Puberty And Menopause Flashcards
Describe the hormonal changes in the menopause
The pituitary releases FSH and LH but the ovaries cannot produce enough oestrogen and progesterone
FSH and LH increase due to lack of negative feedback
What is the average age of the menopause?
51
How long does a lady have to go without periods to be classed as in the menopause?
12 months
Define perimenopause
Having symptoms of the menopause before their final period
Can be for years
Define premature menopause
Menopause occurring before the age of 40
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Hot flushes Night sweats Vagina dryness or discomfort Low mood and anxiety Joint and muscle pain Decreased libido Spaced/irregular bleeding until periods stop
What Conservative methods can help with the symptoms of menopause?
Exercise such as running, swimming and yoga
Smoking cessation: Decreases sweating and osteoporosis risk
Decreased alcohol and caffeine intake: decreases hot flushes and sweating
Fresh food diet
When do the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks?
If the women are less than 60 years old or less than 10 years from their menopause
What are the side effects of HRT?
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Bloating
Muscle cramps
When can you give oestrogen only HRT?
If the woman has had a hysterectomy
Combined HRT increases the risk of what diseases?
Cardiovascular disease
Strokeand DVT
Breast cancer
How can HRT be given?
Oral
Topical: patch or gel
Name some of the nonhormonal managements of the menopause
Vagina lubricants and moisturises
Acupuncture and reflexology
CBT
SSRIs for hot flushes
How does the menopause affect the anatomy?
Regression of endometrium and shrinkage of myometrium Thinning of cervix Vagina rugae lost Involution of some breast tissue Skin changes Loss of pelvic tone
What are the contra indications for HRT?
Pregnancy Undiagnosed abnormal vagina bleeding Active thromboembolic disease Suspected or active breast or endometrial cancer Active liver disease Porphyria
