Gynae Flashcards
(136 cards)
what is the average age of menarche?
12 years (8-16)
what is mittelzchmerz?
peri-ovulatory, unilateral pelvic pain
what causes ovulation?
LH surge
is oestrogen higher in the proliferative or luteal phase?
proliferative/ follicular
which phase of the menstrual phase is progesterone highest in?
luteal phase as is released by corpus luteum
how long does the corpus luteum survive?
14 days
what does the hypothalamus release?
gonadotropin releasing hormone
what does the anterior pituitary release?
FSH and LH
feedback mechanisms in the menstrual cycle
FSH stimulates release of oestrogen
oestrogen provides -ve feedback so decreases FSH and +ve feedback to increase LH
LH stimulates release of progesterone
progesterone has -ve feedback on pituitary so decreases LH
causes of abnormal bleed mnemonic
PALM (strutctural) COEIN Polyp/ pregnancy Adenomyosis Leiomyoma Malignancy endometrial/ cervical Coagulopathy Ovulation (disorders of)- PCOS, hypothyroid Endometrial- fibroids/ endometriosis Iatrogenic (POP/IUCD etc) Not yet classified
what is PCOS?
unexplained chronic hyperandronergic anovulation
what are signs of PCOS?
hirstutism
male pattern balding
acne
insulin resistance (obesity, cenrtal fat distribution, acanthosis nigricans)
what criteria can be used to assess PCOS?
Rotterdam criteria; 2/3 of:
polycystic ovaries on USS
oligo/ anovulation
signs of excess androgens
how is the pituitary axis affected in PCOS?
increased oestrogen from peripheral adipose-> stimulates more LH from anterior pituitary-> androgen production-> converted to oestrogens peripherally…
what are the long term risks of PCOS?
infertility
CVD
DM2
endometrial carcinoma
what is the treatment of PCOS?
contraception
if trying to conceive- metformin, clomiphene citrate
what is the average age of menopause?
51, premature <40
what happens to the hormones during menopause?
oestrogen and progesterone decrease
therefore LH/ FSH increase
what is the perimenopausal period known as
climacteric
what symptoms suggest a woman is perimenopausal?
weight gain (especially abdo/ buttocks) menstrual irregularity vasomotor- night sweats, hot flushes, palpitations mood swings vaginal atrophy
what are post-menopausal women at increased risk of?
osteoporosis
what is menopause?
amenorrhoea for at least 12 months
how are menopausal women treated?
HRT- sequential if menstruating, continuous combined if not. unopposed oestrogen if had hysterectomy
bisphosphonates if indicated by DEXA
what are the side effects of HRT?
Increased risk of VTE increased risk of breast/ cervical cancer CVD risk Breast tenderness PV bleed headaches