Dictionary

meningocele Protrusion of the membranes of the spinal cord or brain through a defect in the vertebral column or skull.

meningomyelocele Protrusion of the spinal cord and the membranes covering it through a defect in the vertebral column. The defect is due to failure of the neural tube to close during fetal development. The infant has a hole in the lumbar spine through which a skin-covered sac containing the meninges and part of the spinal…

Menkes syndrome A genetic disorder that is characterized by fragile, twisted hair, growth delay, and progressive deterioration of the brain. Menkes syndrome is due to an error in copper transport that results in copper deficiency. The gene responsible for the syndrome is called ATP7A, on the X chromosome. Females are carriers of Menkes syndrome, and…

meno- Prefix meaning pertaining to the menses.

menometrorrhagia Excessive uterine bleeding, both at the usual time of menstrual periods and at other irregular intervals. Menometrorrhagia can be a sign of a number of different disorders, including hormone imbalance, endometriosis, benign fibroid tumors in the uterus, and cancer. Anemia may result from the excessive uterine bleeding. Treatment depends on the cause: If there…

menopause The time for a woman, usually in middle age, when menstrual periods end. Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Natural menopause occurs when the ovaries begin decreasing their production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, and the timing of menopause varies, with an average age of…

menopause, chemical Menopause that is induced by chemotherapy or by other chemicals or medications. See also menopause; menopause, induced.

menopause, induced Menopause that is caused by surgical removal of the ovaries, or grave damage to the ovaries by radiation, chemotherapy, or medication. Because of the abrupt cutoff of ovarian hormones, induced menopause may cause the sudden onset of hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and a decline in sex drive….

menopause, natural Menopause that occurs when the ovaries naturally decrease their production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. See also menopause.

menopause transition Changes in female hormone production that may begin a number of years before the natural menopause. The levels of hormones produced by the aging ovaries fluctuate, leading to irregularity in the length of menstrual periods, the time between periods, and the level of period flow, as well as to hot flashes. Other changes…

menorrhagia Excessive uterine bleeding or menstruation at the expected intervals of menstruation but that lasts longer than usual. Menorrhagia can cause significant anemia. It may also be a sign of underlying disease, such as hormone disorder, uterine fibroids, or cancer of the uterus. See also menometrorrhagia; metrorrhagia.

menstrual cramps Cramping in the lower abdomen, usually in the first or second day of the menstrual cycle, that is caused by contractions of the uterus as it expels its unneeded contents and by the passage of clotted blood through the cervix. Ibuprofen or other pain relievers can reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, and…