Menopause Flashcards
What is menopause ?
The end of female reproductive life
Average age
51
Early menopause - age
Below 45
Late menopause - age
Above 54
Pathogenesis
Reduction in circulating oestrogen levels
FSH and LH levels increase/decrease during menopause? Why is this?
Increase
- FSH and LH are telling ovaries to release an egg but ovaries aren’t listening.
- stronger surge of FSH and LH to try and get an egg to release
Vasomotor symptoms
Hot flushes - last for 3-5 mins each
Night sweats
Palpitations
Insomnia
Physical symptoms
Headaches
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Forgetfullness
Sexual symptoms
Vaginal dryness
lack of Libido
Urogenital symptoms
Frequency
Recurrent UTIs
Urinary incontinence
How do you make a diagnosis in a patient over 45
Clinical diagnosis
- based on symptoms
- pattern of periods
How do you make a diagnosis in a patient with suspected menopause who is under 45 ?
Clinical findings + blood tests required
Perimenopausal dysfunctional uterine bleeding examples
Irregular periods
Intra-menstrual bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding is treated as _____ until proven otherwise?
Endometrial cancer
Management of menorrhagia
Mefenamic acid
Tranexamic acid
Progesterones
Hysterectomy
