Obstetrics and Gynaecology Flashcards
Outline the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis (HPGA)
Hypothalamus releases gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
GnRH stimulates anterior pituitary to produce LH and FSH
LH and FSH stimulate development of follicles in ovaries
Theca granulosa cells around follicles secrete oestrogen
Oestrogen has negative feedback effect on hypothalamus and anterior pituitary to suppress release of GnRH, LH and FSH
What is produced by the anterior pituitary?
LH and FSH
Outline oestrogen
Steroid sex hormone produced by ovaries in response to LH and FSH
17-beta oestradiol- Acts on tissues with oestrogen receptors to promote female secondary sexual characteristics
What does oestrogen stimulate?
Breast tissue development
Growth and development of female sex organs (vulva, vagina and uterus) at puberty
Blood vessel development in uterus
Development of endometrium
Outline progesterone
Steroid sex hormone produced by corpus luteum after ovulation
In pregnancy- Progesterone produced mainly by placenta from 10wks
Acts on tissues previously stimulated by oestrogen
Outline role of progesterone
Thicken and maintain endometrium
Thicken cervical mucus
Increase body temperature
Outline hormonal changes during pregnancy
GH increases initially- Growth spurt
Hypothalamus starts to secrete GnRH- Initially during sleep
GnRH stimulates release of FSH and LH from pituitary gland
FSH and LH stimulate ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone
FSH levels plateau a yr before menarche
LH levels continue to rise and spike just before induce menarche
What age do boys and girls start puberty?
Girls- 8-14y
Boys- 9-15y
Overweight children tend to enter puberty earlier- Aromatase is enzyme in adipose tissue- Important in creation of oestrogen
Before puberty girls have little GnRH/LH/FSH/oestrogen/progesterone
List causes of delayed puberty in girls
Low birth weight
Chronic disease
Eating disorders
Athletes
Outline Tanner staging
Stage I- <10y- No pubic hair- No breast development
Stage II- 10-11y- Light and thin PH- Breast buds from behind areola
Stage III- 11-13y- Course and curly PH- Breast begins to elevate beyond areola
Stage IV- 13-14y- Adult-like PH but not reaching thigh- Areolar mound forms and projects from surrounding breast
Stage V- >14y- PH extending to medial thigh- Areolar mounds reduce and adult breasts form
Outline the follicular phase of menstruation
Start of menstruation to moment of ovulation (0-14d of cycle)
Outline luteal phase of menstrual cycle
Moment of ovulation to start of menstruation (14-28d)
After ovulation, follicle that released ovum collapses and becomes corpus luteum
Corpus luteum secretes progesterone and maintains endometrial lining- Becomes thick and no longer penetrable- Also secretes small amount of oestrogen
In fertilisation- Syncytiotrophoblast of embryo secretes hCG- Maintains corpus luteum
No fertilisation- No hCG- Corpus luteum degenerates and stops producing oestrogen and progesterone- Fall in oestrogen and progesterone causes endometrium to breakdown and menstruation
Stromal cells of endometrium release prostaglandins- Encourage endometrium to breakdown and uterus to contract
Negative feedback from oestrogen and progesterone on hypothalamus and pituitary gland ceases- Allows level of LH and FSH to begin to rise and cycle restart
Outline formation of follicles
Oocytes surrounded by granulosa cells, forming follicles
1. Primordial follicles
2. Primary follicles
3. Secondary follicles- Requires FSH stimulation to develop into antral follicle
4. Antral follicles (Graafian follicles)
As follicles grow- Granulosa cells secrete increasing amounts of oestradiol- Negative feedback effect on pituitary gland, reducing quantity of LH and FSH
Rising oestrogen causes cervical mucus to become more permeable- Allows sperm to penetrate cervix around time of ovulation
One follicle develops more than other and becomes dominant
LH spikes just before ovulation, causing dominant follicle to release ovum from ovary
What is menstruation?
Superficial and middle layers of endometrium separating from basal layer
Tissue broken down inside uterus, and released via cervix and vagina
Release of fluid containing blood from vagina lasts 1-8d
Outline development of primary follicle
Primordial follicles grow and become primary follicles
Primary follicles have 3 layers:
1. Primary oocyte in centre
2. Zona pellucida
3. Cuboidal shaped granulosa cells
Granulosa cells secrete material that become zona pellucida- Secrete oestrogen
Follicles grow larger and develop surrounding layer called theca folliculi
- Inner layer- Theca interna- Secretes androgen hormones
- Outer layer- Theca externa- Made of connective tissue containing smooth muscle and collagen
Outline development of secondary follicle
Primary follicle grows larger and develop small fluid-filled gaps between granulosa cells
Develop receptors for FSH
Further development after secondary follicle stage requires stimulation from FSH
At start of menstrual cycle, FSH stimulates further development of secondary follicles
Outline development of antral follicles
Secondary follicle develops single large fluid-filled area within granulosa cells- Antrum- Antral follicle stage
Antrum fills with increasing fluid- Follicle expands rapidly
Corona radiata- Made of granulosa cells- Surrounds zona pellucida and oocyte
One of the follicles becomes dominant follicle and matures, bulging through wall of the ovary- Others degrade
Outline ovulation
Surge of LH from pituitary
Causes smooth muscle of theca externa to squeeze and follicle bursts
Follicular cells release digestive enzymes that puncture hole in wall of ovary- Ovum passes and escapes
Oocyte released into surrounding area and swept up by fimbriae of fallopian tubes
Outline corpus luteum
Leftover parts of follicle collapse and turn yellow
Collapsed follicle becomes corpus luteum
Cells of granulosa and theca interna become luteal cells
Luteal cells secrete steroid hormones- Progesterone
Corpus luteum persists in response to hCG from a fertilised blastocyst when pregnant
If fertilisation doesn’t occur- Corpus luteum degenerates after 10-14d
Outline fertilisation
Just before time of ovulation- Primary oocyte undergoes meiosis- Splits 46 chromosomes in oocyte in 2
Secondary oocyte has 23 chromosomes
Oocyte surrounded by zona pellucida surrounded by corona radiata (granulosa cells)
Sperm enters fallopian tube and attempts to penetrate corona radiata and zona pellucida to fertilise egg
Outline development of blastocyst
Combination of chromosomes from egg and sperm- Zygote
Cell divides rapidly to create mass of cells- Morula- Mass of cells travels along fallopian tube toward uterus
Fluid-filled cavity gathers within group of cells- Blastocyst
Blastocyst contains embryoblast and blastocele surrounded by trophoblast
Gradually loses corona radiata and zona pellucida
Enters uterus
Outline implantation of blastocyst
Arrives at uterus 8-10d after ovulation and reaches endometrium
Cells of trophoblast undergo adhesion to stroma of endometrium
Outer layer of trophoblast= Syncytiotrophoblast- Produces hCG
Cells of stroma convert into decidua- Provides nutrients to trophoblast
hCG maintains corpus luteum and produces progesterone and oestrogen
Outline development of embryo
Week after fertilisation- Implanted blastocyst differentiates
Cells of embryoblast splits in 2- Yolk sac and amniotic cavity
Cells of embryonic disc develop into fetal pole, then fetus
Chorion surrounds complex- 2 layers- Cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast
Chorionic cavity forms around yolk sac, embryonic disc and amniotic sac
Suspended from chorion by connecting stalk- Eventually becomes umbilical cord
What occurs in the fetus at 5wks?
Embryonic disc develops into fetal pole
Contains 3 layers- Ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm
What occurs in the fetus at 6wks gestation?
Fetal heart forms and starts to beat
Spinal cord and muscles develop
Embryo (fetal pole) is about 4mm length
What does the endoderm become?
GI tract
Lungs
Liver
Pancreas
Thyroid
Reproductive system
What does the mesoderm become?
Heart
Muscle
Bone
Connective tissue
Blood
Kidneys
What does the ectoderm become?
Skin
Hair
Nails
Teeth
CNS
Outline development of the placenta
In follicular phase, endometrium thickens
Myometrium sends off artery branches into endometrium- Spiral arteries
Syncytiotrophoblast grows into endometrium and forms finger-like projections- Chorionic villi (contain fetal blood vessels)
Complete by 10wks gestation
Outline development of lacunae
Trophoblast invasion of endometrium sends signals to spiral arteries, reducing their vascular resistance- More fragile
Breakdown into lacunae (lakes)
Maternal blood flows from uterine arteries into lacunae and back out through uterine veins
Lacunae form at 20wks gestation
Lacunae surround chorionic villi, separated by placental membrane- Oxygen, CO2 and other substances diffuse across between mother and fetal blood
Outline the association between lacunae formation and pre-eclampsia
If process of forming lacunae inadequate- Can develop pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia caused by high vascular resistance in spiral arteries
Sharp rise in maternal BP
Outline the role of the placenta in respiration
Source of oxygen for fetus
Fetal Hb has higher affinity for oxygen than adult Hb
Oxygen drawn off maternal Hb to fetal Hb
CO2, H+, HCO3-, and lactic acid also exchanged across placenta- Maintains acid-base balance
Outline role of placenta in nutrition
All nutrition comes from mother
Mostly in form of glucose- Energy and growth
Transfers vitamins and minerals to fetus
Outline role of placenta in excretion
Performs similar function to kidneys- Filters waste products from fetus
Eg: Urea and creatinine
Outline the endocrine function of the placenta
hCG- Levels increase in early pregnancy, plateau at 10wks gestation, then start to fall- Maintains corpus luteum until placenta takes over production of oestrogen and progesterone- Can cause nausea and vomiting
Oestrogen- Placenta produces oestrogen- Softens tissue and makes them more flexible- Allows muscles and ligaments of uterus and pelvis to expand- Cervix becomes soft and ready for birth- Enlarges and prepares breasts and nipples for breastfeeding
Progesterone- Placenta mostly takes over production by 5wks gestation- Maintains pregnancy- Causes relaxation of uterine muscles (prevents contraction and labour) and maintains endometrium
List some side effects of increased progesterone in pregnancy
Relaxes muscles:
- Lower oesophageal sphincter (heartburn)
- Bowel (constipation
- Blood vessels (hypotension, headaches and skin flushing)
Raises body temperature by 0.5-1 degrees C
What can cause increased levels of hCG, above that of normal pregnancy?
Multiple pregnancy (twins)
Molar pregnancy
Outline the role of the placenta in immunity
Mother’s antibodies transfer across placenta to fetus during pregnancy
What hormonal changes occur in pregnancy?
Raised:
Steroid hormones (cortisol and aldosterone)- Improves AI conditions but increases susceptibility to diabetes and infections
T3/T4 (TSH normal)
Prolactin- Suppresses FSH and LH
Melanocyte S.H.
Oestrogen- Rises throughout pregnncy, produced by placenta
Progesterone- Rise throughout pregnancy- Maintains pregnancy/prevents contractions/suppresses mother’s immune reaction to fetal antigen- Corpus luteum till 10wks, then placenta
hCG
Anterior pituitary produces more ACTH, prolactin and melanocyte stimulating hormone
What cardiovascular changes occur in pregnancy?
Raised:
Blood volume
Plasma volume
Cardiac output
Decreased:
Peripheral vascular resistance
BP (returns to normal by term)
Vasodilation- Causes flushing and hot sweats
Varicose veins
What respiratory changes occur in pregnancy?
Raised:
Tidal volume
RR
What renal changes occur in pregnancy?
Raised:
Blood flow
GFR
Sodium reabsorption
Water reabsorption
Protein excretion
Aldosterone- Increased salt/water reabsorption and retention
Physiological hydronephrosis
What changes occur in the blood in pregnancy?
Raised:
RBC production (higher iron, folate and B12 requirements)
Plasma volume increases more than RBC volume- Lower conc. RBCs
WBC
Clotting factor- Hypercoagulable- Increased risk VTE
ALP (placenta)
ESR and D-dimer
ALP- Due to secretion by placenta
Decreased:
Platelets
Albumin
Hb conc. and red cell conc.- Anaemia (due to high plasma volume)
Calcium requirements increase, but so does gut absorption of calcium- Stable
What changes can occur to the skin in pregnancy?
Linea nigra (increased melanocyte stimulating hormone)
Melasma
Striae gravidarum
Spider naevi
Palmar erythema
Pruritis- Can be normal or can indicate obstetric cholestasis
Postpartum hair loss- Normal, usually improves within 6mths
What changes occur in the female reproductive system during pregnancy?
Uterus- 100g increased to 1.1kg
Myometrium- Hypertrophy
Cervix- Increased discharge, ectropion
Vagina- Hypertrophy, increased discharge, candida, bacteria
What are the 3 stages of labour?
1st stage- Onset of labour (true contractions) until 10cm dilation
2nd stage- 10cm cervical dilation to delivery of baby
3rd stage- Delivery of baby to delivery of placenta
Outline the role of prostaglandins in pregnancy
Act like hormones
Stimulate contraction of uterine muscles
Ripen cervix before delivery
Pessaries containing prostaglandin E2 can be used to induce labour
What are Braxton-Hicks Contractions?
Occasional irregular contractions of uterus
Usually felt during second and third trimester
Can experience temporary and irregular tightening or mild cramping in abdomen
not true contractions- Don’t indicate onset of labour
Management- Stay hydrated and relax
Outline the 1st stage of labour
Onset of labour until cervix fully dilated (10cm)
Involves cervical dilation and effacement
Show- Mucus plug in cervix- Falls out
Latent phase
Active phase
Transition phase
What is the mucus plug?
The ‘show’
Prevents bacteria from entering uterus during pregnancy
Falls out during first stage of labour
What is the latent phase?
In first stage of labour
0-3cm dilation of cervix
Progresses at 0.5cm/h
Irregular contractions
What is the active phase?
3-7cm dilation of cervix
Progresses at 1cm/h
Regular contractions
What is the transition phase?
7-10cm dilation of cervix
Progresses at 1cm/h
Strong, regular contractions
Outline the 2nd stage of labour
10cm dilation to delivery of baby
- Power- Strength of uterine contractions
- Passenger- Size/attitude/lie/presentation
- Passage
What does attitude of the fetus mean?
Posture of fetus
Eg: How the back is rounded and how head and limbs are flexed
What does lie of the fetus mean?
Position of fetus in relation to mother’s body:
Longitudinal lie- Fetus straight up and down
Transverse lie- Fetus is straight side to side
Oblique lie- Fetus is at an angle
What does presentation of the fetus mean?
Part of fetus closest to cervix
Cephalic- head first
Shoulder- Shoulder first
Breech- Legs first- Complete (hips and knees flexed), Frank (hips flexed, knees extended, bottom first), Footling (foot hanging through cervix)
What are the cardinal movements of labour?
Engagement
Descent
Flexion
Internal rotation
Extension
Restitution and external rotation
Expulsion
Outline descent of the baby in labour
Position of baby’s head in relation to mother’s ischial spines during descent phase
-5 When baby is high up at pelvic inlet
0 Head is at ischial spines (head engaged)
+5 Fetal head has descended further out
Outline 3rd stage of labour
Completed birth of baby to delivery of placenta
Physiological management- Placenta delivered by maternal effort w/o meds or cord traction
Active management- Assisted delivery of placenta- Shortens 3rd stage and reduces risk of bleeding
Haemorrhage/>60min delay should prompt active management
Can be associated with nausea and vomiting
What is active management of third stage of labour?
Dose of IM oxytocin helps uterus contract and expel placenta
Careful traction applied to umbilical cord
What is amenorrhoea?
Lack of menstrual periods
What is primary amenorrhoea?
Patient never develops periods
List causes of primary amenorrhoea
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism- Abnormal functioning of hypothalamus or pituitary gland
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism- Abnormal functioning of gonads
Imperforate hymen or other structural pathology
What is secondary amenorrhoea?
Patient previously had periods that subsequently stopped
What are the causes of secondary amenorrhoea?
Pregnancy
Menopause
Physiological stress- Excessive exercise/low body weight/chronic disease/psychosocial factors
PCOS
Meds- Hormonal contraceptives
Premature ovarian insufficiency (menopause <40y)
Thyroid hormone abnormalities
Excessive prolactin (prolactinoma)
Cushing’s syndrome
What is anovulation?
Lack of ovulation
List the causes of irregular menstruation
Extremes of reproductive age (early periods or perimenopause)
PCOS
Physiological stress (excessive exercise/low body weight/chronic disease/psychosocial factors
Meds- Progesterone only contraception/antidepressants/antipsychotics
Hormonal imbalances- Thyroid abnormalities/Cushing’s syndrome/high prolactin
What are the causes of intermenstrual bleeding?
RED FLAG
Hormonal contraception
Cervical ectropion, polyps, cancer
STI
Endometrial polyps or cancer
Vaginal pathology- Including cancer
Pregnancy
Ovulation
Medications- SSRIs and anticoagulants
What is dysmenorrhoea?
Painful periods
What are the causes of dysmenorrhoea?
Primary dysmenorrhoea
Endometriosis or adenomyosis
Fibroids
PID
Copper coil
Cervical or ovarian cancer
What is menorrhagia?
Heavy menstrual bleeding
What are the causes of menorrhagia?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Extremes of reproductive age
Fibroids
Endometriosis and adenomyosis
PID
Contraceptives- Copper coil
Anticoagulant meds
Bleeding disorders- VWD
Endocrine disorders- Diabetes and hypothyroidism
Connective tissue disorders
Endometrial hyperplasia or cancer
PCOS
What are the causes of postcoital bleeding?
RED FLAG
Cervical cancer, ectropion or infection
Trauma
Atrophic vaginitis
Polyps
Endometrial cancer
Vaginal cancer
What are the causes of pelvic pain?
UTI
Dysmenorrhoea
IBS
Ovarian cysts
Endometriosis
PID
Ectopic pregnancy
Appendicitis
Mittelschmerz
Pelvic adhesions
Ovarian torsion
IBD
What is Mittelschmerz?
Cyclical pain during ovulation
What are the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge?
Bacterial vaginosis
Candidiasis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomonas vaginalis
Foreign body
Cervical ectropion
Polyps
Malignancy
Pregnancy
Ovulation (cyclical)
Hormonal contraception
What is pruritis vulvae?
Itching of vulva and vagina
What are the causes of pruritis vulvae?
Irritants (soaps, detergents, barrier contraception)
Atrophic vaginitis
Infection- Candidiasis/pubic lice
Eczema
Vulval malignancy
Pregnancy-related
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Stress
What are the definitions of primary amenorrhoea?
Not starting menstruation:
By 13y if no other signs of pubertal development
By 15y if other signs of puberty
What is hypogonadism?
Lack of sex hormones/oestrogen/testosterone
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism- LH and FSH deficiency
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism- Lack of response to LH and FSH by gonads
What is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
Deficiency of LH and FSH leading to deficiency of sex hormones
Result of abnormal functioning of hypothalamus or pituitary gland
What are LH and FSH?
Gonadotrophins produced by anterior pituitary gland in response to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
What can cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?
Hypopituitarism
Damage to hypothalamus or pituitary
Sig. chronic conditions- CF or IBD
Excessive dieting or exercise
Constitutional delay in growth and development
Endocrine disorders- GH deficiency, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s, hyperprolactinaemia
Kallman syndrome
What is Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?
Gonads fail to respond to LH and FSH
Anterior produces high levels of LH and FSH and low sex hormones
What can cause hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?
Previous damage to gonads (torsion, cancer, infections (mumps))
Congenital absence of ovaries
Turner’s syndrome
What is Kallman syndrome?
Genetic condition
Causes hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Failure to start puberty
Associated with anosmia (absent sense of smell)
What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
Congenital deficiency of 21-hydroxylase enzyme
Underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone and overproduction of androgens from birth
Autosomal recessive
How does congenital adrenal hyperplasia present?
Severe- Neonate unwell shortly after birth- Electrolyte disturbances and hypoglycaemia
Females:
Tall for age
Facial hair
Absent periods (primary amenorrhoea)
Deep voice
Early puberty
What is androgen insensitivity syndrome?
Tissues unable to respond to androgen hormones (testosterone)
Typical male sexual characteristics don’t develop
Results in female phenotype- Other than internal pelvic organs
Normal external genitalia and breast tissue
Internally- Testes, absent uterus/upper vagina/fallopian tubes/ovaries
List structural pathology causes of primary amenorrhoea
Imperforate hymen
Transverse vaginal septae
Vaginal agenesis
Absent uterus
Female genital mutilation
Outline investigations of primary amenorrhoea
Anaemia- FBC, ferritin
CKD- U&Es
Coeliac disease- Anti-TTG, anti-EMA antibodies
Hormonal bloods:
FSH and LH
TFTs
GH deficiency screening- ILGF-1
Hyperprolactinaemia- Prolactin raised
Raised testosterone- PCOS, androgen insensitivity syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Genetic testing with microarray- Turner’s syndrome
Imaging:
Xray wrist- Constitutional delay
Pelvic US- Ovaries and pelvic organs
MRI brain- Assess olfactory bulbs in possible Kallman syndrome
How is hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism managed?
Pulsatile GnRH to induce ovulation and menstruation
Or can replace sex hormones- COCP
What is the definition of secondary amenorrhoea?
No menstruation >3mths after regular periods
Investigate after 3-6mths
What are the causes of secondary amenorrhoea?
Pregnancy
Menopause and premature ovarian failure
Hormonal contraception (IUS or POP)
PCOS
Asherman’s syndrome
Thyroid pathology
Hyperprolactinaemia
Pituitary tumours- Prolactin-secreting prolactinoma
Pituitary failure- Trauma/radiotherapy/surgery/Sheehan syndrome
Excessive exercise/low body weight/ED/chronic disease/psychological stress
What is hyperprolactinaemia?
High prolactin levels act on hypothalamus to prevent release of GnRH
No GnRH= No LH and FSH- Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
What is galactorrhoea associated with?
Is breast milk production and secretion
Hyperprolactinaemia
High prolactin level
What is the most common cause of hyperprolactinaemia?
Pituitary adenoma secreting prolactin
How is hyperprolactinaemia managed?
Often no treatment
Dopamine agonists- Bromocriptine or cabergoline- Can reduce prolactin production
What can bromocriptine and cabergoline be used to treat?
(Dopamine agonists)
Hyperprolactinaemia
Parkinson’s disease
Acromegaly
Outline investigations of secondary amenorrhoea
Hormonal blood tests
US pelvis to diagnose PCOS
Which hormone tests are done in secondary amenorrhoea?
bHCG- Pregnancy
LH and FSH:
High FSH- Primary ovarian failure
High LH, or LH:FSH ratio- PCOS
Prolactin- Hyperprolactinaemia
Follow with MRI- Pituitary tumour
TSH
Follow with T3 and T4 if abnormal
High TSH, low T3 and T4- Hypothyroidism
Low TSH, high T3 and T4- Hyperthyroidism
Raised testosterone- PCOS, androgen insensitivity syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Why does PCOS require a withdrawal bleed every 3-4mths when managing and why?
Reduce risk endometrial hyperplasia/cancer
Medroxyprogesterone for 14d, or regular use of COCP- Stimulate withdrawal bleed
Outline association between secondary amenorrhoea and osteoporosis
Amenorrhoea associated with low oestrogen- Increased risk osteoporosis
Treat if amenorrhoea >12mths
How is risk of osteoporosis managed in secondary amenorrhoea?
Vit D and calcium
HRT or COCP
What is premenstrual syndrome?
Psychological/emotional/physical symptoms during luteal phase of menstrual cycle
Resolve once menstruation begins
Not present before menarche/during pregnancy/after menopause
Outline presentation of PMS
Low mood
Anxiety
Mood swings
Irritability
Bloating
Fatigue
Headaches
Breast pain
Reduced confidence
Cognitive impairment
Clumsiness
Reduced libido
When can PMS continue in absence of periods?
Hysterectomy
Endometrial ablation
Mirena
Ovaries continue to function and hormonal cycle continues
What is progesterone-induced premenstrual disorder?
Symptoms of PMS occurring in response to taking meds containing progesterone
COCP or cyclical-HRT
How is PMS diagnosed?
Symptoms diary spanning 2 menstrual cycles
Definitive- Administer GnRH analogues and temporarily induce menopause to see if symptoms resolve
Outline management of PMS
Lifestyle- Diet/exercise/alcohol/smoking/stress/sleep
COCP- Drospirenone
SSRI antidepressants
CBT
Continuous transdermal oestrogen (patch)- Requires progesterone endometrial protection alongside (norethisterone/mirena coil) to trigger withdrawal bleed
GnRH analogues- Induce menopausal state
Hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy- HRT will be required
Danazole and tamoxifen- Cyclical breast pain
Spironolactone- Breast swelling, water retention, bloating
What are the potential SEs of GnRH analogues?
Osteoporosis
Add HRT to mitigate effects
What investigations should be done in menorrhagia?
Pelvic exam with speculum and bimanual
FBC- Iron deficiency anaemia
Outpatient hysteroscopy- If suspected submucosal fibroids/suspected endometrial pathology/persistent intermenstrual bleeding
Pelvic and transvaginal US- If possible large fibroid/adenomyosis/exam difficult to interpret (obesity)/hysteroscopy declined
Swabs- If evidence infection
Coagulation screen- FH clotting disorders
Ferritin- Clinically anaemic
TFTs- Features of hypothyroidism
Outline management of menorrhagia
No contraception:
TXA (if no pain)
Mefenamic acid (if associated pain)
Contraception:
1. Mirena coil
2. COCP
3. Cyclical oral progestogens- Norethisterone
Refer to secondary care
Surgical:
Endometrial ablation
Hysterectomy
What are fibroids?
Benign tumours of smooth muscle of uterus
Oestrogen sensitive- Grow in response to oestrogen
List the types of fibroids in the uterus
Intramural- Within myometrium- Can change shape and distort uterus
Subserosal- Just below outer layer of uterus- Grow out, can be very large filling abdomen
Submucosal- Just below endometrium
Pedunculated- Stalk
Outline symptoms of Fibroids
Often asymptomatic
Heavy menstrual bleeding most common
Prolonged menstruation (>7d)
Abdominal pain- Worse during menstruation
Bloating/feeling full in abdo
Urinary/bowel symptoms due to pelvic pressure/fullness
Deep dyspareunia
Reduced fertility
Outline investigations of PCOS
Hysteroscopy- Initial investigation
Pelvic US
MRI scanning
Outline management of fibroids <3cm
1st line- Mirena coil
NSAIDs and TXA
COCP
Cyclical oral progestogens
Surgical:
Endometrial ablation
Resection of submucosal fibroids during hysteroscopy
Hysterectomy
Outline management of fibroids >3cm
NSAIDs and TXA
Mirena coil
COCP
Cyclical oral progestogens
Surgical:
Uterine artery embolisation
Myomectomy
Hysterectomy
What can be used to reduce size of fibroids before surgery?
GnRH agonists- Goserelin or leuprorelin
What are the complications of fibroids?
Heavy menstrual bleeding- Iron deficiency anaemia
Reduced fertility
Pregnancy complications- Miscarriages, premature labour, obstructive delivery
Constipation
Urinary outflow tract obstruction and UTI
Red degeneration of fibroid
Torsion of fibroid (pedunculated)
Malignant change to leiomyosarcoma (rare)
What is red degeneration of fibroid?
Ischaemia, infarction and necrosis of fibroid due to disrupted blood supply
More likely to occur in large fibroids during 2nd/3rd trimester pregnancy
How does red degeneration of fibroid present?
Severe abdo pain
Low grade fever
Tachycardia
Vomiting