Secondary Amenorrhoea and Menopause Flashcards
What is the dentition of menopause?
The Menopause is a woman’s last ever period
What is the average age of the menopause?
51
When does perimenopause start?
Approx. 5 years before
What is premature menopause and how common is it?
- Premature menopause = 40 years or less
* Affects 1% of women
What happens in menopause?
•Ovarian insufficiency (oestradiol falls)
->Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) rises
- Still some oestriol from conversion of adrenal androgens in adipose tissue
- FSH levels fluctuate in perimenopause - a premenopausal level does not exclude perimenopause as a cause for symptoms
- Menopausal transition may be natural or sudden following oophorectomy/chemotherapy/radiotherapy
What are the symptoms of menopause?
- Vasomotor symptoms
- Vaginal dryness/soreness
- Low libido
- Muscle and joint aches
- Mood changes/poor memory - possibly related to vasomotor effect on sleep
What are the vasomotor symptoms in menopause?
- Hot flushes/night sweats - 80% women
- 45% find them a problem
- Usually last 2-5 yrs but may be 10 years+
What is a silent change in menopause?
Osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
- Reduced bone mass
* DEXA scan •Bone density described as T score
What are the problems that come with osteoporosis?
•Fractured hip/vertebrae
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
- Thin
- Caucasian
- Smoking
- High EtOH - alcoholic
- +ve FH
- Malabsorption Vit D or Calcium
- Prolonged low oestrogen amenorrhoea
- Oral corticosteroids
- Hyperthyroidism
How is osteoporosis prevented in menopausal women?
- Weight-bearing exercise
- Adequate calcium and vitamin D
- HRT
How is osteoporosis treated in menopausal women?
- Bisphosphonates
- Denosumab - monoclonal antibody to osteoclasts
- Calcitonin (hormone)
What are the 2 types of HRT?
- Local
* Systemic
What is local HRT?
- Oestrogen pessary/ring/cream
- Local effects and minimal systemic absorption
- Need to use longterm to maintain benefit
What is systemic HRT?
- Oestrogen given transdermally or orally
- Transdermal - avoids first pass, less risk of VTE
- No uterus - oestrogen only
- Uterus - oestrogen and progestogen
- Progestogen given orally, transdermally and LNG IUS