3.1 lecture: endocrinology, menopause Flashcards
what are the 3 stages of end of reproductive life in females?
pre-menopause
menopause
post menopause
what are the 7 symptoms of menopause?
itchy twitchy sweaty sleepy moody bloated forgetful
when does pre-menopause typically occur from?
age circa 40 years
what happens to menstrual cycle during pre-menopause?
follicular phase shortens
what happens to ovulation during pre-menopause? effects?
ovulation early / absent:
less oestrogen secreted
LH + FSH levels rise, FSH more (less inhibin)
what happens to the feedback loop during pre-menopause?
reduced feedback = reduced fertility (absent ovulation)
reduced feedback on hypothalamus, increase GnRH, increase LH + FSH, removes oestrogen break
what happens during menopause?
cessation of menstrual cycles
when does menopause occur?
average age 49-50 (but varies)
what happens to the hormones during menopause? why?
no more follicles to develop
oestrogen levels fall dramatically
FSH + LH rise (FSH more - no inhibin)
(gradual decline in follicle numbers increases dramatically (rapid decline))
what are the effects of menopause?
vascular changes ‘hot flushes’
affect about 80% females
transient rises in skin temperature + flushing
what are the symptoms of menopause relieved by?
oestrogen treatment
which tissues are sensitive to oestrogen?
uterus cervix vaginal rugae breast tissue skin bladder (pelvic muscles)
what are the effects of menopause (low oestrogen) on uterus?
regression of endometrium (lining)
shrinkage of myometrium (muscle surrounding endometrium)
what are the effects of menopause (low oestrogen) on cervix and vagina?
thinning of cervix
vaginal rugae lost (thinner + drier)
what are the effects of menopause (low oestrogen) on breast tissue?
involution of some breast tissue
what are the effects of menopause (low oestrogen) on skin and bladder?
changes in skin
changes in bladder - loss of pelvic tone (urinary incontinence - more lax pelvic floor muscles)
what are the effects of menopause on bones?
bone mass reduces by 2.5%/year for several years
reduced oestrogen = enhanced osteoclasts (absorb bone)
osteoporosis (decline bone density) –> fractures later life
what can be used to limit the effects of menopause on bones in females?
oestrogen therapy
what is the function of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
relieves symptoms of menopause
can improve well-being
can limit osteoporosis
how is HRT absorbed?
orally / patch or gel
what is HRT not advised for?
cardioprotection
what is the end of reproductive life like for males?
no obvious event
sperm production continues (new fathers in 60’s / 70’s not uncommon)
(there is not the rapid decline in testosterone like oestrogen decline in females)
