Female Genitalia - Puberty and Menopause Flashcards
Your 49 year old female patient presents to the clinic with complaints of increased fatigue and trouble sleeping. Upon further assessment, you learn that her menses have become irregular and she is also experiencing some mood swings. Based on your knowledge, you inform the patient that she is most likely experiencing:
Perimenopause
Diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period
Menopause Typically occurs between ages 48 and 55 years, peaking at a median age of 51 yrs **Always ask about any bleeding or spotting after menopause as this may be an early sign of cancer**
What is considered delayed puberty in females?
No breasts or pubic hair by age 12 years
What are some causes of delayed puberty in females?
- Usually inadequate gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary due to defective hypothalmic GnRH production
- Also: anorexia nervosa and chronic disease
What is primary amenorrhea? What are possible causes?
No menarche by age 16
usually due to anatomic or genetic causes
What is secondary amenorrhea? What are possible causes?
Cessation of menses in an adolescent who had previously menstruated
Can be due to a variety of etiologies such as stress, excessive exercise, and eating disorders
Causes of post-menopausal bleeding
Endometrial cancer, HRT, endocrine and cervical polyps
A 48-year-old woman is told by her provider that she is starting menopause. All of the following are possible findings except:
a) Hot flashes
b) Irregular menstural periods
c) Severe vaginal atrophic changes
d) Cyclic mood swings
c) Severe vaginal atrophic changes
These are most likely to occur after menopause
Absense of menses
Amenorrhea
Causes: low body weight from any condition including malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, stress, chronic illness, or hypothalamic pituitary ovarian dysfunction
Postmenopausal bleeding
Bleeding occuring 5 months or more after cessation of menses
**causes include endometrial cancer, HRT, and uterine and cervical polyps**
