Obstetrics and Gynaecology Flashcards
Primary Amenorrhoea
When the patient has never developed periods. This can be due to:
-Abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism)
-Abnormal functioning of the gonads pop(hypergonadotropic hypogonadism)
-Imperforate hymen or other structural pathology (may still have cyclical pain, but no menstruation)
NB- gonadotrophins: low levels indicate a hypothalamic cause where as raised levels suggest an ovarian problem (e.g. Premature ovarian failure)
Secondary Amenorrhoea
When the patient previously had periods that subsequently stopped. This can be due to:
-Pregnancy (the most common cause)
-Menopause
-Physiological stress due to excessive exercise, low body weight, chronic disease or psychosocial factors (typically due to reduced GnRH from the hypothalamus)
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome
-Medications, such as hormonal contraceptives
-Premature ovarian insufficiency (menopause before 40 years)
-Thyroid hormone abnormalities (hyper or hypothyroid)
-Excessive prolactin, from a prolactinoma
-Pituitary failure eg. trauma, surgery, radiotherapy, Sheehan syndrome
-Cushing’s syndrome
-Asherman’s syndrome
NB- gonadotrophins: low levels indicate a hypothalamic cause where as raised levels suggest an ovarian problem (e.g. Premature ovarian failure)
Irregular Menstruation
Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, affecting frequency, duration, regularity of the cycle length and the volume of menses. It can be due to:
-Extremes of reproductive age (early periods or perimenopause)
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome
-Physiological stress (excessive exercise, low body weight, chronic disease and psychosocial factors)
-Medications, particularly progesterone only contraception, antidepressants and antipsychotics
-Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid abnormalities, -Cushing’s syndrome and high prolactin
Intermenstrual Bleeding
Any bleeding that occurs in between menstrual periods. It is a red flag. Some causes are;
-Hormonal contraception
-Cervical ectropion, polyps or cancer
-Sexually transmitted infection
-Endometrial polyps or cancer
-Vaginal pathology, including cancers
-Pregnancy
-Ovulation can cause spotting in some women
-Medications, such as SSRIs and anticoagulants
Dysmenorrhoea
Painful periods. Some causes are;
-Primary dysmenorrhoea (no underlying pathology)
-Endometriosis or adenomyosis
-Fibroids
-Pelvic inflammatory disease
-Copper coil
-Cervical or ovarian cancer
Primary- no underlying pathology. Starts soon after menarche. Management- NSAIDs eg. mefenamic acid, then COCP second line
Secondary- many years after menarche, and is associated with pathology. Management- refer to gyane service
Menorrhagia
Heavy menstrual bleeding. The causes include;
-Dysfunctional uterine bleeding DUB (no identifiable cause)
-Extremes of reproductive age
-Fibroids
-Endometriosis and adenomyosis
-Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection)
-Contraceptives, particularly the copper coil (not the IUS (Mirena)- this is used to treat menorrhagia)
-Anticoagulant medications
-Bleeding disorders (e.g. Von Willebrand disease)
-Endocrine disorders (diabetes and hypothyroidism)
-Connective tissue disorders
-Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Postcoital Bleeding
Bleeding after sexual intercourse. It is a red flag. Causes include;
-Cervical ectropion or infection
-Trauma
-Atrophic vaginitis
-Polyps
-Most important- Vaginal, Cervical, or Endometrial cancer
Pelvic pain
Causes include;
-Urinary tract infection
-Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
-Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-Ovarian cysts
-Endometriosis
-Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection)
-Ectopic pregnancy
-Appendicitis
-Mittelschmerz (cyclical pain, occurs during ovulation)
-Pelvic adhesions
-Ovarian torsion
-Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a normal physiological finding. Excessive, discoloured or foul-smelling discharge may indicate:
-Bacterial vaginosis
-Candidiasis (thrush)
-Chlamydia
-Gonorrhoea
-Trichomonas vaginalis
-Foreign body
-Cervical ectropion
-Polyps
-Malignancy
-Pregnancy
-Ovulation (cyclical)
-Hormonal contraception
Pruritus Vulvae
Refers to itching of the vulva and vagina. There are a large number of causes:
-Irritants such as soaps, detergents and barrier contraception
-Atrophic vaginitis
-Infections such as candidiasis (thrush) and pubic lice
-Skin conditions such as eczema
-Vulval malignancy
-Pregnancy-related vaginal discharge
-Urinary or faecal incontinence
-Stress
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism refers to a lack of the sex hormones, oestrogen and testosterone, that normally rise before and during puberty. A lack of these hormones causes a delay in puberty. The lack of sex hormones is fundamentally due to one of two reasons:
-Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a deficiency of LH and FSH
-Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: a lack of response to LH and FSH by the gonads (the testes and ovaries)
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Involves deficiency of LH and FSH, leading to deficiency of the sex hormones (oestrogen). LH and FSH are gonadotrophins produced by the anterior pituitary gland in response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Since no gonadotrophins are simulating the ovaries, they do not respond by producing sex hormones (oestrogen).
A deficiency of LH and FSH is the result of abnormal functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This could be due to:
-Hypopituitarism (under production of pituitary hormones)
-Damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary, for example, by radiotherapy or surgery for cancer
-Significant chronic conditions can temporarily delay puberty (e.g. cystic fibrosis or inflammatory bowel disease)
-Excessive exercise or dieting can delay the onset of menstruation in girls
-Constitutional delay in growth and development is a temporary delay in growth and puberty without underlying physical pathology
-Endocrine disorders such as growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s or hyperprolactinaemia
-Kallman syndrome
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone, and overproduction of androgens from birth. It is a genetic condition inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
In severe cases, the neonate is unwell shortly after birth, with electrolyte disturbances and hypoglycaemia. In mild cases, female patients can present later in childhood or at puberty with typical features:
-Tall for their age
-Facial hair
-Absent periods (primary amenorrhoea)
-Deep voice
-Early puberty
NB- the most common cause of ambiguous genitalia
NB- ADRenal ANDrogens
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
Where the gonads fail to respond to stimulation from the gonadotrophins (LH and FSH). Without negative feedback from the sex hormones (oestrogen), the anterior pituitary produces increasing amounts of LH and FSH. Consequently, you get high gonadotrophins (“hypergonadotropic”) and low sex hormones (“hypogonadism”).
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism is the result of abnormal functioning of the gonads. This could be due to:
-Previous damage to the gonads (e.g. torsion, cancer or infections such as mumps)
-Congenital absence of the ovaries
-Turner’s syndrome (XO)
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
a condition where the tissues are unable to respond to androgen hormones (e.g. testosterone), so typical male sexual characteristics do not develop. It results in a female phenotype, other than the internal pelvic organs. Patients have normal female external genitalia and breast tissue. Internally there are testes in the abdomen or inguinal canal, and an absent uterus, upper vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The testes can cause bilateral groin swellings/inguinal hernias
NB- investigation is with chromosomal analysis (46XY karyotype), and management is counselling (raise child as female), oestrogen therapy, and bilateral orchidectomy (increased risk of cancer)
Investigation and management of primary amenorrhoea
NB- The threshold for initiating investigations is no evidence of pubertal changes in a girl aged 13. Investigation can also be considered when there is some evidence of puberty but no progression after two years.
Bedside- detailed history of their general health, development, family history, diet and lifestyle, pregnancy test
Bloods- FBC and haemanitics (anaemia), TFT, IGF-1 (GH deficiency), prolactin, testosterone (PCOS, AIS, CAH), LH FSH (gonadotrophins- low levels= hypothalamic cause, high levels= gonadal dysgenesis)
Imaging and specialist- genetic test (Turners), X ray wrist (constitutional delay), pelvic USS (ovaries), MRI head (tumour)
Management;
-Treat underlying cause
-Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism- give GnRH analogue (or if pregnancy is unwanted, hormones in the form of the COCP)
Secondary Amenorrhoea
Defined as no menstruation for more than three months after previous regular menstrual periods. Consider assessment and investigation after three to six months. In women with previously infrequent irregular periods, consider investigating after six to twelve months.
Investigation;
Bedside- history, examination and observations, urine pregnancy test
Bloods- betaHCG, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, TFT’s
Imaging- USS ovaries (PCOS), MRI head (prolactinoma)
Secondary Amenorrhoea
Defined as no menstruation for more than three months after previous regular menstrual periods. Consider assessment and investigation after three to six months. In women with previously infrequent irregular periods, consider investigating after six to twelve months.
Investigation;
Bedside- history, examination and observations, urine pregnancy test
Bloods- betaHCG, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, TFT’s
NB- Gonadotrophins (LH/FSH)- low levels indicate a hypothalamic cause where as raised levels suggest an ovarian problem (e.g. Premature ovarian failure)
Imaging- USS ovaries (PCOS), MRI head (prolactinoma)
Management;
-Treat underlying cause
NB- Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine or cabergoline can be used to reduce prolactin production
Osteoporosis;
Patients with amenorrhoea associated with low oestrogen levels are at risk increased risk of osteoporosis. Where the amenorrhoea lasts more than 12 months, treatment is indicated to reduce the risk of osteoporosis:
Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium intake
Hormone replacement therapy or the combined oral contraceptive pill
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Describes the psychological, emotional and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, particularly in the days prior to the onset of menstruation
Features;
Low mood
Anxiety
Mood swings
Irritability
Bloating
Fatigue
Headaches
Breast pain
Reduced confidence
Cognitive impairment
Clumsiness
Reduced libido
NB- These symptoms can occur in the absence of menstruation after a hysterectomy, endometrial ablation or on the Mirena coil, as the ovaries continue to function and the hormonal cycle continues. They can also occur in response to the combined contraceptive pill or cyclical hormone replacement therapy containing progesterone
Management;
-General healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving diet (regular, frequent (2–3 hourly), small, balanced meals rich in complex carbohydrates), exercise, alcohol, smoking, stress and sleep
-Combined contraceptive pill (COCP)
-SSRI antidepressants
-Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
If severe, transdermal oestrogen, GnRH analogues, Hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy
Investigation and Management of Menorrhagia
Investigations;
Bedside- bimanual and speculum exam, vaginal swabs (infection)
Bloods- FBC and haemanitics (anaemia), coagulation screen, TFT’s (hypothyroidism)
Imaging- hysteroscopy, TV USS
Management;
If they don’t want contraception- TXA or Mefenamic acid (pain also)
If they do want contraception;
-Mirena coil (first line)
-Combined oral contraceptive pill
-Cyclical oral progestogens
NB- when medical management fails- endometrial ablation and hysterectomy
Fibroids
Benign tumours of the smooth muscle of the uterus. (AKA uterine leiomyomas). They are oestrogen sensitive
Fibroids are often asymptomatic. They can present in several ways:
-Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is the most frequent presenting symptom
-Prolonged menstruation, lasting more than 7 days
-Abdominal pain, worse during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
-Bloating or feeling full in the abdomen
-Urinary or bowel symptoms due to pelvic pressure or fullness
-Deep dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
-Reduced fertility
-polycythaemia
NB- may be palpable on bimanual examination
Investigations;
Bedside-
Bloods-
Imaging- hysteroscopy, TV USS, MRI (surgical considerations)
Management;
Less than 3cm- same management as menorrhagia (can also be resected/have endometrial ablation)
More than 3cm- refer to gynae, same medical management as menorrhagia (+NSAID) and then surgical options include uterine artery ablation, myomectomy, and hysterectomy
NB- GnRH agonists can shrink them prior to surgery (over time they reduce the amount of sex hormones eg. oestrogen which fibroids need to grow)
NB- if fertility is an issue, then surgery is the definitive management
Complications of fibroids
Heavy menstrual bleeding, often with iron deficiency anaemia
Reduced fertility
Pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages, premature labour and obstructive delivery
Constipation
Urinary outflow obstruction and urinary tract infections
Red degeneration
Torsion of the fibroid
Malignant change to a leiomyosarcoma
Red Degeneration of Fibroids;
Red degeneration refers to ischaemia, infarction and necrosis of the fibroid due to disrupted blood supply. Red degeneration is more likely to occur in larger fibroids (above 5 cm) during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Red degeneration may occur as the fibroid rapidly enlarges during pregnancy, outgrowing its blood supply and becoming ischaemic. It may also occur due to kinking in the blood vessels as the uterus changes shape and expands during pregnancy.
Red degeneration presents with severe abdominal pain, low-grade fever, tachycardia and often vomiting. Management is supportive, with rest, fluids and analgesia.
Endometriosis
A condition where there is ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterus. A lump of endometrial tissue outside the uterus is described as an endometrioma.
Endometriosis can be asymptomatic in some cases, or present with a number of symptoms:
-Menorrhagia
-Cyclical abdominal or pelvic pain
-Deep dyspareunia (pain on deep sexual intercourse)
-Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
-Infertility
-Cyclical bleeding from other sites, such as haematuria
-Urinary symptoms
-Bowel symptoms
-Endometrial tissue may be visible in the vagina on speculum examination, particularly in the posterior fornix
-A fixed cervix on bimanual examination (+retroverted uterus)
-Tenderness in the vagina, cervix and adnexa
Investigations;
Bedside- bimanual and speculum exam
Bloods
Imaging- TV USS, laparoscopic surgery with biopsy (and potential removal at the same time, gold standard)
Management;
Supportive- NSAID/ paracetamol
Medical- COCP, oral progesterone-only pill, the progestin depot injection, the progestin implant (Nexplanon), Mirena coil (all stop ovulation and reduce endometrial thickening)
NB- if these don’t work, GnRH agonists (overtime, reduce the amount of sex hormones which will reduce the growth of endometrial tissue), then;
Surgical- laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue, adhesiolysis (remove adhesions), hysterectomy
NB- adhesions are a major complication
NB- nice explanation of treatment options on 0-finals
Adenomyosis
refers to endometrial tissue inside the myometrium (muscle layer of the uterus).