The Maple Menopause Glossary: The Words Nobody Explained
This is not simply a dictionary of menopause terminology. It is a translation guide for the language that suddenly appears in articles, appointments, prescriptions, therapy and research: hormones, strange body sensations, psychology, sexual health, gynaecology, Canadian care and evidence.
A useful word can turn “something feels wrong” into a clearer question. It still cannot diagnose you. Entries below identify whether a term is an experience, symptom, thinking pattern, diagnosis, treatment, test, profession or research concept—and point out the mix-ups that cause the most confusion.
A
Absolute contraindication
A reason a treatment should not be used because the expected danger is unacceptable. It is stronger than a relative contraindication, where treatment may still be considered after an individualized risk–benefit discussion.
Back to A–Z ↑Absolute risk
The chance that something will happen in a defined group over a stated period. If risk rises from 2 in 1,000 to 3 in 1,000, the absolute increase is 1 in 1,000—even though the relative increase is 50%.
Back to A–Z ↑Affect
The outward expression of emotion that another person can observe, such as facial expression, voice and movement. Clinicians may describe affect as broad, restricted, flat or labile; this observation is not a diagnosis by itself.
Back to A–Z ↑Agoraphobia
An anxiety disorder involving fear and avoidance of situations where escape might feel difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur. It can involve transit, crowds, lines, bridges, enclosed spaces or leaving home—not simply “fear of open spaces.”
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Back to A–Z ↑Ambiguous loss
Grief connected to a loss that is unclear, incomplete or not socially recognized—for example, feeling separated from a former identity while still living the same outward life. It is a useful concept, not a psychiatric diagnosis.
Back to A–Z ↑Anhedonia
A reduced ability to experience interest or pleasure in things that would normally matter. It can be an important symptom of depression, but the word is not a diagnosis; distinguish it from fatigue, apathy and genuinely changed priorities.
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Back to A–Z ↑Anticipatory anxiety
Anxiety about a feared event or sensation before it happens. The anticipation itself can drive avoidance and keep the brain treating a situation as dangerous even when the feared outcome never occurs.
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Back to A–Z ↑Apathy
Reduced motivation, initiative or goal-directed behaviour: “I cannot get myself started.” Apathy is not identical to anhedonia, fatigue or depression, and everyday apathy does not automatically establish a formal apathy syndrome.
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Back to A–Z ↑Arousal
The body’s and brain’s response to sexual stimulation, which may include genital blood flow, lubrication, sensitivity and subjective excitement. Arousal and desire often interact but are not the same; someone can have interest without an immediate physical response, or a physical response without desire.
Back to A–Z ↑Arthralgia
Joint pain. It describes a symptom rather than naming its cause, which might involve osteoarthritis, inflammatory disease, injury, menopause-associated musculoskeletal symptoms or something else.
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Back to A–Z ↑Assertiveness
Communicating needs, limits or disagreement directly while respecting other people’s rights. It is different from aggression and is not evidence that someone has become cold or difficult.
Back to A–Z ↑Association
A statistical relationship between two things: when one differs, the other tends to differ too. Association can suggest a useful question but does not, by itself, prove that one thing caused the other.
Back to A–Z ↑Atypia
Cells that look abnormal under a microscope. In endometrial tissue, atypia changes the level of concern and management, so the exact pathology wording matters; it is not interchangeable with every form of hyperplasia.
Back to A–Z ↑Avoidance
Staying away from situations, sensations, thoughts or tasks to reduce distress. Avoidance can bring short-term relief while teaching the nervous system that the avoided thing remains dangerous.
Back to A–Z ↑B
Baseline risk
The starting chance of an outcome before a treatment or exposure is considered. Relative-risk headlines are hard to interpret without it.
Back to A–Z ↑Behavioural activation
An evidence-based depression treatment that rebuilds contact with meaningful, necessary or potentially rewarding activity. It does not mean forcing happiness; action is planned at a workable level because waiting for motivation alone can deepen withdrawal.
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Back to A–Z ↑Bioidentical hormones
Hormones with the same molecular structure as hormones made by the human body. Health Canada-authorized estradiol and micronized progesterone can be bioidentical; “bioidentical” does not mean compounded, risk-free or more natural.
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Back to A–Z ↑Blinding
Keeping participants, clinicians or outcome assessors unaware of treatment assignment to reduce expectation and measurement bias. Not every intervention can be fully blinded.
Back to A–Z ↑Boundaries
Limits that clarify what you will do, accept or share. Boundaries are relationship skills—not punishments, diagnoses or proof of emotional dysfunction.
Back to A–Z ↑BPPV
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: brief spinning triggered by particular head positions when tiny inner-ear crystals enter a semicircular canal. Appropriate canalith-repositioning manoeuvres can treat it; nonspecific dizziness is not automatically BPPV.
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Back to A–Z ↑Burnout
Exhaustion, detachment and reduced effectiveness associated with prolonged demands, classically in occupational settings. It can overlap with depression, caregiving strain and menopause symptoms, but the terms are not interchangeable.
Back to A–Z ↑C
Catastrophizing
A thinking pattern that jumps toward the worst plausible outcome and treats it as likely or unmanageable. Naming the pattern can create room to examine evidence; it does not mean the person is choosing to be dramatic.
Back to A–Z ↑Causation
A relationship in which one factor contributes to producing an outcome. Establishing causation usually requires more than observing that two things occur together.
Back to A–Z ↑CBT / cognitive behavioural therapy
A structured psychotherapy that examines links among thoughts, emotions, behaviour and physical sensations, then practises useful changes. Different CBT protocols target different problems; panic-focused CBT is not simply generic positive thinking.
Back to A–Z ↑Clinical significance
Whether an effect is large or meaningful enough to matter in health or daily life. A result can be statistically significant yet too small to be important to patients.
Back to A–Z ↑Cognitive distortion
A habitual bias in interpreting information, such as all-or-nothing thinking, mind-reading or catastrophizing. Everyone uses these shortcuts sometimes; the phrase describes a thinking pattern, not a diagnosis.
Back to A–Z ↑Cognitive load
The amount of information and mental work being held or processed at once. Sleep loss, stress, interruptions and complex caregiving can overload working memory without indicating dementia.
Back to A–Z ↑Cohort study
An observational study that follows a defined group over time or reconstructs its history to compare exposures and outcomes. Cohorts are valuable for long-term patterns but remain vulnerable to confounding.
Back to A–Z ↑Compounded hormones
Custom preparations made by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. They are not the same concept as regulated bioidentical products and do not undergo Health Canada review as finished products; compounding has limited legitimate uses when an appropriate authorized product is unavailable.
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Back to A–Z ↑Confidence interval
A range showing the uncertainty around an estimate. A wide interval means less precision; the interval also helps readers see which effect sizes remain compatible with the data.
Back to A–Z ↑Conjugated estrogens
A mixture of several estrogen compounds; conjugated equine estrogens are derived from pregnant mares’ urine. They are not the same molecule as estradiol, although both are systemic estrogen treatments.
Back to A–Z ↑Contraindication
A circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable because risk may outweigh benefit. Some contraindications are absolute; others are relative and require individualized judgement.
Back to A–Z ↑Correlation
A measure of how two variables change together. Correlation is a form of association and does not, alone, show why the relationship exists.
Back to A–Z ↑Counsellor / therapist / psychotherapist
Broad service descriptions that do not guarantee identical education, registration or legal scope across Canada. Counselling therapy is provincially regulated in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI; psychotherapy is regulated in Ontario and Quebec. In BC, psychotherapy has been designated for statutory regulation, but the exclusive-title and practice provisions are scheduled to take effect November 29, 2027; until then, an RCC remains a BCACC association designation rather than provincial registration. Always check the current provincial regulator and the person’s exact credential.
Back to A–Z ↑D
Depersonalization
A dissociative experience of feeling detached from yourself, your body or your actions—as if observing yourself from outside. It differs from derealization, which involves the surroundings feeling unreal.
Back to A–Z ↑Depression
A mood disorder assessed through a broader pattern of symptoms, duration and functional impact. Loss of pleasure can be central even without obvious sadness; persistent symptoms deserve assessment rather than a menopause-only explanation.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Derealization
A dissociative experience in which the world feels unreal, dreamlike, distant or visually strange even though reality testing remains intact. It is related to—but not the same as—depersonalization.
Back to A–Z ↑Diagnostic test
A test used to help confirm or exclude a condition in someone for whom it is already being considered. It differs from screening, which is offered before symptoms or suspicion necessarily exist.
Back to A–Z ↑Disequilibrium
A sense of imbalance or unsteadiness without an illusion of spinning. It differs from vertigo and presyncope, although people may use “dizzy” for all three.
Back to A–Z ↑Dissociation
A broad term for disruption in the usual integration of awareness, memory, identity, emotion or perception. Depersonalization and derealization are forms of dissociative experience; the word alone does not identify a cause or diagnosis.
Back to A–Z ↑Distress tolerance
The ability to stay present and act safely during intense emotion without needing to eliminate it immediately. It can be learned and practised; it does not mean tolerating abuse, medical danger or endless suffering.
Back to A–Z ↑Dyspareunia
Pain during or after sexual activity. GSM is one possible contributor, but infections, skin conditions, pelvic-floor problems, endometriosis and other causes may need assessment.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑E
Early menopause
Menopause occurring from age 40 through 44. It is distinct from premature ovarian insufficiency before 40 and may change conversations about bone, cardiovascular and hormone health.
Back to A–Z ↑Emotional blunting
A reduction in the intensity of both positive and negative feelings. It can occur with depression and is reported by some people taking antidepressants; medication changes should be discussed with the prescriber rather than made abruptly.
Back to A–Z ↑Emotional dysregulation
Difficulty modulating the intensity, duration or expression of emotion in a way that fits the situation and one’s goals. It describes a process seen across many conditions and ordinary periods of strain—not one diagnosis.
Back to A–Z ↑Emotional numbness
The subjective feeling that emotions are absent, distant or hard to access. It may overlap with anhedonia or emotional blunting but can also occur with stress, grief, depression, dissociation or medication effects.
Back to A–Z ↑Emotional regulation
The processes used to notice, understand and influence emotional responses. Healthy regulation can include expressing emotion, changing a situation, reframing a thought or tolerating a feeling—not merely suppressing it.
Back to A–Z ↑Endometrial biopsy
Removal of a small sample from the uterine lining for laboratory examination. It may be used when evaluating abnormal bleeding or a concerning endometrium; the experience and preparation vary.
Back to A–Z ↑Endometrial hyperplasia
Overgrowth of the uterine lining. Risk and treatment depend strongly on whether atypia is present, so “thick lining” and “hyperplasia with atypia” should not be treated as interchangeable phrases.
Back to A–Z ↑Endometrial thickness
The measured thickness of the uterine lining, commonly reported on transvaginal ultrasound. Its meaning depends on menopause status, bleeding, hormone use and clinical context; a number alone is not a diagnosis.
Back to A–Z ↑Endometrium
The lining inside the uterus. It normally responds to reproductive hormones and sheds during menstruation; after menopause, unexpected bleeding from the uterus requires assessment.
Back to A–Z ↑Estradiol
The main estrogen during the reproductive years and a common hormone used in MHT. “Estrogen” names a family; estradiol is one specific member.
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Back to A–Z ↑Estriol
A weaker estrogen present in larger amounts during pregnancy. It is different from estradiol and should not be assumed safer or more effective because a compounded product calls it “natural.”
Back to A–Z ↑Estrogen
A family of hormones that includes estradiol, estrone and estriol. The word may refer to hormones made by the body or to medicines, so the exact molecule, dose and route matter.
Back to A–Z ↑Estrone
An estrogen that becomes more prominent after menopause, formed largely in peripheral tissues. It is related to—but not interchangeable with—estradiol.
Back to A–Z ↑Executive dysfunction
Difficulty initiating, sequencing, switching, prioritizing or completing tasks despite knowing what needs to happen. It can occur with ADHD, depression, stress, sleep loss and cognitive overload; it is not the same as laziness or anhedonia.
Back to A–Z ↑Executive function
The mental control system used to plan, inhibit, start, switch and monitor goal-directed behaviour. It relies on attention and working memory and is sensitive to sleep, stress and mood.
Back to A–Z ↑Exposure therapy
A structured psychological treatment that gradually helps a person approach feared situations, sensations or memories while reducing avoidance and safety behaviours. Good exposure is collaborative and purposeful—not being thrown into panic without support.
Back to A–Z ↑F
False negative
A test result that is negative even though the condition is present. Tests with higher sensitivity generally produce fewer false negatives, though trade-offs matter.
Back to A–Z ↑False positive
A test result that is positive even though the condition is absent. More screening can find disease earlier but can also generate follow-up, anxiety and procedures for false alarms.
Back to A–Z ↑Family physician
A medical doctor trained in comprehensive primary care. They can assess medical and mental-health contributors, diagnose and prescribe, and arrange specialist referral when needed.
Back to A–Z ↑Fatigue
A persistent sense of physical or mental exhaustion that is not simply sleepiness. Menopause symptoms may contribute, but anemia, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, mood, pain, medication and other causes can overlap.
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Back to A–Z ↑Fibroid
A common non-cancerous growth of uterine muscle, also called a leiomyoma. Fibroids vary in location and symptoms; whether they need treatment depends on bleeding, pressure, pain, size, change and individual circumstances.
Back to A–Z ↑Formication
The sensation that insects are crawling on or under the skin when none are present. It is a specific type of paresthesia, not a diagnosis, and persistent or one-sided symptoms may have neurological, medication-related or other causes.
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Back to A–Z ↑Frailty
A clinical state of reduced physiological reserve and greater vulnerability to stressors. It is not an inevitable synonym for ageing and is assessed through function, strength and health—not appearance.
Back to A–Z ↑FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary gland to influence ovarian follicles. FSH often rises as ovarian function changes, but levels fluctuate in perimenopause; one result rarely explains every symptom.
Back to A–Z ↑G
Grief
A response to loss that may involve sadness, anger, yearning, numbness, relief or disrupted concentration. Grief is not automatically a disorder, although prolonged or severe impairment may warrant professional support.
Back to A–Z ↑GSM / genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Changes involving the vulva, vagina, bladder and urinary tract associated with lower estrogen, including dryness, burning, painful sex, urgency and some recurrent urinary problems. Unlike many transition symptoms, GSM commonly persists or progresses without treatment.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑H
Hot flash / hot flush
A sudden wave of heat, often with sweating, flushing, chills, palpitations or anxiety-like sensations. “Hot flash” and “hot flush” describe the same vasomotor symptom.
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Back to A–Z ↑HRT
Hormone replacement therapy, an older and still common name for menopausal hormone therapy. MHT is often preferred because treatment does not simply “replace” hormones to a youthful level.
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Back to A–Z ↑Hypervigilance
Sustained scanning for possible threat in the body or environment. It is more than being observant: attention becomes biased toward danger, which can amplify ambiguous sensations and anxiety.
Back to A–Z ↑Hysteroscopy
A procedure using a thin camera through the cervix to view the uterine cavity. It can help investigate bleeding and identify or treat some polyps or other focal findings.
Back to A–Z ↑I
Identity
The evolving sense of who you are, what matters and how you understand your roles. Feeling unlike yourself can accompany mood or cognitive symptoms, but identity change can also be a non-pathological part of midlife.
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Back to A–Z ↑Indication
A health problem or clinical circumstance for which a treatment or test is appropriately used. A drug can have strong evidence for one indication and little evidence for another.
Back to A–Z ↑Intrusive thoughts
Unwanted thoughts, images or impulses that enter awareness and feel upsetting or inconsistent with a person’s values. Having an intrusive thought is not the same as wanting it, intending it or acting on it.
Back to A–Z ↑L
LH
Luteinizing hormone, made by the pituitary gland and involved in ovulation and ovarian hormone production. Like FSH, it is part of reproductive signalling but is not a stand-alone menopause symptom test.
Back to A–Z ↑Libido
Sexual interest or desire. It is influenced by comfort, relationship context, stress, sleep, medication, mood and health—not one hormone result—and is distinct from physiological arousal.
Back to A–Z ↑Local / vaginal estrogen
Low-dose estrogen placed in or around the vagina to treat GSM locally, with minimal systemic absorption at standard doses. It is not the same exposure or primary purpose as systemic MHT.
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Back to A–Z ↑M
Menopause
The point reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period when no other cause explains the absence. It is a date identified in retrospect; the transition leading to it is perimenopause and the years afterward are postmenopause.
Back to A–Z ↑Meta-analysis
A statistical method that combines results from compatible studies to estimate an overall effect. A precise pooled number can still mislead if studies are biased, heterogeneous or answering different questions.
Back to A–Z ↑MHT
Menopausal hormone therapy: regulated hormone medicines used for appropriate menopause symptoms and, in selected situations, bone protection. Regimen and risk depend on the hormone, route, dose, uterus, age, timing and health history.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Micronized progesterone
Regulated progesterone processed into very small particles to improve absorption. It is molecularly identical to human progesterone and may be used to protect the uterine lining with systemic estrogen; it is not interchangeable with every progestin.
Back to A–Z ↑MSW
Master of Social Work, an academic graduate degree. It is not professional registration: a practitioner may appropriately list both MSW and RSW, showing education and registration respectively.
Back to A–Z ↑Myalgia
Muscle pain. It describes where pain is felt, not why it is happening.
Back to A–Z ↑N
Natural menopause
Menopause occurring through ovarian ageing rather than removal of both ovaries or ovarian-damaging treatment. “Natural” describes the pathway, not whether symptoms are mild or treatment unnecessary.
Back to A–Z ↑Neuropathy
Damage or dysfunction of peripheral nerves that may cause numbness, burning, tingling, weakness or pain. Paresthesia is a sensation; neuropathy is a possible neurological cause that requires clinical context.
Back to A–Z ↑Night sweats
Hot flashes occurring during sleep, sometimes severe enough to soak clothing or bedding. They can fragment sleep, but infection, medication and other conditions also cause night sweating.
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Back to A–Z ↑Nurse practitioner
A regulated advanced-practice nurse authorized to assess, diagnose, order tests and prescribe within provincial scope. Access and practice arrangements vary across Canada.
Back to A–Z ↑O
Observational study
Research in which investigators observe exposures and outcomes rather than assign treatment. It can reveal real-world patterns and harms, but confounding makes causal conclusions harder.
Back to A–Z ↑Off-label
Use of an authorized medicine for an indication, dose, route or population not included in its approved product labelling. Off-label does not automatically mean improper or experimental, but evidence and informed discussion matter.
Back to A–Z ↑Oral estrogen
Systemic estrogen swallowed as a tablet and processed through the digestive system and liver. Its risk profile differs from transdermal estrogen in clinically important ways.
Back to A–Z ↑Osteopenia
Bone mineral density lower than expected but not in the osteoporosis range on standard testing. It does not mean “almost guaranteed fracture”; overall fracture risk also depends on age, previous fractures and other factors.
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Back to A–Z ↑Osteoporosis
A skeletal disorder involving reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk. It can be diagnosed by bone-density criteria or certain fragility fractures; it is not simply joint pain.
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Back to A–Z ↑Overwhelm
The experience of demands exceeding available capacity, making prioritizing and action harder. It is ordinary language rather than a diagnosis, but chronic overwhelm can worsen sleep, anxiety and executive function.
Back to A–Z ↑P
Palpitations
Awareness of the heartbeat as racing, pounding, fluttering or skipped beats. Menopause and anxiety may contribute, but rhythm problems, thyroid disease, anemia, stimulants and medications can also matter.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Panic attack
An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort with symptoms such as racing heart, breathlessness, dizziness, shaking or fear of losing control. A panic attack can occur once or with many conditions; it is not automatically panic disorder.
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Back to A–Z ↑Panic disorder
A diagnosis involving recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus persistent worry or maladaptive behaviour change related to further attacks. It is distinct from one panic attack and may occur with or without agoraphobia.
Back to A–Z ↑Paresthesia
A broad term for abnormal skin sensations such as tingling, pins-and-needles, burning or crawling. Formication is the more specific crawling-insects sensation; neither term identifies the cause.
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Back to A–Z ↑People-pleasing
A non-diagnostic description for repeatedly prioritizing approval or other people’s comfort, sometimes at significant personal cost. Doing less of it can reflect stronger boundaries rather than emotional dysfunction.
Back to A–Z ↑Perimenopause
The menopause transition, beginning when menstrual-cycle patterns and related physiology start changing and ending 12 months after the final menstrual period. Symptoms can begin before periods become obviously irregular.
Back to A–Z ↑Placebo
An inactive or comparison intervention designed to resemble the treatment being studied. Placebo-controlled trials help separate treatment-specific effects from expectation, attention, natural change and measurement noise.
Back to A–Z ↑Plantar fasciitis
Pain involving irritation or degeneration of the plantar fascia, commonly felt near the heel with first steps after rest. Midlife timing does not prove menopause caused it.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Polyp
A growth projecting from a tissue lining, such as the endometrium or cervix. Many are benign, but bleeding and pathology determine what evaluation is appropriate.
Back to A–Z ↑Postmenopausal bleeding
Bleeding occurring after menopause—that is, after 12 months without periods. It should be medically assessed even though many causes are benign.
Back to A–Z ↑Postmenopause
The stage beginning after menopause has been reached and continuing for the rest of life. Some symptoms settle, while GSM and bone loss may persist or progress; new symptoms still need ordinary medical reasoning.
Back to A–Z ↑Premature menopause
Menopause before age 40. The phrase is sometimes used loosely, but primary ovarian insufficiency is often the more accurate diagnosis because ovarian activity can be intermittent.
Back to A–Z ↑Primary ovarian insufficiency / POI
Loss or marked reduction of ovarian function before age 40, with altered cycles and hormonal findings. Ovarian activity can occasionally occur, so POI is not always identical to permanent menopause.
Back to A–Z ↑Primary-care clinician
A family physician or nurse practitioner who can assess mood and physical contributors, order appropriate tests, diagnose many common conditions, prescribe within scope and coordinate referrals. This is often the practical starting point when it is unclear whether symptoms involve menopause, sleep, thyroid disease, anemia, medication or mental health.
Back to A–Z ↑Progesterone
A hormone made by the ovaries after ovulation and used in some regulated medicines. With systemic estrogen in someone who has a uterus, adequate progesterone or another progestogen protects the endometrium.
Back to A–Z ↑Progestin
A synthetic medicine that acts at progesterone receptors. Progestins belong to the broader progestogen family but are not molecularly identical to progesterone.
Back to A–Z ↑Progestogen
The umbrella term for substances with progesterone-like activity, including progesterone itself and synthetic progestins.
Back to A–Z ↑Psychiatrist
A physician with specialist training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can assess and diagnose mental illness, prescribe medication and may provide psychotherapy; access in Canada often involves referral and varies by province and urgency.
Back to A–Z ↑Psychologist
A provincially or territorially regulated professional trained in psychological assessment and treatment. Education and scope vary by jurisdiction—some require doctoral training, others permit master’s-level registration—and psychologists generally do not prescribe medication in Canada.
Back to A–Z ↑R
Radiculopathy
Symptoms caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, potentially including radiating pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in a limb. It differs from generalized paresthesia and peripheral neuropathy.
Back to A–Z ↑Randomized controlled trial / RCT
A study that randomly assigns participants to treatment groups, helping balance known and unknown differences. RCTs are strong for estimating treatment effects under studied conditions, while observational studies may better capture rare harms or long-term real-world patterns.
Back to A–Z ↑RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor, a designation granted to eligible members of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). BCACC is a professional association, not a statutory provincial regulatory college; check the practitioner’s training, standing, experience and whether your benefits plan covers RCC services.
Back to A–Z ↑Relative contraindication
A factor that raises concern but does not automatically rule out treatment. The decision may depend on alternatives, route, dose, monitoring and individual risk.
Back to A–Z ↑Relative risk
The risk in one group compared with another. “50% higher risk” can mean an increase from 2 to 3 in 1,000 or from 20 to 30 in 100, so always ask for baseline and absolute risk.
Back to A–Z ↑RSW
Registered Social Worker, a provincially regulated professional title. In BC, registration is through the BC College of Social Workers; RSWs work in many settings and some provide psychotherapy, but RSW does not automatically mean therapist, MSW or prescriber.
Back to A–Z ↑Rumination
Repetitive, sticky thinking that circles distress, causes or consequences without moving toward resolution. It is not simply careful thought and can maintain anxiety or depression.
Back to A–Z ↑S
Safety behaviour
An action used to prevent a feared catastrophe or reduce anxiety, such as constant pulse-checking or only travelling with a “safe” person. It may help briefly while preventing new learning that the situation can be managed.
Back to A–Z ↑Sarcopenia
Age-related loss of muscle strength and mass severe enough to affect function. It is not diagnosed by appearance alone and differs from osteoporosis, which concerns bone strength.
Back to A–Z ↑Screening test
A test offered to people without known disease to identify who may need further assessment. Screening is not confirmation: positive results often require diagnostic testing.
Back to A–Z ↑Self-efficacy
A person’s belief that they can carry out actions needed in a particular situation. It is task-specific and can grow through practice and successful experience; it is not the same as generic self-esteem.
Back to A–Z ↑Sensitivity
The proportion of people with a condition whom a test correctly identifies. Higher sensitivity usually means fewer false negatives, but sensitivity alone does not tell you what a positive result means for one person.
Back to A–Z ↑Sexual desire
Interest in or motivation for sexual activity. Desire may be spontaneous or responsive and is influenced by context, comfort, mood, medication and relationship factors; it is not identical to arousal.
Back to A–Z ↑Specificity
The proportion of people without a condition whom a test correctly identifies as negative. Higher specificity generally means fewer false positives.
Back to A–Z ↑Statistical significance
A result unlikely under a specified null model at a chosen threshold. It does not show that the effect is large, important, unbiased or clinically useful.
Back to A–Z ↑Suicidal ideation
Thoughts about suicide, ranging from passive wishes not to wake up to active planning. The term describes a serious symptom, not a character flaw; urgent support is warranted when someone cannot stay safe.
Back to A–Z ↑Surgical menopause
Menopause caused by removal of both ovaries, usually with an abrupt fall in ovarian hormones. Removing the uterus alone stops bleeding but does not cause immediate menopause if functioning ovaries remain.
Back to A–Z ↑Systematic review
A structured attempt to find, appraise and synthesize all eligible research addressing a question. Its reliability depends on the included studies and methods; “systematic” does not guarantee certainty.
Back to A–Z ↑Systemic estrogen
Estrogen delivered through the bloodstream to affect the body broadly, using tablets, patches, gels or sprays. It differs from low-dose vaginal estrogen intended primarily for local GSM symptoms.
Back to A–Z ↑T
Tachycardia
A heart rate faster than the expected range for the situation. It is a measured finding, while palpitations describe what a heartbeat feels like; the two can occur together or separately.
Back to A–Z ↑Tendinopathy
Persistent tendon pain and impaired function, often related to load and tissue adaptation rather than simple inflammation. It differs from joint pain and may need graded rehabilitation.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Testosterone
An androgen made in women as well as men. Evidence supports carefully assessed use for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in selected postmenopausal women—not routine treatment of fatigue, mood, cognition, weight or productivity.
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Back to A–Z ↑Tinnitus
Hearing sound such as ringing, buzzing or pulsing without an external source. It has many possible causes; sudden one-sided hearing loss or pulsatile tinnitus needs prompt assessment.
Back to A–Z ↑Transdermal estrogen
Systemic estrogen absorbed through skin from a patch, gel or spray. “Applied to skin” does not mean local: it enters the bloodstream, unlike low-dose vaginal estrogen.
Back to A–Z ↑Transvaginal ultrasound
Ultrasound using a slender probe placed in the vagina to view the uterus, endometrium and ovaries. It can measure endometrial thickness but cannot by itself provide every tissue diagnosis.
Back to A–Z ↑V
Vagina
The internal muscular canal extending from the cervix to the vaginal opening. It is not the name for all external genital anatomy; that is the vulva.
Back to A–Z ↑Vaginal atrophy
An older term for thinning and dryness of vaginal tissue associated with lower estrogen. GSM is usually more useful because symptoms can involve the vulva, bladder and urinary tract as well as the vagina.
Back to A–Z ↑Vaginal dryness
Reduced vaginal moisture that may cause irritation, burning or painful sex. It can be part of GSM, but infections, skin conditions, medications and arousal context may also matter.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Vasomotor symptoms
The clinical term for hot flashes and night sweats. They involve altered temperature regulation and are among the symptoms most clearly associated with the menopause transition.
Back to A–Z ↑Vertigo
The false sensation that you or the surroundings are moving, often spinning. It is one type of dizziness—not the same as faintness, general imbalance or a floaty feeling.
Read more on Maple Menopause →
Back to A–Z ↑Vulva
The external genital anatomy, including the labia and clitoris. Calling the entire area “the vagina” can make symptom descriptions and care less precise.
Back to A–Z ↑W
Working memory
The limited mental workspace used to hold and manipulate information for a few seconds, such as remembering the next two steps while completing the first. Stress, poor sleep and cognitive load can make it feel unreliable.
Back to A–Z ↑Who might help with what in Canada?
There is rarely one perfect doorway. Regulation, referral rules and public coverage vary by province or territory; private and extended-health coverage varies by plan.
I want psychotherapy or counselling
A psychologist, appropriately trained social worker, RCC in BC, or another qualified counsellor/psychotherapist may fit. Check the exact credential, provincial regulation or association standing, areas of practice and your benefits wording.
I think I may have depression or anxiety
Primary care can assess both mental-health and physical contributors and begin treatment. A psychologist can provide assessment and psychotherapy; a psychiatrist is a physician specialist, often accessed by referral.
I think medication may help
Begin with a family physician or nurse practitioner, or a psychiatrist when specialist care is indicated. Psychologists, RCCs and RSWs are not physicians and generally do not prescribe medication.
I need formal psychological assessment
Look for a provincially registered psychologist whose authorized scope and experience match the assessment. Requirements and protected titles differ among jurisdictions.
I need benefits coverage
Ask the insurer which exact credentials are eligible, whether a referral is required, the annual maximum and whether virtual care is covered. Never assume “therapist” or “RCC” is covered because another plan pays for it.
I do not know whether this is hormones, thyroid, anemia, medication or mental health
A family physician or nurse practitioner is often the practical starting point because they can assess physical and psychological contributors, order tests within scope, prescribe and coordinate referral.
Before booking: verify credentials; check the current provincial public register or association directory and disciplinary information where applicable; ask about relevant experience and approach; and confirm insurance eligibility directly with your plan.
Authoritative sources and scope notes
Definitions were checked against current Canadian regulators and professional bodies, Canadian clinical resources and peer-reviewed or authoritative medical references. Regulation changes; verify a professional on the current register in the province or territory where care is delivered.
- BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC designation and member standards)
- BC College of Social Workers (RSW/RCSW regulation and public register)
- Canadian Psychological Association: provincial and territorial regulation
- Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association: regulatory landscape
- CAMH mental-health information
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Canada
- The Menopause Society patient education
- Maple Menopause: Canadian MHT sources and guidance
Educational information only. A glossary can make a conversation clearer; it cannot replace assessment, diagnosis or individualized care.