Menopause

Question 1

average UK age of menopause

Answer 1

around 51

Question 1

what age is considered “early menopause”

Answer 1

40-44

Question 2

what percentage of women have symptoms which can be severe

Answer 2

85%

Question 3

which menopause symptoms do not improve with time?

Answer 3

genitourinary problems (dry vagina, painful sex, urinary symptoms etc)

Question 3

contraindications to HRT

Answer 3

• history of breast cancer or endometrial cancer
• coronary heart disease, TIA or stroke
• active liver disease
• unexplained vaginal bleeding

Question 3

what is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?

Answer 3

when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before she is 40

Question 4

do women with premature ovarian insufficiency need to continue with contraception?

Answer 4

yes

Question 5

postmenopause definition

Answer 5

no periods > 12 months

Question 6

what is perimenopause

Answer 6

the time around menopause when your ovaries gradually stop working - irregular periods (less or more frequent)

Question 7

average duration of menopause symptoms

Answer 7

7.4 years

Question 8

first line treatment for vasomotor symptoms and low mood/anxiety related to menopause

Answer 8

HRT

Question 9

indications for transdermal HRT:

Answer 9

• individual preference
• poor symptom control with oral HRT
• GI disorder affecting oral absorption
• increased VTE risk: BMI >30, FHx etc
• variable BP control

Question 10

age 40-49, when can contraception be stopped?

Answer 10

2 years after last “natural” period (not while on hormonal contraception etc)
or
2 years after 2 results of FSH of 30 or over IU/l, taken at least 4-6 weeks apart

Question 10

age 50 or over, when can contraception be stopped?

Answer 10

1 year after last “natural” period (not while on hormonal contraception etc)
or
1 year after 1 result of FSH 30 or above IU/l