Female Sexual and Reproductive Health

climacteric

midlife transition when fertility declines

climacteric

biologically based but impacted by the environment

men

gender that experiences reduction in ability to reproduce

women

gender that experiences loss in ability to reproduce once reaching menopause

perimenopause

period of transition where woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs + production level of estrogen & progesterone decreases

menopause

defined as 12 months without menstruation

age 51

average age of menopause

perimenopause

can occur 2 to 8 years before menopause

hot flash

surge of adrenaline

hot flash

can awaken the brain from sleep

hot flash

produces sweat and a change of temperature that can be disruptive to sleep and comfort levels

loss of estrogen

loss of hormone that affects vaginal lubrication = diminishes and becomes waterier and can contribute to pain during intercourse

estrogen

hormone important for bone formation and growth

estrogen replacement therapy

once commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms

hormone replacement therapy

associated with breast cancer, stroke, and the development of blood clots