Menopause

Question 1

When can you diagnose menopause?

Answer 1

1 year after LMP

Question 2

what blood test can be done to help diagnose menopause, but isn’t needed?

Answer 2

FSH

Question 3

when does the “menopause transition” period occur?

Answer 3

4y before

Question 4

do estradiol and progesterone increase or decrease?

Answer 4

decrease

Question 5

does FSH increase or decrease?

Answer 5

increase

Question 6

The Cycle: what does day 1 represent?

Answer 6

1st day of period (sorry ladies)

Question 7

the cycle: what does day 5 represent (hormones; phys)?

Answer 7

estrogen increases; proliferates endometrium

Question 8

the cycle: what does day 14 represent (hormones; phys)?

Answer 8

the egg is released; estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase

Question 9

the cycle: what does day 28 represent (hormones; phys)?

Answer 9

progesterone decreases; your period happens (sorry ladies)

Question 10

what is the most common sx of menopause

Answer 10

vasomotor like hot flashes

Question 11

when do hot flashes most often occur

Answer 11

during sleep

Question 12

how long do hot flashes last (months, years, etc)

Answer 12

6mos - 2y

Question 13

what can happen to the vagina during menopause?

Answer 13

vaginal atrophy

dyspareunia

dryness, discomfort, itching

Question 14

what are the physiological changes that happen with the vagina?

Answer 14

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).

Question 15

what is the best management for menopause?

Answer 15

systemic hormone therapy (HT)

Question 16

when do you give estrogen alone?

Answer 16

with a hysterectomy

Question 17

when do you give estrogen + progesterone?

Answer 17

if she has a uterus

Question 18

what if you give estrogen-only to a patient who has a uterus?

Answer 18

**increased risk for endometrial cancer and more**

Question 19

what are the methods of administering HT?

Answer 19

oral, transdermal e.g. patch, gel, cream, ring, spray

Question 20

for how many years can a menopausal woman be on HT?

Answer 20

5 y or less

Question 21

and we all know the risks of estrogen therapy right?

Answer 21

right, good job everyone

Question 22

what other drugs can treat the sx of menopause?

Answer 22

SSRIs, SNRIs

Question 23

if you’re feeling ambitious, then what are other more natural treatments for menopause?

Answer 23

phytoestrogens

herbal remedies

Vit E

acupuncture

reflexology

lifestyle modifications