Menopause Flashcards
1
Q
What are the clinical features of menopause?
A
Up to 80% of women experience vast motor symptoms for an average duration of 5 years
Vasomotor
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- palpitations
- light headedness/ dizziness
- migraine
Psychomotor
- irritability
- depression
- anxiety/ tension
- tearfulness
- loss of concentration
- poor short term memory
- sleep disturbance
- mood changes
- loss of self confidence
Urogenital
- atrophic vaginitis
- vaginal dryness
- dyspareunia
- decline in libido
- bladder dysfunction eg dysuria
- stress incontinence/ prolapse
Musculoskeletal
- non specific aches and pains
Skin and tissue changes
- dry skin
- new facial hair
- breast glandular tissue atrophy
Other
- fatigue
- headache
2
Q
What are contraindications to HRT?
A
Oestrogen dependent tumour eg endometrial cancer, breast cancer Recurrent thromboembolism Acute ischaemic heart disease Cerebrovascular disease Uncontrolled hypertension Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding Active liver disease Active SLE Pregnancy Otosclerosis Acute intermittent porphyria
3
Q
What follow up should be done after commencing HRT?
A
3 months after starting (ideal time for mammogram) then 6 monthly
4
Q
What is menopause?
A
Cessation of menses for longer than 12 months
In most western women it occurs between 45 and 55 with an average age of 50-51
Women can be premenopausal for up to 5 years before the menopause
5
Q
What are contraindications for HRT?
A
Oestrogen dependent tumour Recurrent thromboembolism Acute ischaemic heart disease Coronary artery disease Cerebrovascular disease Uncontrolled hypertension Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding Acute liver disease Pregnancy Otosclerosis Acute intermittent porphyria
