Gynae Flashcards
(99 cards)
Physiology of FSH?
Causes maturation of the ovum, and hence the increase in production of oestrogen.
Physiology of LH?
Causes the corpus luteum to form (release of egg- ovulation!), and hence the production of progesterone.
How does the cervix change during the menstrual cycle? (follicular phase + luteal phase)
Follicular phase –> ^ mucus production by cervix. Around ovulation, becomes more stringy + runny to facilitate sperm access.
Luteal phase –> becomes thicker + more elastic to protect the foetus from any microbes coming up vagina (mucus plug).
Purpose of the corpus luteum? (which marks the Luteal Phase- 14days)
Corpus Luteum continuously produces progesterone –> stabilises endometrium, makes more viable for embryo to implant, ^endometrium’s secretions, lipids, glycogen + blood supply.
What is the current classification of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?
FIGO classification (PALM-COEIN) for causes of AUB in non-gravid women of reproductive age.
What is adenomyosis and what are the key characteristics?
Ectopic endometrial tissue WITHIN the uterus (embedded in the myometrium).
Therefore- uterus will be bigger (symmetrical lumps on bimanual), painful ‘vague pain’ and heavy bleeding!
What are the 3 types of leiomyoma (fibroid) and most common type?
Intramural (inside uterus muscle).
Subserous (fibroid out of uterus cavity- most common!)
Submucous (fibroid coming out of uterus cavity)
If a woman of CBA presents with heavy bleeding, what investigations would you do?
FBC
Coagulation screen
TFTs
Offer OPH/ US as 1st line (outpatient hysteroscopy- esp if Hx suggestive of endometrial pathology)
If no cause of heavy menstrual bleeding identified… Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding! Management of this?
1st line= Mirena IUS
If doesn’t want hormones/severe pain too= Mefenamic/Tranexamic Acid.
IMB + PCB in WoCBA is suggestive of what?
Cervix: polyps, cervicitis, ectropion (v common!), cancer.
Endometrium: polyp, submucosal fibroid.
Post-menopausal bleeding- what are the 3 main causes and how do you manage women who present with PMB in GP?
Vaginal Atrophy (70%!) Endometrial hyperplasia/polyp (consider hysterectomy/ progesterones) Malignancy (10%)
Mx- must be sent for 2wk wait referral! Urgent USS + endometrial biopsy should be arranged.
(remember- women on combined HRT- bleeding during progesterone free period is normal)
What causes vaginal atrophy, and how can it be managed?
Reduced oestroen levels cause thinning of vaginal epithelium. Infection associated with this.
Reassure- can be normal!
Lube during sex/ estradiol creams if necessary.
In PMB, investigating the endometrial thickness with USS- what are the cut off points for biopsy?
If >3mm (or >5mm on HRT!) then biopsy required! (as ^likelihood of endometrial ca.)
This DOESNT apply to women on Tamoxifen who have a thickened endometrium and require a hysteroscopy.
Examination/Investigations of women who comes in with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding??
- Anaemia! (FBC!!!)
- Thyroid signs! (TFTs!!!)
- Check breast symptoms- as prolactin can be an important cause.
- Abdo exam for any masses (PCOS/fibroids may be felt).
- Pelvic exam for symmetry in uterus.
Reasons for Primary Amenorrhoea?
Normal sexual characteristics:
- Physiological (constitutional delay)
- Mullerian agenesis
- Imperforate hymen
- Androgen insensitivity syndrome
No sexual characteristics:
- Hypothyroidism (stress, exercise, low BMI)
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Chemo-radio
- Turner’s
Reasons for Secondary Amenorrhoea?
- Contraception
- Lactation
- Hypothyroidism
- Premature ovarian failure
- Hyperprolactinaemia
- Menopause
- Asherman’s
- Features of androgen excess: PCOS, Cushing’s, androgen secreting tumour.
Management of Primary Dysmenorrhoea? (onset usually within 2yrs of menarche)
(^ levels of prostaglandins - ^contractility of myometrium)
- NSAIDS: Mefenamic Acid + Ibuprofen (reduce production of uterine PGs)
- COCP/DEPOT progesterones (suppress ovulation)
- IUS
How do you diagnose PCOS?
Rotterdam Diagnostic Criteria! 2 out of 3:
- Irregular menstruation
- Signs/sx of ^ systemic androgens
- USS criteria of PCOS which is >12mm cycts, <9mm
Pathophysiology of PCOS?
Increased GnRH causes a basal increase in LH.
Compensatory insulin increase results in insulin resistance + hyperinsulinaemia.
Increased LH + hyperinsulinaemia causes ^output of ovarian androgens
Results in acne + hirsutism!
What do raised/normal/low levels of FSH show?
Raised- ovarian failure
Normal- PCOS
Low- hypothalamic disease
Markers of PCOS: FSH LH Prolactin Testosterone TSH
FSH- normal LH- often raised (but not diagnostic) Prolactin- exclude prolactinoma (pituitary tumour) Testosterone- raised TSH- to exclude thyroid dysfunction
Management of PCOS?
COCP- to regulate menstruation (need 3-4 bleeds/year to protect endometrium)
Metformin- for hyperinsulinaemia/ CVD risk
Clomiphene- used to induce ovulation when subfertility
Ovarian drilling
Lifestyle advice (BMI<30)
Physiology of the Menopause?
(usually- developing follicles in ovaries produce estradiol)
As menopause approaches - ^anovulation, so progesterone levels drop.
Therefore, ^FSH +LH levels (as less estradiol, so less -ve feedback to anterior pituitary)
What are measured to identify menopause?
Serum FSH >30IU/L (not reliable)
Anti-Mullerian hormone (better indicator of follicular reserve)