Menopause Flashcards
When can you diagnose menopause?
1 year after LMP
what blood test can be done to help diagnose menopause, but isn’t needed?
FSH
when does the “menopause transition” period occur?
4y before
do estradiol and progesterone increase or decrease?
decrease
does FSH increase or decrease?
increase
The Cycle: what does day 1 represent?
1st day of period (sorry ladies)
the cycle: what does day 5 represent (hormones; phys)?
estrogen increases; proliferates endometrium
the cycle: what does day 14 represent (hormones; phys)?
the egg is released; estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase
the cycle: what does day 28 represent (hormones; phys)?
progesterone decreases; your period happens (sorry ladies)
what is the most common sx of menopause
vasomotor like hot flashes
when do hot flashes most often occur
during sleep
how long do hot flashes last (months, years, etc)
6mos - 2y
what can happen to the vagina during menopause?
vaginal atrophy
dyspareunia
dryness, discomfort, itching
what are the physiological changes that happen with the vagina?
basically everything that makes the vagina great goes away (less elastic, less acidic, your lips disappear, you can’t get wet, it’s not pink, YES SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO).
what is the best management for menopause?
systemic hormone therapy (HT)
when do you give estrogen alone?
with a hysterectomy
when do you give estrogen + progesterone?
if she has a uterus
what if you give estrogen-only to a patient who has a uterus?
**increased risk for endometrial cancer and more**
what are the methods of administering HT?
oral, transdermal e.g. patch, gel, cream, ring, spray
for how many years can a menopausal woman be on HT?
5 y or less
and we all know the risks of estrogen therapy right?
right, good job everyone
what other drugs can treat the sx of menopause?
SSRIs, SNRIs
if you’re feeling ambitious, then what are other more natural treatments for menopause?
phytoestrogens
herbal remedies
Vit E
acupuncture
reflexology
lifestyle modifications
