Exam 2 - Menopause symptoms Flashcards
What are the five main symptoms experienced by women undergoing menopause?
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- GU changes
- Sexuality differences
- Emotional and psychosocial changes
How would a patient with hot flashes describe their symptoms?
- Night sweats
- Hot flushes
- Sweating
- Sensation of heat
- Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Chills from heat loss
How long do hot flash episodes lasts?
1-5 minutes
Who would be more at risk for developing hot flashes?
- African American women
- Surgically induced menopause (during first year)
- Women who are younger at the time of menopause
- High BMI
At what point during menopause are hot flashes most prevalent?
During the first 2 years
At what age range are sleep disturbances more common in menopausal women?
Common between 40-64 years
What causes GU changes during menopause?
Decreased estrogen
How does menopause effect the vagina in terms of GU changes?
- Dry
- Inflamed
- Red
- Visible capillary beds
- Abrasions
- Absent vaginal rugae
- Painful intercourse - decreased cervical mucus production
How does menopause effect the ovaries during menopause (GU changes)?
Ovaries become small, impalpable
What should be done when a postmenopausal women has AUB?
MUST BE EVALUATED FOR HYPERPLASIA OR CANCER
How does menopause effect fibroids during menopause?
Fibroids shrink after menopause d/t decreased estrogen
Does sexuality increase or decrease after menopause?
Generally increases - reports feeling more feminine, reduced tress, improved sleep, empty nest
What sexual difficulties could a women experience during menopause?
- Decreased desire
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased lubrication
- Inability to achieve orgasm
