Menopause Flashcards
what is the average age and range of menopause
~51yrs
45-55yrs
what is the menopause transition
when you start seeing changes i ncycle
what is perimenopause
menopausal transition + 1yr post menopause
what is considered early and premature menopause
early <45yrs
premature <40yrs
what happens biologically during the menopause transition
- FSH and LH
- E and P
- flow regularity and amount
- E types
↓ number and function of follicles + ↓ response to FSH and LH
No progesterone release = irregular + heavy (may also be lighter)
increased FSH and LH
prev more estradiol -. more estrone
increasing and fluctuating E and decreasing P in perimenopause
what happens to E and P in postmenopause
both plumet
what is estrone
⅓ potency of estradiol
Conversion in liver, androstenedione in peripheral tissue
what is estradiol
Most potent
Main endogenous hormone
Produced in ovaries
what is estriol
Least potent
Metabolite from estradiol and estrone
Highest levels in pregnancy as also produced by placenta
after menopause, where is estrogen made
androstenedione stored in body fat is converted into estrone which can be conv into estradiol
where is T made in women
25% ovaries, 25% adrenals, 50% peripheral conversion from androstenedione
T or F: T declines drastically after menopause
F- gradually as we age
unless surgical menopause- then decreases 50%
what is a dx of menopause
cessation of periods F12mths + elevated FSH (≥30mIU/ml)
is perimenopause dx with FSH levels
no
how long do VMS last
7-8yrs, median duration after last period ~4.5yrs
1/3 pts have it for 10yrs
what are VMS
hot flashes, night sweats
T or F: E levels predict severity of VMS
F
how does E changes in menopause cause hot flashes
↓E = ↓ endorphin conc in hypothalamus = ↑NE, ↓5HT levels = narrow thermoregulatory zone in hypothalamus (narrowed thermoneutral zone)
KNDy neurons in hypothalamus- control of thermoregulatory centers are stimulated by neurokinin B + inhibited by estrogen
↓ estrogen = hypertrophy of KNDy neurons = ↑activity = hot flashes
Target of new tx approaches for VMS (neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists)
when do VMS tend to peak
early in the evening
what is GSM
genitourinary sx of menopause
describe GSM sx and physiology
Degeneration of connective tissue (collagen, elastin, smooth muscle) = vaginal shortening + narrowing
Reduced vaginal blood flow and secretions
↓ Glycogen production = △ vaginal pH from acidic to alkaline (↑pH)
Thinning mucosa + ↓ blood flow = ↓ secretions
Sx: vaginal atrophy (dryness, irritation/ itch, dyspareunia, post coital spotting), lower urinary tract (recurrent UTI, LUTS), sexual fx (low libido)
what are some menopausal sx that are more common in perimenopause
breast tenderness, headaches
estrogens have a_______ effect on arteries
protective- prevents atherosclerosis
rapid effects of E on arteries
dilation and NO release
rapid effects of E on arteries
dilation and NO releasel
long term effects of E on CV health
↓atherosclerosis, vascular injury, smooth muscle cell growth ↑ endothelial cell growth
midlife changes on bone health
bone loss occurs at faster rate with loss of estrogens = always assess for osteoporosis RFs
midlife changes on cognition
estrogens modulate aspects of brain function (hippocampus) → NT (ie 5HT, NE, dopamine, ACh)
Loss of estrogens = may affect concentration, memory (esp verbal memory- what was that word?)
Eff on cognition LT unknown- is it the loss of estrogens or is it aging
early or premature menopause is associated with increased risk of
osteoporosis, CV disease, cog impairment/ memory, early mortality
lifestyle management of menopausal sx include
cooling techniques (layers, fan), avoid triggers (excessive alcohol, spicy foods), maintain healthy body weight, smoking cessation, exercise
what are phytoestrogens
plant compounds with estrogen like activity but 500-1000x weaker than estradiol
3 types of phytoestrogens
isoflavones
lignans
coumestans