Menopause

Question 1

In which women can menopause be diagnosed in?

Answer 1

1. Women >45 who have not had a menstrual period for atleast 12 months and are not using hormonal contraception
2. Or do not have a uterus and have menopausal symptoms

Question 2

What is the average age of menopause?

Answer 2

51 years

Question 3

What is premature ovarian failure?

Answer 3

1. menopause before age 40

2. 1% of women

Question 4

How is menopause diagnosed in women <40 years?

Answer 4

1. 2 FSH blood tests 6 weeks apart : FSH > 30

- They must not be taking combined oestrogen/progesterone contraception

Question 5

Name 8 symptoms of menopause?

Answer 5

• • due to falling oestrogen levels –
    1. Vasomotor symptoms - hot flushes / sweats
    2. MSK - joints and msk pain
    3. Psych - poor conc and low mood
    4. Urogenital symptoms - dryness
    5. Perimenopausal symptoms - increasing irregularity of periods

Question 6

Management of patient

Answer 6

1. Information and advice
   - stages of menopause / symptoms
   - British menopause society
2. Life style chnages - smoking cessation, exercise, diet advice
3. Benefits and risks of HRT
4. Long term complications