Menopause and Aging Flashcards
Menopause
final cessation of menstruation
average between 45-55years
Stages of women’s reproduction
Perimenopause - transition period before menopause, early 40s
Menopause - 2 months amenorrhea
Post menopause - end of peri menopause to end of life
Stage 1 - Premenopausal Phase
Ovaries gradually decrease hormone production, periods more closely or widely space or irregular
Premenopausal symptoms
fluid retention, breast tenderness, weight gain
Stage 2 - Menopausal Phase
further decrease in hormone production, ovaries cease to produce eggs, menstruation ceases
when periods cease entirely for a year
Stage 3 - Post menopausal Phase
hormonal level stabilise and menopausal signs subside, ovaries continue making small amounts of estrogen
Hormone Levels during menopause
ovaries make very little estrogen and progesterone, overall estrogen levels fall by 90%, progesterone levels also fall, increased levels of FSH and LH, testosterone decline slowly with age
Short term consequences of menopause
hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, crawling skin, anxiety, irritbility, sleep disturbances, lessened memory and concentration, vaginal dryness, fatigue, muscle/joint pains, overall reduction in wellbeing
Long term consequences of menopause
vaginal and urinary tract aging, bone loss - osteoporosis, increased risk of heart disease, increased risk of dementia
Vitamins and Minerals that are altered
Vitamin D - essential for Ca absorption
Magnesium - helps Ca utilisation and distribution
Copper - essential for bone formation and mineralisation
Zinc - required for bone formation
Risk factors for osteoporosis
Caucasian, decreased levels of estrogen in women, decreased physical activity, decrease in Ca and Vitamin D, excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol, excess of PTH and cotisol, family history, low body weight, smoking/meds
Prevention of Osteoporosis
exercise, oestrogen - reduces bone reabsorption, calcium suppllements, stop smoking, have 15 m daylight, increase calcium intake, weiht bearing and high impact exercise
Risk factors for heart disease in women
high cholesterol, high BP, obesity, diabetes, smoking, family Hx, early menopause
Treatment options for menopause
HT, exercise, diet, natural alternative treatment options, lifestyle
Hormone Replacement Therapy
replacing the natural hormone the ovaries no longer make
oestrogen to alleviate symptoms and protect bones
progesterone to protect uterus and bone
testosterone to maintain bone, muscle, energy, libido
Benefits of HRT
reduction in unpleasant symptoms of menopause, reduction in loss of calcium from bones and therefore a reduction in osteoporosis and fractures associated, reduced risk of CVD
Vaginal health
incontinence, helps prevent vaginal aging, improve lubrication
CV health
oestrogens lower LDL, raise HDL, lower cholesterol levels
make blood vessels healthier
Bone health
osteoporosis - decrease in fractures etc
prevent bone reabsorption in menopausal women
Bowel health
colon cancer - reduction in rectal cancer in women who have used HT compared with never users
Mental health
depression - HT improves mild depressive symptoms
Exercise benefits during menopause
maintain muscle, minimise abdo fat, prevent heart disease, protect bones, reduce menopausal symptoms, reduce stress, improve sleep patterns, enhance wellbeing
Dietary benefits during menopause
change in metabolic rate, average weight gain is 2-5kg, body shape changes, behaviour change for healthy eating, increase vegetable/fruit/legumes/wholegrains, increase consumption of omega 3, include lean meat/poultry, reduced consumption of simple CHO, water best fluid
Male changes similar to females
changes in bone density, lipoproteins, increased body fat, altered body composition, alteration in endocrine status, sexual dysfunction, psychological factors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, arteriosclerosis, altered glucose sensitivity, changes in muscle strength
