Menopause Glossary
This glossary explains common menopause terms in plain English. It is written to help you understand appointments, articles and provider profiles, not to diagnose symptoms.
Common menopause terms
- Perimenopause
- The time leading up to menopause when hormone levels can fluctuate and symptoms may start or change.
- Menopause
- Usually defined as 12 months after the last period, unless menopause has happened because of surgery or medical treatment.
- Postmenopause
- The years after menopause. Symptoms may improve, continue or change over time.
- HRT
- Hormone replacement therapy. Suitability, type and dose should be discussed with a qualified prescriber.
- Vaginal oestrogen
- Local oestrogen treatment sometimes used for vaginal or urinary symptoms. Speak to a clinician or pharmacist about suitability.
- Vasomotor symptoms
- Symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.
- Genitourinary symptoms
- Symptoms affecting the vagina, bladder or urinary tract, such as dryness, discomfort or urinary symptoms.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
- When ovarian function changes before the age of 40. This should be reviewed by a clinician.
Find related support
Use the symptoms hub, GP appointment summary tool or directory search to move from definitions to practical next steps.
Important: If symptoms are new, severe, sudden or worrying, speak to a GP, pharmacist or urgent care service.
How to use this menopause glossary
This glossary explains common menopause, perimenopause and workplace support terms in plain English. It is designed to help users understand the language they may see in articles, directory profiles, GP appointments or workplace resources.
Some terms relate to symptoms, some relate to types of support, and some relate to treatment formats or workplace processes. The glossary should be used for orientation only and not as a substitute for medical, legal, HR or occupational health advice.
If a term relates to a symptom or treatment question that affects you personally, use it as a prompt for a conversation with a GP, pharmacist or qualified clinician.