirshky, similar to a suppository. They can help to ease vaginal discomfort. There is also a vaginal ring available, which can be left in the shmirshky for three months. It slowly releases estradiol (the most potent form of the three natural estrogens) into the vaginal tissues. Estriol, the weakest form of estrogen, can also be applied into the shmirshky in the form of vaginal creams. It may ease frequent urination or urgency and painful intercourse.
• Sublingual: These are liquids or tablets. At present, these are only available from compounding pharmacies.74
Patches, implants, gels, creams, sprays, and sublingual methods all transmit hormones to your body first through your bloodstream, making a first pass to their sites of action and then ultimately degrading in the liver. Because these methods do not go directly through the gastrointestinal tract, you can keep the dose much lower than with the oral or tablet form.
hormone therapy brands75
Estrogen
Brand (hormone): Alora (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: generic cream, gel, pill (oral), patch
Brand (hormone): Bi-est (estradiol, estriol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: generic cream, gel, pill
Brand (hormone): Cenestin (conjugated estrogens)
Bioidentical: No
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Climara (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: patch
Brand (hormone): Delestrogen (estradiol valerate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: injection
Brand (hormone): Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: injection
Brand (hormone): Divigel (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: gel
Brand (hormone): Elestrin (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: gel
Brand (hormone): Enjuvia (conjugated estrogens)
Bioidentical: No
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Esclim (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: patch
Brand (hormone): Estrace (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: cream, pill
Brand (hormone): Estraderm (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: patch
Brand (hormone): Estradiol (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: various generics, compounded implant, cream, capsule, suppository
Brand (hormone): Estrasorb (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: gel
Brand (hormone): Estring (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: vaginal ring
Brand (hormone): EstroGel (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: gel
Brand (hormone): Evamist (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: transdermal spray
Brand (hormone): Femring (estradiol acetate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: vaginal ring
Brand (hormone): Femtrace (estradiol acetate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Gynodiol (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Innofem (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Menest (esterified estrogens)
Bioidentical:
No
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Menostar (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: gel
Brand (hormone): Ogen (estropipate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: cream, pill
Brand (hormone): Ortho-Est (estropipate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: pill
Brand (hormone): Premarin (conjugated estrogens)
Bioidentical: No
Application: cream, pill
Brand (hormone): Tri-est (estrone, estradiol, estriol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: generic and compounded cream, gel, pill
Brand (hormone): Vagifem (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: vaginal tablet
Brand (hormone): Vivelle (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: patch
Brand (hormone): Vivelle-Dot (estradiol)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: patch
Progesterone
Brand (hormone): Crinone (progesterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: vaginal gel
Brand (hormone): Endometrim (progesterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: vaginal insert
Brand (hormone): Prochieve (progesterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: vaginal gel
Brand (hormone): Progesterone (progesterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: generic and compounded cream, gel, suppository, capsule, injection
Brand (hormone): Prometrium (progesterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: pill, capsule
Brand (hormone): Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: pill, capsule
Testosterone
Brand (hormone): Androderm (testosterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: gel
Brand (hormone): AndroGel (testosterone)
Bioidentical: Yes
Application: cream
Brand (hormone): Delatestryl (testosterone enanthate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: injection
Brand (hormone): Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate)
Bioidentical: No
Application: injection
Brand (hormone): Striant (testosterone)
Bioidentical: Yes