Definitions A-Z

Table Of Contents

A

Andropause

A decrease in libido in men which is attributed to a gradual decline in testosterone levels also known as “Male Menopause “

Ashwagandha

A medicinal herb that has nerve-calming effects, this time-honored medicinal herb has been a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. Known in herbal medicine as an adaptogen, a substance that maintains balance and homeostasis by modulating the stress response ashwagandha has several distinct effects on the body that promote healthy, restful sleep

C

Cervix

The lower, narrow passage forming the lower end of the uterus. (womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal)

Chemical Menopause

Chemical menopause may be the result from treatment for endometriosis, or cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy

E

Endometriosis

Endometriosis develops when the tissue that grows inside your uterus begins to grow on your ovaries, bladder, or other nearby organs. This means when you get your period, the tissue sheds just as it would if it were inside your uterus

Estrogen

Estrogen is a steroid hormone associated with the female reproductive organs and is responsible for developing female sexual characteristics

F

FDA-Cleared

FDA has reviewed and provided clearance and has undergone a 510(k) submission and has passed a basic level of scrutiny by the FDA

G

GMP

Good Manufacturing Practice – a set of principles and procedures that ensure products are consistently produced and controlled to quality standards. The manufacturing facility is inspected by the FDA

GSM

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause – A cronic condition that affects women durning the menopause transition, caused by low estrogen levels. Symptoms include: vaginal/vulvar dryness, painful sex, urinary incontinence, frequesnt or urgent urination.

H

Hormone

Hormones are the body’s powerful chemical messengers. They work by controlling and regulating the processes that keep the body functioning.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms, and are a medical condition of menopausal due to the sudden drop in estrogen levels. Hot flashes involve sudden and recurring sensations of heat and sweating.

HRT

Hormone Replacement Theropy

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies. It’s a high molecular weight polysaccharide that plays a role in the metabolism of the dermis. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is most abundant in the skin but can also be found in the skeletal tissues, heart valves, lungs, aorta, and tissues in the clitoris. Hyaluronic acid’s superpower is to retain moisture and hydrate the skin.

Hysterectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, or womb, from a woman’s body

L

L- Theanine

L- Theanine, an amino acid found almost exclusively in green and black tea, provides a variety of health benefits primarily by acting on the nervous system. Among its benefits, l-theanine is neuroprotective; improves cognitive function; has antistress, antianxiety, and antidepressant effects; and it can improve sleep

Labia majora

Labia majora are the two thicker skin folds on the outer part of the vulva that cover the labia minora, vaginal opening, and clitoris and are typically covered with pubic hair

Labia minora

Labia minora are two thinner skin folds inside the labia majora.

libido

Means sex drive or the desire for sex

M

Mammogram

an X-ray of the breast that uses low-dose radiation to help detect breast cancer and other breast issues

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain from the neurotransmitter serotonin and regulates the body’s circadian rhythms. Melatonin gently eases the mind and body into a state of calm wakefulness in preparation for sleep. Production of melatonin is stimulated by low light conditions. Its levels rise with the moon to promote sleep, and fall as the sun rises to promote wakefulness.

Menopause

Menopause is a single day — the day that you have not had your period for 12 consecutive months. The years that lead up to menopause are a transition from the reproductive to the nonreproductive state. It’s basically reverse puberty.

Mia Vita

Means “My Life”

Microbiome

The intestinal microbiome refers to the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in the digestive tract — making up the areas from the mouth down to the anus.

N

Natural Menopause

Natural menopause is a stage of aging that occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and the production of estrogen and progesterone declines.

O

Orgasm

An orgasm is at the peak of sexual arousal. It feels like muscle contractions, tension release, and pleasure. Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing increase as the body releases feel-good hormones – dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones and increases the likelihood of fractures and other injuries

Ovaries

The ovaries are small glands located on either side of the uterus and are part of the female reproductive system that produce eggs and hormones

P

PCOS – (polycystic ovary Syndrome)

Hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age where you have few, unusual or very long periods

Perimenopause

It’s a normal transition when estrogen levels decrease. Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s mid-40s to early 50s, though it can begin as early as a woman’s mid-30s

Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that have a structure similar to the estrogen produced by the human body. These naturally occurring substances that can interact with estrogen receptors, potentially influencing a range of biological processes.

Post menopause

The time after menopause, when a woman hasn’t experienced a period for over a year

Prebiotic

Prebiotics, a nondigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines are essential for nourishing beneficial bacteria within our gut.

Probiotic

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria which stimulates the growth of microorganisms present in certain foods, bolstering our gut’s microbial population

S

Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes the spine to curve in the shape of an “S”

Related Article: https://femmepharma.com/scoliosis-and-menopause-how-hormonal-changes-affect-spinal-health/

Sjogren’s

An autoimmune disease that affects the entire body causing dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren’s can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system

Sports Vagina

A term for vaginal discomfort that occurs with exercise

STD

Sexually Transmitted Disease

STI

Sexually Transmitted Infection

U

Uterus

A hollow muscular organ of the female reproductive system located between the bladder and rectum

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection

Related Article: https://femmepharma.com/what-causes-chronic-utis-and-how-to-find-relief/

V

Vagina

A muscular reproductive organ of the female genital tract. It extends from the vulval to the cervix. The vagina connects the uterus to the outside of the body.

Vaginal Atrophy

The thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls causing dryness and pain durning sexual activity.

VMS

Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause – Also know as Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Related Article: https://femmepharma.com/what-is-vms/

VSM

Vulvovaginal Symptoms of Menopause – VSM occurs when estrogen levels decline. When estrogen levels drop, the vaginal walls become thinner, the vagina becomes less lubricated, and the vagina may have less elasticity

Related Article: https://femmepharma.com/what-is-vsm/

Vulvar

The external female genitalia, including the structures that surround the vaginal opening.