Glossary

A

Asthenia

Sensation of intense tiredness that involves a decrease in the ability to work and fatigue even to make small efforts.

B

Bacterial flora

Bacterial flora is a community of bacteria that exists on or in the body, and possesses a unique ecological relationship with the host. Bacterial flora encompasses a wide variety microorganisms, and the interactions between microbes and host creates a mutualistic relationship that both entities benefit from.

C

Cytoplasm (of pollen)

the whole portion of a cell contained within the cell membrane.

Climacteric

The period of life when fertility and sexual activity are in decline. In women, this phase occurs around 45-50 years and is characterized by the cessation of menstrual flows (menopause).

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fundamental fatty substance for various biological functions. This molecule is subjected to a continuous metabolism, which ensures a constant balance. However, if this balance is lacking, cholesterol can accumulate in the blood and deposit in the artery walls.

D

Dietary supplement

Food products intended to complement the common diet, and which are a concentrated source of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, or other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect.

E

F

G

H

Hot Flashes / Hot Flushes

Associated with or without night sweats, they are the most common symptom of menopause. They are referred to as a sudden sensation of heat, accompanied by skin reddening, especially of the face

I

Isoflavones

Femal is a product based on purified pollen extract, natural, which does not contain soy isoflavones and red clover that have, instead, an estrogenic effect

J

K

L

M

Menopause

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly. The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman's oestrogen levels decline. In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51.

N

O

Oestrogen

Oestrogen is one of the main female sex hormones. While both women and men produce oestrogen, it plays a bigger role in women's bodies. Oestrogen is produced by your hormonal (endocrine) system and moves through the bloodstream. In the female body, oestrogen is needed for:

• puberty
• the menstrual cycle
• pregnancy
• bone strength
• maintaining normal cholesterol levels.

Oestrogen also affects your brain, heart and skin.

P

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens or dietary oestrogen are naturally occurring compounds found in plants. Many of these plants are already part of a person's diet

PAP test

A PAP test is a test a doctor or nurse undertakes to check the cervix for any cells that are not normal. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina. Abnormal cervical cells can sometimes lead to cervical cancer and will be investigated by a specialist.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause usually begins a few years before the menopause. It's the time when the ovaries gradually begin to make less oestrogen. Perimenopause usually starts in a woman's 40s, but can start in her 30s or even earlier. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs.

Q

R

S

Soy Isoflavones And Red Clover

Isoflavones belong to the phytoestrogens category. Soy and derivatives of soy and red clover contain various types and concentrations of isoflavones (Genistein and Daidzein, Biochanin A Formononetina)

T

Trichologist

Trichology is a specialisation of dermatology that studies anatomy, physiology and diseases related to hair and hair. The trichologist is the specialist who takes care of it.