Menopause Flashcards
What is the age range that menstruation ceases?
48-55 years (51.5); similar to mother’s age
Risk factors for early menopause
- Genetics (Fragile X carriers)
- Hysterectomy
- Smoking
- Autoimmune disease
- High altitude
What is the main cause of premature menopause?
Ovarian failure (only 1% of women) -From oophorectomy, genetics, autoimmune disease
What is the pathophysiology of menopause? (3)
Decrease in ovarian function, which results in decreased estrogen
- Follicles lost through ovulation and atresia
- Ovaries get smaller and more fibrotic
- Follicles become FSH resistant or synthesize less estrogen
At what age do the number of follicles begin to decrease more rapidly?
40
Period after menopause?
Postmenopause
What happens to the levels of FSH?
Increase
What happens to the levels of Estradiol?
Decrease
What happens to the levels of LH?
Increase
What happens to the levels of Estrone?
Decrease
What happens to estrogen during perimenopause (3-5 years before menopause)
At first, it erratically increases and decreases; then, about 1 year leading up to menopause, it decreases
Symptoms during perimenopause (3)
Abnormal menses, menopausal symptoms, accelerated bone loss
Symptoms during menopause (5)
- Abnormal menses
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
- Incontinence
How is menopause diagnosed?
Someone has to go 12 months without a period (amenorrhea)
Period following menopause with reducing symptoms that hopefully cease altogether
Postmenopause (most closely defined to what mother experienced)
