Menopause Flashcards
What is menopause?
A woman’s last ever menstrual period
What is the climacteric period?
Time leading up to menopause
What is average age for menopause to occur?
51 years old
When is menopause considered premature?
If occurs before the age of 40
When is menopause considered late?
If occurs after the age of 54
Absence of what hormone causes the menopause?
Oestrogens
What happens to FSH and LH levels following menopause?
They increase as there is no oestrogen to negatively feedback to inhibit release
List some physical symptoms of menopause
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Palpitations
Insomnia
Joint aches
Headaches
List some late-on features of menopause
Frequency
Recurrent UTIs
Dysuria
Incontinence
Dry hair and skin
Atrophy of breasts and genitals
When is bleeding following menopause considered post-menopausal bleeding?
After 1 year of having menopause
Why is it important to investigate post-menopausal bleeding?
Could be cancer
Which NSAID can be given for post-menopausal bleeding? How does it help?
Mefenamic acid
Reduces blood supply to uterus to minimise bleeding
Which antifibrinolytic can be given for post-menopausal bleeding? How does it help?
Tranexamic acid
Delays clot breakdown
Why could progesterone agents be given for post-menopausal bleeding?
Stabilise womb lining and make it less likely to proliferate
What treatment offers endometrial protection for up to 4 years against menorrhagia?
Intra-uterine system (releases low-dose progesterone)
