Editorial Glossary

Hormonal health terms explained

45+ plain-language definitions. HRT, GLP-1, PCOS phenotypes, lab markers. Medically reviewed.

Hormone (9)

AMH

Marker of ovarian reserve produced by small follicles. Used to predict fertility and timing of menopause.

Cortisol

Adrenal stress hormone. Chronic elevation in midlife disrupts sleep, glucose, and hormonal balance.

DHEA

Adrenal precursor hormone converted to estrogens and androgens. Declines with age; some clinicians supplement off-label.

Estradiol

The most potent and prevalent estrogen in women of reproductive age. Available as oral, transdermal patch, gel, spray, and vaginal preparations.

FSH

Pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicle development. Elevated FSH (>30) often signals menopause transition.

LH

Pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and supports luteal phase. Elevated LH:FSH ratio common in PCOS.

Progesterone

A hormone made primarily by the ovaries after ovulation. Prescribed alongside estrogen in HRT to protect the uterine lining in women with a uterus.

SHBG

Liver protein that binds and inactivates sex hormones. Low SHBG indicates more "free" testosterone — relevant in PCOS workup.

Testosterone (for women)

Androgen produced in small amounts by ovaries and adrenal glands. Off-label prescribed for low libido (HSDD) in postmenopausal women; not FDA-approved for that use.

Condition (12)

Adenomyosis

Endometrial tissue invading uterine muscle wall. Causes heavy painful periods. Often diagnosed at hysterectomy.

Androgenic Alopecia

Genetic hair thinning driven by androgens. Affects ~50% of women by 60. Minoxidil is first-line treatment.

Endometriosis

Condition где endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility. Affects 1 in 10 women.

Hirsutism

Excess coarse hair growth in androgen-pattern areas (chin, chest, abdomen). Common in PCOS and androgen excess.

Hot flashes

Sudden sensations of intense heat, often accompanied by flushing and sweating, due to fluctuating estrogen levels. Affects up to 80% of women during menopause transition.

Insulin Resistance

Reduced cellular response to insulin. Core feature of PCOS and driver of midlife weight gain.

Menopause

The point 12 months after the last menstrual period. Average age in the US: 51. Marks end of reproductive years and ovarian estrogen production.

Osteoporosis

Reduced bone density after menopause. Estrogen loss accelerates resorption — affecting half of women >50.

PCOS

A common hormonal disorder affecting 8-13% of reproductive-age women. Characterized by irregular periods, elevated androgens, and/or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Perimenopause

The years before menopause when hormone levels fluctuate. Symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep changes, and mood shifts. Average duration: 4 years.

Uterine Fibroids

Benign smooth-muscle tumors in uterus. Affect 70-80% of women by 50; can cause heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

Vaginal Atrophy

Thinning and inflammation of vaginal tissue due to estrogen loss. Causes dryness, pain, and urinary symptoms.

Clinical concept (7)

Bioavailable Testosterone

Testosterone not bound to SHBG — the active hormone available for receptor binding. Better marker than total testosterone in women.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

Measure of bone strength via DEXA scan. T-score < -2.5 = osteoporosis. Baseline recommended at menopause.

Critical Window Hypothesis

Theory that HRT started early in menopause (within 10 years) confers cardiovascular and cognitive benefit; later initiation may not.

NAMS certification

The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS) credential awarded to clinicians who pass an examination demonstrating expertise in midlife women’s health.

PCOS phenotype

One of 4 Rotterdam-criteria classifications (A, B, C, D) describing which features a patient has: irregular periods, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries. Drives treatment choice.

Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW)

Clinical framework for staging reproductive aging from early perimenopause through late postmenopause. Used by clinicians worldwide.

Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)

Hot flashes and night sweats — cardinal menopausal symptoms driven by hypothalamic temperature dysregulation.

Medication (13)

Bioidentical hormones

Hormones with the same molecular structure as those the body produces. Can be FDA-approved (e.g., estradiol patches) or compounded by pharmacies.

Compounded medication

A custom-mixed drug prepared by a licensed pharmacist for an individual patient. Not FDA-approved as a finished product. Used when commercial drugs don’t meet a patient’s needs.

Fezolinetant

First non-hormonal hot flash drug (FDA 2023). NK3 receptor antagonist normalizes hypothalamic temperature regulation.

Metformin

First-line type 2 diabetes medication often prescribed for PCOS-related insulin resistance. Improves how the body responds to insulin.

Minoxidil

Vasodilator used topically (OTC 5%) or low-dose orally (off-label) for androgenic alopecia in women.

Paroxetine

SSRI. At low dose (Brisdelle 7.5mg) FDA-approved for hot flashes — first non-hormonal option.

Premarin

Original HRT — mix of estrogens from pregnant mare urine. Largely replaced by bioidentical estradiol.

Semaglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist medication used for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and chronic weight management (Wegovy). Slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite.

Spironolactone

An anti-androgen medication frequently prescribed off-label for hormonal acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and androgenic alopecia in women.

Tirzepatide

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and weight loss (Zepbound). Often produces greater weight loss than semaglutide.

Wegovy

FDA-approved semaglutide formulation for chronic weight management. Same molecule as Ozempic at higher max dose.

Yaz

Combined oral contraceptive with drospirenone progestin — anti-androgenic. First-line OCP for PCOS-related acne.

Zepbound

FDA-approved tirzepatide formulation for chronic weight management. Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.