Menopause

Question 1

What is the average age for menopause?

Answer 1

51 years

Question 2

The definitions of early and late menopause

Answer 2

<45 years (early)

>54 years (late)

Question 3

What are the effects of oestrogen?

Answer 3

Secondary sexual characteristics, hair, fat growth and body shape, bone health, collagen function and endometerial hyperplasia

Question 4

What are some symptoms of menopause?

Answer 4

hot flushes, sweating, anxiety, low mood, insomnia, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, headaches, palpitations, joint ache

Question 5

What are some longer term symptoms of menopause?

Answer 5

atrophy or breasts and genitals

Question 6

What is the most common symptom?

Answer 6

Hot flushes - 60-80% of women will experience, 20% will be severe, last an average of 2 years, 10% can last >15 years. Duration = 3-5 mins

Question 7

What can occur around the menopause (bleeding)?

Answer 7

DUB - intermenstrual bleeding, irregular bleeds or post menopausal

Question 8

How can you manage the menopause conservatively?

Answer 8

diet, weight loss, exercise, lifestyle and reduce caffeine

Question 9

How can you manage menorrhagia that may present with menopause?

Answer 9

mefanamic acid, transexamic acid, progesterones, IUS, endometrial ablation, hysterectomy

Question 10

How can you manage the menopause with drugs?

Answer 10

HRT (oestrogen or combined)

Question 11

What are the positives to HRT?

Answer 11

increase QOL, symptom control, reduce risk of bowel cancer/osteoporotic fractures, ?protective against alzheimer’s

Question 12

What are the negatives of HRT?

Answer 12

VTE, CVA, increased risk of breast cancer