A hysterectomy (his-ter-EK-toe-mee) is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus and cervix. Though the number of hysterectomies has declined, it's still the second most common major surgery in the U-S.

Laparoscopy (lap-a-ROSS-coe-pee) is a surgical examination of the interior of the abdomen by means of an instrument called a laparoscope (LAP-a-roe-scope).

Osteoporosis (OSS-tee-o-pore-OH-sis) is a disease in which the bones become soft and weak. According to the American Medical Association, post-menopausal women are most often affected, although the disease also strikes men.

Technically, any operation where the uterus and cervix are removed is a total hysterectomy. But if the ovaries and fallopian tubes are left in place, the procedure is sometimes called a partial hysterectomy.

Each month following ovulation, a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes which regulate the menstrual cycle. These physical and emotional changes appear the week before a woman's period, and are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome, or P-M-S.

Menopause (MEN-oh-pause) is the natural termination of menstrual cycle, when ovulation and periods stop. Pre-menopause refers to the transitional time before menopause.

Osteoporosis (OSS-tee-o-pore-OH-sis) is the gradual loss of calcium stored in the bone, resulting in bone and spine degeneration. The condition affects about half of postmenopausal women.