Health A-Z

Meningitis

Clinical Definition Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, usually bacteria or a virus, but it can also be caused by certain physical injuries, cancers or drugs. In Our Own Words Although relatively rare, meningitis is

Menopause

Clinical Definition When a woman’s ovaries no longer release eggs and she hasn’t menstrated in one year, she has entered menopause. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive period, when her body begins to produce less estrogen and progesterone. In Our Own Words A women officially enters menopause when she hasn’t had a menstrual

Menstruation

Clinical Definition Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining that happens if a pregnancy does not occur. The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long but can range from 21 to 35 or even 45. To menstruate three to five days is typical, but as few as two and as many as seven

Mental Breakdown

Clinical Definition Mental breakdown is a term used to describe an acute psychiatric condition  precipitated by intense stressors. Mental breakdown is not defined by the American Psychiatric Association, but is a common euphemism used to describe a reactive psychiatric condition causing impaired concentration and normal functioning. In Our Own Words A mental breakdown is a

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