Hormone replacement therapy Flashcards
What is perimenopause
Onset of menstrual irregularity-12 months after LMP
What is menopause
permanent cessation of menses caused by loss of ovarian follicular activity
In menopausal women, bleeding is
cancer until proves otherwise
What happens when ovarian function ceases
Ovaries no longer are primary site of estradiol and progesterone synthesis
Serum FSH reaches >40
Menopause is characterized by
10-15x increase in circulating FSH
4-5x increase in LH
>90% decrease in estrogen and progesterone
Perimenopause is characterized by
FSH fluctuates between normal and postmenopausal ranges (so don’t use FSH to Dx perimenopause!)
-You can still get pregnant in perimenopause!
Leading up to menopause, most women have
4-8 years of heavy, irregular cycle changes which is mostly caused by anovulatory cycles (can also be 2/2 thyroid abn, hyperPRL, or PCOS)
What are symptoms of menopause
Vasomotor Sx (hot flashes, night sweats) slep disturbances mood changes problems with concentrating and memory vaginal dryness and dyspareunia
What lab tests can you get to diagnose menopause and perimenopause
Peri: FSH on day 2 or 3 of cycle >10-12 IU
Meno: FSH >40 IU
-Can also get thyroid tests, iron stores, and a lipid profile
FDA approved therapy for these 4 indications
Vasomotor symptoms (hormonal Tx is A1)
Prevention of bone loss
Hypoestrogenism
GU Sx
How can estrogen be given to postmenopausal women
W/ a uterus: estrogen + progesterone (or estrogen agonist-antagonist)
Had a hysterectomy: unopposed estrogen
What is MHT
menopause hormone therapy
individualized based on severity of Sx and risk of CVD, breast cancer, osteoporotic Fx, and VTE
DO NOT use to reduce risk of CVD
In what way does MHT increase the risk of breast cancer
With progesterone added to estrogen therapy!
Breast cancer risk is not higher in women taking unopposed estrogen
Recently postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for
fracture!
May use systemic estrogen to prevent osteoporotic Fx when alternate Tx are CI or have excess ADE
Per USPSTF, should post menopausal women use hormone therapy as primary prevention for chronic diseases
No! It is a grade D recommendation that if with a uterus you NOT use estrogen+progesterone, and if without a uterus you NOT use estrogen
Absolute contraindications to using MHT are
undiagnosed genital bleeding known or suspected Hx of breast cancer Known or suspected E/P dependent neoplasia Active or Hx of DVT or PE Active or recent MI or CVA Liver dysfunction or disease
What lifestyle modifications can help relieve vasomotor symptoms
Wear layered clothing
lower room temperature
decrease intake of spicy food, caffeine, or hot beverages
exercise