Menopause Flashcards
How many women reach menopause each year in the U.S.?
Approximately 2 million.
What is the average age of natural menopause in North America?
Age 52.
What psychological and physical changes often occur during midlife?
Adjusting to mortality, adapting family relationships, career changes, health focus, and psychological growth.
How is natural menopause defined?
Cessation of menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months due to changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis.
What are the three stages surrounding menopause?
Perimenopause: 2 to 8 years prior to the last period.
Early postmenopause: First 5 years after menopause.
Late postmenopause: 6+ years after the last period.
What factors influence the age of menopause?
Genetics, smoking, body size, health status, and socioeconomic factors.
What is induced menopause?
Menopause caused by surgical removal of ovaries or ovarian function ablation through medication, chemotherapy, or radiation.
What is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)?
Menopause-like symptoms occurring before age 40, which may be temporary.
What are common menopause symptoms?
Hot flashes, sleep disruption, urogenital changes, sexual function changes, and reduced libido.
How do cultural backgrounds influence menopause symptoms?
Women from different cultural or racial backgrounds report varying symptoms and severity levels.
What are key health risks for women after menopause?
Obesity: Requires reduced calorie intake and more activity.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD): Increased risk due to changes in cholesterol levels.
Type 2 diabetes: Risk increases with age and lifestyle factors.
Osteoporosis: Low bone density increases fracture risk.
Cancer: Risks increase with age, especially for lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
Thyroid disease: Similar symptoms to menopause.
Why is depression a concern during midlife?
Hormonal fluctuations and stressors like financial concerns, relationships, and health issues can contribute.
What lifestyle changes can help manage menopause symptoms?
Dietary changes: Avoid hot flash triggers; drink more water.
Exercise: Reduces symptom frequency.
Vaginal lubricants: Alleviate dryness.
Smoking cessation: Behavioral interventions help.
Stress management: Individualized approaches.
Mental stimulation: Maintains cognitive function.
What is the most effective therapy for severe menopause symptoms?
Hormone therapy (HT) for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.
What are the types of HT protocols?
Estrogen-only therapy: For women without a uterus.
Estrogen–progestogen therapy: For women with a uterus.
Estrogen–androgen therapy: No FDA-approved options currently exist for women.
