VAGIFEM^® estradiol/norethindrone acetate tablets

+ About menopause

+ About atrophic vaginitis

+ How VAGIFEM^® can help

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Glossary terms on this page

Atrophic vaginitis
Thinning of vaginal tissues with irritation, pain and inflammation; due to loss of estrogen at menopause.
Estrogen
Hormone secreted by the ovaries that influences a woman's sexual development and menstrual cycle.
Estrone
A weak type of estrogen produced in small amounts in fat tissue; the predominant form of estrogen after menopause.
Hormones
Chemical substances made by the body that control various body functions.
Hot flashes or hot flushes
"Heat waves" that flush the upper body and face; caused by declining levels of estrogen during perimenopause.
Menopause
The cessation of menstrual periods; occurs at the time of a woman's final menstrual period, but is determined following 12 months without a period. Average age among women is 51 years.
Menstrual
Relating to menstruation, the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus in women of childbearing age.
Perimenopause
A transition period that includes up to six years before menopause (the time of a woman’s final menstrual period). During perimenopause, production of estrogen decreases and other physical changes begin to take place.
Postmenopause
A stage in a woman's life that begins one year after her final menstrual period.
Puberty
Time of physical and sexual maturation.
Symptom
Any complaint believed to be an indicator of disease. For example, vaginal dryness or irritation can be symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.
Vagina
Lower part of the birth canal; receives semen from the penis and allows menstrual flow to exit.

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+ Home + About menopause + Stages

Stages of menopause

The stages of menopause begin as your periods become irregular and then cease, and continue beyond your final period. These are natural stages in every woman's life.

The reproductive years begin with estrogen-induced physical changes of puberty, when breasts begin to develop and the menstrual cycle starts. They come to an end as you approach menopause—a point in time marked by your last period.

The stage called perimenopause includes the years immediately before menopause. This transition stage may last six or more years. It is marked by physical and hormonal changes. The stage called postmenopause begins one year after your last period.

How hormone levels are affected during perimenopause

During perimenopause, the functioning of the ovaries is reduced. As a result, lower levels of estrogen and other hormones are produced. These changes in hormone levels cause the onset of menopausal symptoms.

Even after menopause, your body may still continue to produce small amounts of estrogen. This estrogen is produced primarily in fat tissue, not the ovaries.

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