Menopause Flashcards
What is the definition of menopause?
Period in a woman’s life when her periods stops. Begins when she has no period for 1 year
What is the average age for menopause onset?
51-52 years
Definition of Climacteric / Premanapause
time leading up to and around Phase where reproductive function declines and stops
Climacteric symptoms
Irregular menstrual cycles Hot flashes/ night sweats
When does pre-mature menopause begin?
below 40 years of age
When does climacteric begin when menapause is at 50 years or at 40 years?
50 years- It begins a year ealier
40 years- begins 4 years ealier
Name one symptom of ovarian failure?
oestrogen (E2) deficiency
Symptoms of menopause (short term) vasomotor, psychological, urogenital, collagen
Vasomotor symptoms- hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, palpitations
Psychological- depression, mood swings, insomnia, memory loss, panic
Urogenital- urinary frequency, dysuria (painful urination), stress & urge incontinence, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Collagen- dry inelastic skin, brittle nails, hair loss, joint/muscle pain
Long term consequence of menopause - CVS, skeletal, skin, urogenital, psychological
CVS- hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease
Skeletal- osteoporosis, osteopenia
Skin- inelastic thin dry skin, easy bruising
urogenital- prolapse, depressed libido, incontinence, dyspareunia (pain during sex)
Psychological- alzheimers
State 2 symptoms of Osteoporosis
Osteogenesis (brittle bones)
Reduction in bone mass
How is menopause diagnosed?
The triad- typical symptomatology
12 months’ amenorrhoea
FSH > 15iu/ml
Serum oestradiol levels
Bone mineral densitometry
State the ypes of HRT given depending on uterus
If uterus present :
oestrogen + progesterone
If uterus absent :
oestrogen alone
List the Routes for HRT administration
Oral patches and gels Implant and injection intravaginal creams
Nasal sprays
What are the Side effects of HRT?
Heavy unscheduled bleeding Bloating Fluid retention weight gain Mastalgia (breast pain) Headaches Muscle cramps Abdominal pain Depression
What are the serious complications associated with HRT use?
risk of breast cancer increases >5yrs of use
Thrombo-embolic events such as DVT- most common within the first year of use
