Menopause Flashcards
What is the definition of menopause?
A permenant end to menstruation
What is the average age of menopause?
51 years
What does postmenopausal describe?
The period from 12 months after the final menstruation
When can menopause be diagnosed?
After a woman has had no periods for 12 months
What is the perimenopausal phase?
The time around menopause where women experience symptoms and irregular periods. It goes up to 12 months after the final period.
Before what age is menopause premature?
40 years
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Vasomotor:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
Sexual:
- Vaginal dryness
- Dyspareunia
- Reduced libido
Psychological:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Lethargy
What is the physiology of menopause?
- Decline in growth of follicles
- Reduction in production of oestrogen
- Lack of negative feedback on pituitary results in more LH and FSH release
- Ovulation stops due to decline in follicle growth
- Endometrial growth ceases due to lack of oestrogen
What conditions does the menopause increase the risk of?
Osteoporosis
Cardiovascular disease and stroke
Pelvic organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
What investigations are used to diagnose menopause?
In women over 45
- Diagnosis can be made clinically
Women under 45
- FSH levels
What level of FSH is indicative of menopause?
FSH > 30
For how long after the menopause are women considered fertile?
2 years after their last menstruation in women under 50
1 year after their last menstruation in women above 50
All women are considered infertile after 55
What are the differentials of menopause?
Pregnancy
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Adverse effects of medication
What is the non-hormonal management of menopause?
Lifestyle changes
SSRIs or SNRIs
Clonidine
CBT
Vaginal moisturisers
What is the hormonal management of menopause?
HRT
