Untitled Deck Flashcards
What is the definition of menopause?
Menopause is the final menstrual period confirmed after 1 year without menstrual bleeding, marking the permanent cessation of menses due to loss of ovarian follicular function.
What is the primary cause of menopause?
Menopause primarily occurs due to aging and the loss of ovarian follicular function.
What is the average age of natural menopause onset in Western countries?
The average age of natural menopause onset in Western countries is 51-52 years.
What is the average age of natural menopause onset in Filipino women?
The average age of natural menopause onset in Filipino women is 47-48 years.
What are the causes of premature menopause?
Premature menopause can occur due to medical interventions like hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or genetic factors affecting ovarian function.
Does hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy cause menopause?
No, hysterectomy alone does not cause menopause if the ovaries remain functional.
What marks menopause hormonally?
Menopause is marked by reduced estrogen production due to absent or non-functional ovaries.
How does ethnicity affect menopause onset?
Ethnicity influences menopause onset; for example, Filipinos generally experience menopause earlier than Western women.
How does general health affect menopause onset?
Health issues can influence the timing of menopause.
How does parity (number of pregnancies) affect menopause onset?
Higher parity is associated with a later onset of menopause.
How does smoking affect menopause onset?
Smoking typically leads to menopause 1-2 years earlier than non-smokers.
How does hysterectomy affect menopause onset?
Hysterectomy can lead to earlier menopause due to reduced blood supply to the ovaries, which affects their function.
How does BMI affect menopause onset?
Higher BMI, especially obesity, is associated with a later onset of menopause.
What are the initial endocrine changes signaling menopause onset?
Menopause onset is signaled by decreased Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and ovarian inhibin-B production, along with increased Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels due to reduced ovarian function.
What are common early-stage menopausal symptoms (ages 40-50)?
Early-stage symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, menstrual irregularity, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
What are common intermediate-stage menopausal symptoms (ages 50-60)?
Intermediate-stage symptoms include vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, skin atrophy, and urge-stress incontinence.
What health risks are associated with late-stage menopause (ages 65-75+)?
Late-stage health risks include osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is a hallmark early symptom of menopause related to thermoregulation?
Hot flushes, sudden feelings of heat often accompanied by sweating, are hallmark early symptoms.
What causes dyspareunia during menopause?
Dyspareunia is caused by vaginal dryness due to thinning and drying of vaginal tissues (vaginal atrophy).
Why does menopause increase the risk of osteoporosis?
Estrogen deficiency during menopause leads to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
How does menopause contribute to cardiovascular disease?
Estrogen deficiency promotes atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and other cardiovascular risks.
What cognitive risk is potentially heightened in late-stage menopause?
Late-stage menopause is associated with a potentially increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
How does menopause impact quality of life?
Symptoms across all stages can significantly impact physical, emotional, and social well-being, necessitating comprehensive management strategies.
What are the progression patterns of menopausal symptoms?
Early symptoms are related to hormonal fluctuations affecting mood, sleep, and thermoregulation, while intermediate symptoms reflect changes in reproductive and urinary tract tissues, and late-stage risks involve bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health.
What are common management strategies for menopause symptoms?
Management includes lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and medical interventions to alleviate discomfort and reduce long-term health risks.
What is the definition of perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period around menopause, also called ‘the menopausal transition.’
What are common symptoms of perimenopause?
Symptoms include irregular bleeding, hot flushes, mood changes, and reduced fertility.
How is perimenopause managed?
Short-term oral contraceptives (20 mcg ethinyl estradiol) may be used to manage symptoms and regulate cycles.
What is induced menopause?
Induced menopause is menopause resulting from medical interventions, also known as iatrogenic menopause.
What are the causes of induced menopause?
Causes include bilateral oophorectomy (with or without hysterectomy), chemotherapy, or pelvic radiation therapy.
What is Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)?
POF or POI is ovarian failure before age 40, accompanied by high levels of gonadotropins (hypergonadotropic ovarian failure).
What are possible causes of POI?
Causes include genetic factors, enzymatic defects, autoimmune reactions, gonadotropin defects, ovarian insults (surgery or infections), or idiopathic cases.
How is POI managed?
Management includes screening for autoimmune disorders, karyotyping for genetic abnormalities, transvaginal ultrasound, and specific tests for thyroid and adrenal issues.
What is the primary treatment for POI?
Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) is used for symptom relief and prevention of long-term health issues.
What is the most effective fertility option for women with POI?
Oocyte (egg) donation is the most effective option, with a spontaneous pregnancy rate of around 5%.
Why is perimenopause considered challenging?
Perimenopause involves irregular cycles, hot flushes, mood changes, and reduced fertility, often requiring symptom management and hormone regulation.
How does induced menopause differ from natural menopause?
Induced menopause occurs abruptly due to medical interventions, unlike the gradual transition typical of natural menopause.