RTS - Womens Health Flashcards
What are some common womens conditions? (9)
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Menorrhagia
- Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS/ PMT)
- Vaginal thrush
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Cystitis
- Suspected pregnancy
- Minor ailments during pregnancy
- Menopause
1) What is dysmenorrhoea?
2) Who suffers fro it? (2)
1) Commonly known as ‘PERIOD PAIN’
2) - Up to 1 in 2 women suffer, maybe up to 90%
- Up to 1 in 10 take time off from work/ school
What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea? (4)
Symptoms occur shortly before / during menstruation
1) Pain:
- Abdominal/ pelvic area
- Lower back
- Thighs/Legs
2) Abdominal Cramps
3) Nausea and Vomiting
4) Constipation, dizziness, headache, bloating
What are the two variations of dysmenorrhoea? (2)
1) Primary Dysmenorrhoea
- No underlying pelvic pathological cause
- Related to endometrial release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes-↑levels or sensitivity
- Most common in ages 15 -25 years
2) Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
- Underlying pelvic pathological cause
- More common in ages 30 – 45 years.
- REFER
Conditions to Eliminate
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea:
- Fibroids (benign tumours)
- Endometriosis
- Adhesions
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
Other Conditions:
- Acute Appendicitis (pain on right side)
- Ectopic Pregnancy (fertilised egg planted outside uterus (abnormal bleeding))
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Tumours
What are the RED FLAG Referral Indicators for Dysmenorrhoea? (9)
- Pain or bleeding between periods
- Pain or bleeding after sex or urination
- Sudden severe pain
- High temperature
- Amenorrhoea or severe menorrhagia
- Post menopausal women
- Unpleasant discharge from vagina
- IUD insertion
- Painkillers tried for 3-4 cycles-not working
Define the differences in information needed for diagnosis for primary/secondary Dysmenorrhoea. (4, 4)
Primary Dysmenorrhoea - When did it start? At, or slightly after, menarche - Where in cycle does pain occur? Within 24 hrs of menstruation (lasts 24-72 hrs) - Other gynaecological symptoms present? No - Response to NSAID’s or Oral Contraceptives? Good
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
- When did it start?
Can be years after menarche
- Where in cycle does pain occur?
Any stage of cycle . If only during menstruation, usually prolonged and may start 2-3 days before.
- Other gynaecological symptoms present?
Yes (eg bleeding between menstruation, discharge, bleeding or pain after or during sex)
- Response to NSAID’s or Oral Contraceptives?
Little or none
Describe TWO medicines used for dysmenorrhoea treatment. (2)
1) Drug: Ibuprofen
- Dose: 200-400mg TDS
- Risk of GI adverse effects: Low
- Brand names: Nurofen, Feminax Express (Generic available)
2) Drug: Naproxen
- Dose: Day 1: 2 tabs stat then 1 tab 6 to 8 hours later prn
- Dose: Day 2 and 3: 1 tablet every 6 to 8 hours (Max 3 days and 750mg daily) - available to 15-50yo women
- Risk of GI adverse effects: Moderate
- Brand names: Feminax Ultra, Boots period pain relief
What treatment options are available for dysmenorrhoea if NSAIDs are contraindicated? (4)
- Paracetamol 500-1000mg up to QDS (max 4g in 24 hours)
- Codeine with Ibuprofen or Paracetamol
i) Co-codamol (Paracetamol/Codeine 8/500mg)
ii) Solpadeine Migraine (Ibuprofen/Codeine 200/12.8mg) also licensed for dysmenorrhoea - Dihydrocodeine 7.46mg with paracetamol 500mg as Paramol tablets
- Hyoscine butylbromide 10mg tablets-Buscopan Cramps tablets
Give some non-pharmacological advice for dysmenorrhoea treatment. (7)
- Stop smoking
- Aim for ideal weight
- Exercise (e.g. swimming, walking or cycling)
- Local Heat Application (Applying heat to abdomen can reduce pain - use Hot water bottle/ heat pads)
- Warm bath, massage, relaxation techniques
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Oral Contraceptives REFER
Define Menorrhagia, who suffers from it and how it can occur. (3)
i) ‘HEAVY PERIODS’ - Heavy loss – SUBJECTIVE
- 30% of women suffer
- 5% of women aged 29-44 will consult GP
- Bleeding increases with age
ii) Clinically defined as ‘excessive menstrual blood loss which interferes with the woman’s physical, emotional, social and material quality of life’.
iii) Can occur alone/combined with other symptoms
What are the causes for Menorrhagia? (3)
i) No known cause - >60% of cases
ii) Gynaecological – >30% of cases
- PID
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
iii) Endocrine & haematological -
What are the RED FLAG Referral Indicators for Menorrhagia? (5)
i) Irregular bleeding
ii) An increase in blood loss – different to what is normal
iii) Postcoital bleeding
iv) Other symptoms such as pain during intercourse or pelvic pain
v) Tranexamic acid OTC not suitable
Periods are known as the (1), which begin at the (2) (around 12 years of age).
The lining of the uterus is called the (3).
Symptoms of painful periods are called (4).
Heavy periods are termed (4).
1) Menstrual cycle
2) Menarche
3) Endometrium
4) Menorrhagia
What OTC Treatment is recommended for Menorrhagia? (5)
Tranexamic acid Tablets (2011 POM-P switch)
i) Mechanism of action- antifibrinolytic-competitive inhibitor of activation of plasminogen to plasmin (reduces blood loss during period).
ii) Indications- Reduction of menstrual bleeding for ages 18-45 yrs with regular 21-35 day cycles
iii) Dosage- 2 x 500mg tabs TDS (max 4 days), up to 4g daily (8 tabs)
iv) Contraindications
- Current or past thromboembolic disease
- Haematuria
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- warfarin/ other anticoagulants/ OCs/ tamoxifen
v) Consult Dr if- obese and diabetic/ family history of endometrial cancer
1) What is Pre-Menstrual Syndrome?
2) When do symptoms occur?
3) What triggers symptoms?
1) A collection of physical and mental symptoms with incidence related to the menstrual cycle.
2) Symptoms occur at the same time in the menstrual cycle each month, up to two weeks before day 1, improving from day 1
3) Ovulation triggers symptoms. Women with PMS may be more sensitive to progesterone, leading to a reduction in the neurotransmitter serotonin.
What are some physical symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome? (9)
- feeling bloated
- pain/ discomfort in the abdomen
- headaches
- backache
- muscle and joint pain
- breast pain
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- nausea
- weight gain (up to 1kg)
What are some psychological and behavioural symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome? (10)
- mood swings, crying, feeling upset or emotional
- feeling irritable or angry
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating
- confusion and forgetfulness
- clumsiness
- tiredness, restlessness
- decreased self-esteem
- loss of libido
- food cravings
1) What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
2) What are the symptoms? (5)
1) more severe psychiatric symptoms than PMS, which can cause major disruption to life and relationships.
2) Symptoms are cyclical:
- feelings of hopelessness, depression
- suicidal ideation
- extreme anger and anxiety
- sleeping much more or less than usual
- very low self-esteem
REFER
1) What are the symptom specific treatments for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome? (2)
2) What are the holistic (placebo effect) treatments for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome? (4)
1) Symptom specific
- NSAIDs, paracetamol e.g. for breast pain
- Buscopan Cramps-hyoscine butylbromide 10mg tablets
2) Holistic- placebo effect?
- Diet- reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
- Supplements: pyridoxine, evening primrose oil, calcium, magnesium
- Herbal remedy-Vitex agnus-castus
- Exercise