Artificial Menopause
Menopause can occur artificially because of medical treatments or procedures such as removal of the ovaries, radiation treatment or chemotherapy.

Oestrogen
This hormone helps a woman's body prepare the uterus for creating and developing an embryo. Women who suffer perimenopause symptoms from decreasing levels are often prescribed oestrogen in pills or patches.

Fibroids
These non-cancerous tumours are most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Painful menstruation and intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain and constipation are the most frequent symptoms. Treatment is only necessary if symptoms are suffered.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
The pituitary gland creates FSH to instruct the follicles to produce oestrogen. During menopause FSH levels are high.

Hormones
Chemical secretions that that begin or maintain activity in the body.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH works with FSH to develop ovulation and is made by the pituitary gland.

Natural Menopause
When menstruation ends naturally - normally to women in their 40s and 50s. Levels of female reproductive hormones fall and monthly periods stop.

Ovaries
The female reproductive organs found on each side of the uterus. The ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation
The release of an egg from the ovary.

Postmenopausal
The time after the menopause when periods have stopped and hormone levels have stabilized once more.

Premature Menopause
The rare condition of menopause in women in their 30s and early 40s.

Perimenopause
The perimenopause is the time leading up to your final period (the menopause) and the 12 months following it. Common symptoms are irregular menstrual periods, hot flushes and mood swings.

Pituitary Gland
The small gland in the brain that produces the follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Progesterone
The female reproductive hormone produced mostly in the ovaries that prepares the uterus for embryo development, together with oestrogen.