Gynaecology Flashcards
What is the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis ?
The hypothalamus releases GnRH which stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce LH and FSH.
These stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries. The theca granulosa cells secrete oestrogen which has a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.
What is oestrogen ?
A steroid sex hormone produces by the ovaries in response to LH and FSH. It acts to promote female secondary sexual characteristics.
What does oestrogen stimulate ?
Breast tissue development
Growth and development of the female sex organs at puberty
Blood vessel development in the uterus
Development of the endometrium.
What is progesterone ?
A steroid sex hormone produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation.
When pregnancy occurs progesterone is mainly produced by the placenta.
What are the main functions of progesterone ?
Thickens and maintains the endometrium
Thickens the cervical mucus
Increases the body temperature
At what ages does puberty start in boys and girls ?
8-14 - girls
9-15 - boys
What can cause delayed puberty in girls ?
Low birth weight
Chronic disease
Eating disorders
Athletes
What are the 2 stages of the menstrual cycle ?
Follicular and luteal
What part of the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase ?
Start of the menstruation to the moment of ovulation.
What part of the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase ?
The moment of ovulation to the start of menstruation
What hormone spikes before ovulation ?
LH
What does the corpus luteum secrete ?
High levels of progesterone which maintains the endometrial lining. It also causes the cervical mucus to become thick.
What maintains the corpus luteum ?
HCG
What secretes HCG ?
The syncytiotrophoblasts of the embryo
What happens if there is no fertilisation or production of hCG ?
The corpus luteum degenerates and stops producing oestrogen and progesterone.
This fall causes the endometrium to break down and menstruation to occur.
What is menstruation ?
Involves the superificial and middle layers of the endometrium separating from the basal layer. This tissue is broken down inside the uterus and released the cervix and vagina.
What are some functions of the placenta ?
Respiration
Nutrition
Excretion
Immunity
What is amenorrhoea ?
Refers to a lack of menstrual periods
What are some causes of primary amenorrhoea ?
Abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
Abnormal functioning of the gonads
Imperforate hymen
What are some causes of secondary amenorrhoea ?
Pregnancy
Menopause
Physiological stress - excessive exercise, low BMI, chronic disease
PCOS
Medications
Thyroid hormone abnormalities
Cushing’s syndrome
What are the key causes of intermenstrual bleeding ?
Hormonal contraception
Cervical ectropion, polyps or cancer
STI
Endometrial polyps or cancer
Vaginal cancer
Pregnancy
Ovulation
Medications
What are some causes of dysmenorrhoea ?
Primary dysmenorrhoea
Endometriosis or adenomyosis
Fibroids
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Copper coil
Cervical or ovarian cancer
What are some causes of Menorrhagia ?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Extremes of reproductive age
Fibroids
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Contraceptives
Anticoagulants
Bleeding disorders
DM or hypothyroidism
PCOS
What are some causes of post-coital bleeding ?
Cervical cancer, ectropion or infection
Trauma
Atrophic vaginitis
Polyps
Endometrial cancer
Vaginal cancer
What are some differentials for pelvic pain ?
UTI
Dysmenorrhoea
IBS
Ovarian cysts
Endometriosis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Ectopic pregnancy
Appendicitis
Mittelschmerz
Pelvic adhesions
Ovarian torsion
IBD
What are some causes of vaginal discharge ?
Bacterial vaginosis
Candidiasis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomonas vaginalis
Foreign body
Polyps
Cervical ectropion
Pregnancy
Malignancy
What are some causes of Pruritus vulvae ?
Irritants
Atrophic vaginitis
Infections - candidiasis
Skin conditions such as eczema
Vulval malignancy
Stress
What is hypogonadism ?
Refers to a lack of sex hormones, oestrogen and testosterone that normally rise before and during puberty.
What is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism ?
Involves deficiency of LH and FSH leading to deficiency of the sex hormones
What can cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism ?
Hypopituitarism
Damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary
Significant chronic conditions
Excessive exercise or dieting
Constitutional delay in growth and development
Kallman syndrome
What is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism ?
Gonads fail to respond to stimulation from LH or FSH. Without negative feedback LH and FSH rise.
What are some causes of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism ?
Previous damage to the gonads
Congenital absence of ovaries
Tuners syndrome
What is associated with Kallman syndrome ?
Anosmia
What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia ?
Congenial deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme.
This causes underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone and over production of androgens from birth.
Which inheritance pattern does congenital adrenal hyperplasia follow ?
Autosomal recessive
What are some typical features of congenital adrenal hyperplasia if presenting later in childhood ?
Tall for age
Facial hair
Absent period
Deep voice
Early puberty
What is androgen insensitivity syndrome ?
A condition where the tissues are unable to respond to androgen hormones so typical male sexual characteristics don’t develop.
Resulting in female phenotype
What are the threshold for initiating investigations for amenorrhoea ?
No evidence of pubertal changes in a girl aged 13.
What are some initial investigations for amenorrhoea ?
FBC
U&E’s
Anti-TTG or anti-EMA
What are some hormonal investigations for amenorrhoea ?
FSH and LH
TFT’s
Insulin like growth factor
Prolactin
Testosterone
What imaging can be performed for amenorrhoea ?
X-ray of the wrist
Pelvic USS
MRI of the brain
What is the management option for constitutional delay in growth and development ?
Reassurance and observation
What is the management of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism ?
Pulsatile GnRH
Replacement of sex hormones - COCP
What are some pituitary causes of secondary amenorrhoea ?
Pituitary tumour - prolactinoma
Pituitary failure - trauma, surgery or sheenan’s syndrome
How does high prolactin levels cause amenorrhoea ?
High prolactin levels act on the hypothalamus to prevent the release of GnRH.
Without GnRH there is no release of LH or FSH.
What are some management options for hyperprolactinoemia ?
Bromocriptine
Cabergoline
If amenorrhoea lasts longer than 12 months what should be prescribed ?
Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium intake
HRT or COCP
What is premenstrual syndrome ?
This describes the physiological, emotional and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
What is the cause of premenstrual syndrome ?
Fluctuation in oestrogen and progesterone hormones during the menstrual cycle.
How does premenstrual syndrome present ?
Low mood
Anxiety
Mood swings
Irritability
Bloating
Fatigue
Headaches
Breast pain
Reduced confidence
Cognitive impairment
Reduced libido
What is the management of premenstrual syndrome ?
General healthy lifestyle changes
COCP
SSRI
CBT
what is classed as excessive menstrual blood loss ?
More than 80mL loss
What are some basic investigations to perform in Menorrhagia ?
Pelvic exam with a speculum and bimanual
FBC
When should an outpatient Hysteroscopy be arranged for Menorrhagia ?
Suspected submucosal fibroids
Suspected endometrial pathology
Persistent intermenstrual bleeding
When should a pelvic and transvaginal USS be arranged in menorrhagia ?
Possible large fibroids
Possible adenomyosis
Examination is difficult to interpret
Hysteroscopy is declined
If a woman doesn’t want contraception what can be offered for Menorrhagia ?
Tranexamic acid
Mefenamic acid
If a woman does want contraception what can be offered for Menorrhagia ?
Mirena coil
COCP
Cyclical oral progestogens
What is endometrial ablation ?
Involves destroying the endometrium.
What are fibroids ?
Benign tumours of the smooth muscle of the uterus.
What is an intramural fibroid ?
Within the myometrium - as they grow the shape changes and distort the uterus
What is a subserosal fibroid ?
Just below the outer layer of the uterus.
These grow outwards and become very large filling the abdominal cavity.
What is a submucosal fibroids ?
Just below the lining of the uterus
What does pedunculated fibroid mean ?
On a stalk
How do fibroids present ?
Can be asymptomatic
Heavy menstrual bleeds
Prolonged menstruation
Abdo pain
Bloating
Urinary or bowel symptoms
Deep Dyspareunia
Reduced fertility
What are some investigations when suspecting fibroids ?
Hysteroscopy
Pelvic USS
MRI scanning
What are the surgical options for smaller fibroids ?
Endometrial ablation
Resection
Hysterectomy
What are some surgical options for larger fibroids ?
Uterine artery embolisation
Myomectomy
Hysterectomy
How is uterine artery embolisation performed ?
Inserts a catheter into an artery usually the femoral artery.
This catheter is then passed through the uterine artery.
Then once in place particles are inserted that cause a blockage in the arterial supply to the fibroid.
What are the complications of fibroids ?
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Reduced fertility
Pregnancy complications
Constipation
Urinary outflow obstruction
Red degeneration of fibroid
Torsion of the fibroid
What is red degeneration of fibroids ?
Refers to ischaemia, infarction and necrosis of the fibroid due to disrupted blood supply.
More likely to occur in larger fibroids during pregnancy.
How does red degeneration of fibroids present ?
Severe abdominal pain
Low grade fever
Tachycardia
Vomiting
What is the management of red degeneration of fibroids ?
Supportive - rest, fluids and analgesia
What is endometriosis ?
A condition where there is ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
What is the pathophysiology of the symptoms of endometriosis ?
The cells of the endometrial tissue outside the uterus respond to hormones in the same way as endometrial tissue in the uterus. This sheds and bleeds elsewhere in the body.
This causes irritation and inflammation of the tissues
How does endometriosis present ?
Cyclical abdominal or pelvic pain
Deep Dyspareunia
Dysmenorrhoea
Infertility
Cyclical bleeding
How is a diagnosis of endometriosis made ?
Pelvic USS
Laparoscopic surgery is gold standard
What is the hormonal treatment for endometriosis ?
COCP
POP
Depo
Implant
Mirena coil
GnRH agonists
What are the surgical options for endometriosis ?
Laparoscopic surgery to excise or ablate the endometrial tissue
Hysterectomy
What is adenomyosis ?
Refers to endometrial tissue inside the myometrium
The condition is hormone dependent and symptoms tend to resolve after menopause
How does adenomyosis present ?
Painful periods
Heavy periods
Dyspareunia
May present with infertility
How is a diagnosis of adenomyosis made ?
Transvaginal USS
MRI and trans abdominal USS
Gold standard - histological exam of uterus after a hysterectomy
What is the management of adenomyosis ?
Tranexamic acid if no pain
Mefenamic acid if there is pain
Mirena coil, COCP
Specialist - GnRH analogues, endometrial ablation, uterine artery embolisation, hysterectomy
In pregnancy what is adenomyosis associated with ?
Infertility
Miscarriage
Preterm birth
Small for gestational age
Preterm premature rupture of membranes
Malpresention
PPH
What is menopause ?
Retrospective diagnosis made after a woman has had no periods for 12 months - it is defined as a permanent end to menstruation.
What is post menopause ?
The period from 12 months after the final menstrual period onwards
What is perimenopause ?
Refers to the time around menopause where the woman may be experiencing vasomotor symptoms and irregular periods
What is premature menopause ?
Menopause before the age of 40 years
It is as a result of premature ovarian insufficiency.
What are some Perimenopausal symptoms ?
Hot flushes
Emotional lability or low mood
Premenstrual syndrome
Irregular periods
Joint pains
Heavier or lighter periods
Vaginal dryness and atrophy
Reduced libido
What does menopause increase the risk of ?
CVD and stroke
Osteoporosis
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
What are some management options for menopause ?
No treatment
HRT
Tibolone
Clonidine
CBT
SSRI
Testosterone
Vaginal oestrogen
Vaginal moisturiser
What is premature ovarian insufficiency ?
Defined as menopause before the age of 40 years. It is the result of a decline in the normal activity of the ovaries at an early age.
What is seen on hormonal analysis in premature ovarian analysis ?
Raised LH and FSH levels
Low Oestradiol levels
What are some causes of premature ovarian insufficiency ?
Idiopathic
Iatrogenic
Autoimmune - coeliac, adrenal insufficiency, T1DM or thyroid disease
Genetic - Turner’s syndrome
Infections - mumps, TB
How does premature ovarian insufficiency present ?
Irregular menstrual periods
Lack of menstrual periods
Low oestrogen levels - hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness
How can a diagnosis of premature ovarian insufficiency made ?
Women younger than 40yrs with typical menopausal symptoms plus high FSH
What does premature ovarian insufficiency put you at an increased risk of ?
CVD
Stroke
Osteoporosis
Cognitive impairment
Dementia
Parkinsonism
What is the management of premature ovarian insufficiency ?
HRT until at least the age at which women typically go through menopause
Why is progesterone given in HRT ?
It needs to be given to women with a uterus to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer secondary to unopposed oestrogen.
What are some non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms ?
Lifestyle changes - diet, weight loss, smoking cessation
CBT
Clonidine
SSRI
Venlafaxine
Gabapentin
What is clonidine ?
It acts as an agonist of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain.
What are the effects of clonidine ?
Lowers BP
Reduces HR
Helpful for vasomotor symptoms
Helpful for hot flushes
what are the common side effects of clonidine ?
Dry mouth
Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
What can sudden withdrawal from clonidine cause ?
Rapid increase in BP and agitation
What are the indications for HRT ?
Replacing hormones in premature ovarian insufficiency
Reducing vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats
Improving symptoms of low mood, decreased libido, poor sleep and joint pain
Reducing risk of osteoporosis in women under 60
What are the benefits of HRT ?
Improved vasomotor and other symptoms of menopause
Improved quality of life
Reduced risk of osteoporosis and fractures
What are the principle risks of HRT ?
Increased risk of breast cancer
Increased risk of endometrial cancer
Increased risk of VTE
Increased risk of stroke and coronary artery disease
How can some risks of HRT be reduced ?
Risk of endometrial cancer is greatly reduced by adding progesterone in women with a uterus
Risk of VTE is reduced by using patches
What are the contraindications to HRT ?
Undiagnosed abnormal bleeding
Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
Breast cancer
Uncontrolled hypertension
VTE
Liver disease
Active angina or MI
Pregnancy
What assessments should be made before starting HRT ?
Full history for any contraindications
Family history to assess for oestrogen dependent cancers
Check BMI and BP
Ensure cervical and breast cancer is up to date
How can oestrogen be given for HRT ?
Oral - tablets
Transdermal patches
How can progesterone be given for HRT ?
Cyclical or continuous
How does cyclical progesterone work and when is it given ?
Given for 10-14 days a month
Is used for women who have had a period within the last 12 months
This allows the patients to have a monthly breakthrough bleed
When is continuous progesterone used ?
If a women has not had a period in the last 12 months
How long is continuous progesterone for ?
24 months if under 50
12 months if over 50
How can progesterone be given for HRT ?
Oral - tablets
Transdermal - patches
Intrauterine system - Mirena coil
What is progestin ?
Synthetic progesterone
What is tibolone ?
A synthetic steroid that stimulates oestrogen and progesterone receptors
Used as a form of continuous combined HRT
What is needed for women to be started on tibolone ?
Women need to be more than 12 months without a period ( 24 months if younger than 50 )
How long does it take for HRT to take full effect ?
3-6 months
How long before major surgery should HRT be stopped ?
4 weeks
What are the oestrogenic side effects of HRT ?
Nausea and bloating
Breast swelling
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Leg cramps
What are the progestogenic side effects of HRT ?
Mood swings
Bloating
Fluid retention
Weight gain
Acne and greasy skin
For how long can unscheduled bleeding occur when starting HRT ?
3-6 months
What are the characteristic features of PCOS ?
Multiple ovarian cysts
Infertility
Oligomenorrhoea
Hyperandrogenism
Insulin resistance
What is anovulation ?
Refers to the absence of ovulation
What is oligovulation ?
Irregular infrequent ovulation
What is amenorrhoea ?
Absence of menstrual periods
What is Hirsutism ?
Refers to the growth of thick dark hair often in a male pattern
What criteria is used to make a diagnosis of PCOS ?
Oligovulation
Hyperandrogenism
Polycystic ovaries on USS
How does PCOS present ?
Oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea
Infertility
Obesity
Hirsutism
Acne
Hair loss in a male pattern
What are some complications of PCOS ?
Insulin resistance and diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans
CVD
Hypercholesterolaemia
Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Depression and anxiety
Sexual probelms
What is acanthosis nigricans ?
Describes thickened rough skin typically found in the axilla and on the elbows.
It has a velvety texture
What can cause Hirsutism ?
PCOS
Medications such as phenytoin, Ciclosporin, corticosteroids, testosterone or anabolic steroids
Ovarian or adrenal tumours
Cushing’s syndrome
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
What blood tests should be performed for PCOS ?
Testosterone
Sex hormone binding globulin
LH
FSH
Prolactin
TSH
What do hormonal tests usually show in PCOS ?
Raised LH
Raised LH:FSH
Raised testosterone
Raised insulin
Normal or raised oestrogen
What is gold standard for visualising the ovaries ?
Transvaginal USS
What imaging is performed when suspecting PCOS ?
Pelvic USS
How may the follicles be seen in the ovaries in PCOS ?
They are arranged around the periphery of the ovary - giving a string of pearls appearance