HRT Flashcards
What is menopause
Permanent cessation of menstruation due to ovarian follicles losing activity
What are the phases of menopause
perimenopause
Post menopause
Premature
What is the average age of perimenopause
47
what is the average age of post menopause
54
Short term symptoms of menopause
Psychological problems
Vaginal dryness
Joint and muscle pain
hot flushes
urinary symptoms
Long term symptoms of menopause
Loss of oestrogen can increase risk of fractures from osteoporosis and change blood lipid profile (increase risk of CVD)
What treatment is given to women with a uterus
Oestrogen and progesterone (to stop over stimulation of endometrium)
What treatment is given to women without a uterus
Oestrogen ONLY
What are less androgenic progesterone
dydrogesterone
What are more androgenic progesterone
norethisterone
levonorgestrel
Transdermal vs. oral route for HRT
Transdermal
- less variation in conc. in blood
- Bypasses 1st pass metabolism
- Smaller doses
- Lower rate of VTE
Oestrogen side effects
Nausea
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Sodium and fluid retention
Weight changes
Progestogen side effects
More androgenic = greasy hair/ skin
Less androgenic = Abdominal bloating, mood changes
Short term benefits of HRT
Control of symptoms of menopause
Long term benefits of HRT
Decreased risk of osteoporosis
oestrogen rebalances bone re-sorption and formation- stops bone loss
