Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

menopause, natural
Menopause that occurs
when the ovaries naturally decrease their produc-
tion of the sex hormones estrogen and proges-
terone. See also 
menopause.
menopause, radiation
See 
menopause,
induced.
menopause, surgical
See 
menopause,
induced.
menopause transition
Changes in female hor-
mone production that may begin a number of years
before the natural menopause. The levels of hor-
mones produced by the aging ovaries fluctuate,
leading to irregularity in the length of menstrual
periods, the time between periods, and the level of
period flow, as well as to hot flashes. Other changes
associated with the menopause transition include
night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fluctua-
tions in sexual desire (libido), forgetfulness, trou-
ble sleeping, and fatigue (probably due to loss of
sleep). Hormone therapy (HT) may be considered
if the symptoms accompanying menopause transi-
tion are particularly severe. Also known as peri-
menopause. See also 
menopause.
menorrhagia
Excessive uterine bleeding or
menstruation at the expected intervals of menstrua-
tion but that lasts longer than usual. Menorrhagia
can cause significant anemia. It may also be a sign
of underlying disease, such as hormone disorder,
uterine fibroids, or cancer of the uterus. See also
menometrorrhagia; metrorrhagia.
menorrhea
See 
menstruation.
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menorrhea
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menstrual cramps
Cramping in the lower
abdomen, usually in the first or second day of the
menstrual cycle, that is caused by contractions of
the uterus as it expels its unneeded contents and by
the passage of clotted blood through the cervix.
Ibuprofen or other pain relievers can reduce the
severity of menstrual cramps, and some women
report that exercise is also helpful. Severe men-
strual cramps, particularly if paired with excessive
bleeding or passage of large blood clots, can occa-
sionally be a sign of endometriosis or other disor-
ders of the female reproductive tract. Also known as
dysmenorrhea.
menstrual cycle
The monthly cycle of changes
in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus
(endometrium), starting with the preparation of an
egg for fertilization. When the follicle of the pre-
pared egg in the ovary breaks, it is released for fer-
tilization, and ovulation occurs. Unless pregnancy
occurs, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of
the endometrium (menstruation). Although it is
actually the end of the physical cycle, the first day of
menstrual bleeding is designated as “day 1” of the
menstrual cycle in medical parlance.