climaterio

Climaterio is a term used in Spanish-language medical literature to describe the climacteric, the transitional phase around menopause in people who still have functioning ovaries. It encompasses the perimenopausal period, the menopause, and the early postmenopausal years. The transition reflects a gradual decline in ovarian follicular reserve and reduced estrogen and progesterone production, which alters menstrual patterns and produces a variety of systemic symptoms.

Origin and usage: The word climaterio derives from climacteric, describing the aging reproductive system. It is mainly used in Spanish- and Portuguese-language medical writing to denote the entire menopause transition; in English, the corresponding terms are climacteric, menopause transition, perimenopause, and postmenopause.

Clinical features: Common manifestations include vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), sleep disturbance, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and urinary symptoms. Some individuals report fatigue, cognitive changes, or joint pain. Long-term health considerations include lower bone density (osteoporosis) and potential changes in cardiovascular risk, underscoring the importance of preventive care during the climateric years.

Diagnosis and management: Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on age and menstrual history; hormonal testing is reserved for atypical cases or when therapy decisions depend on ovarian function. Management is individualized and may include lifestyle measures (regular exercise, healthy diet, smoking cessation), nonpharmacologic approaches, and pharmacologic options such as hormone therapy when appropriate, or non-hormonal alternatives for symptoms. Routine assessment of bone health and cardiovascular risk is recommended.

Clinical significance and regional variation: Recognizing climaterio supports holistic care in midlife, informing symptom management, preventive care, and counseling about treatment risks and benefits. Terminology varies by region, but clearer cross-cultural communication is aided by using both regionally common terms and standardized English-language equivalents.