Use this glossary to follow a conversation, not to diagnose yourself or choose treatment.
Perimenopause
The transition before natural menopause. Read perimenopause for how to describe changes and prepare for assessment.
Menopause and postmenopause
Natural menopause is identified retrospectively after a year without periods when there is no other explanation. Postmenopause is the time afterwards. [1] Read menopause and postmenopause.
HRT or menopause hormone therapy
Terms for hormone treatment used in menopause care. Different preparations have different purposes and considerations; see HRT. [2]
Systemic and local treatment
Systemic hormone treatment acts throughout the body; local vaginal treatment is directed at vaginal and related urinary symptoms. The two should not be treated as interchangeable. [3] See vaginal oestrogen.
Vasomotor symptoms
A term used for hot flushes and night sweats. [4] See the hot-flush guide.
Shared decision-making
A care conversation in which you ask about options, benefits, risks and uncertainties, explain your preferences and agree a plan with a clinician. Our appointment planner is designed to help you participate.
Residential care versus retreat
In this guide, residential care refers to a clinical treatment setting for an assessed need. Retreat refers to a stay primarily offering rest or wellbeing support unless a specific clinical service has been verified. See the comparison rather than assuming these labels alone establish capability.