Climacterische

Climacterische is the Dutch adjective form of climacteric and is used to describe phenomena tied to a climacteric phase in biology. The term is applied in different disciplines to refer to distinct processes, most notably in botany and in human medicine, where it denotes a transitional period.

In botany, climacteric fruits are those that continue to ripen after harvest, driven by a rise in respiration and a surge in ethylene production. This climacteric burst accelerates ripening and results in changes in texture, aroma, and flavor. Common climacteric fruits include banana, apple, avocado, tomato, mango, and pear. Non-climacteric fruits, such as citrus, grape, strawberry, and watermelon, show little postharvest ripening and rely less on ethylene. Postharvest handling leverages these differences: climacteric fruits can be ripened with controlled ethylene exposure, while treatments that slow or inhibit ethylene action (for example, 1-methylcyclopropene) can delay ripening and extend shelf life.

In human medicine, the climacteric refers to the menopausal transition—the period around menopause when ovarian function declines and estrogen and progesterone production falls. The typical age range is mid- to late 40s through early 50s, though onset varies. Perimenopause may include irregular cycles and vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, while menopause marks the permanent end of menstruation. The climacteric period can have longer-term health implications, including effects on bone density and cardiovascular risk; management is individualized and may involve lifestyle measures and hormonal or non-hormonal therapies.

Because the term spans botany and medicine, the meaning of climacterische depends on context and often requires clarification.