Untitled Deck Flashcards
What is the primary pharmacologic treatment for managing menopausal symptoms?
Hormone Therapy (HT) is the first-line treatment, especially for hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms.
When is estrogen-alone therapy (ET) recommended?
ET is recommended for women without a uterus.
What type of hormone therapy is used for women with an intact uterus?
Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy (EPT) is used to prevent endometrial complications.
Why is progestogen necessary in hormone therapy for women with a uterus?
Progestogen prevents endometrial hyperplasia or cancer by counteracting estrogen’s stimulatory effects on the uterine lining.
What are some commonly used progestins in hormone therapy?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethindrone acetate, and native progesterone are commonly used.
When is local (topical) estrogen therapy indicated?
Local estrogen therapy is indicated for vaginal dryness as the primary symptom.
Why doesn’t local estrogen therapy require progestogen?
Low-dose local estrogen does not raise systemic estrogen levels enough to stimulate the uterine lining.
What is the role of Bazedoxifene in hormone therapy?
Bazedoxifene, combined with conjugated estrogens (CEE), provides endometrial protection without needing additional progestogen.
How does systemic estrogen therapy benefit menopausal women?
Systemic estrogen therapy alleviates broader symptoms, such as hot flashes and vasomotor symptoms, by raising blood estrogen levels.
Why is estrogen-progestogen therapy necessary for systemic HT in women with a uterus?
It prevents estrogen-induced risks of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
How does local estrogen therapy benefit vaginal dryness?
Local estrogen directly addresses vaginal dryness without systemic effects or the need for progestogen.
What is the primary benefit of using Bazedoxifene with conjugated estrogens?
It combines estrogen benefits with endometrial safety, eliminating the need for additional progestogen.
What are the benefits of customizing hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms?
Systemic HT addresses widespread symptoms like hot flashes, while local estrogen targets specific symptoms like vaginal dryness without systemic effects.
When is systemic unopposed estrogen therapy indicated?
Systemic unopposed estrogen is prescribed for women who do not have a uterus.
What is the purpose of local estrogen therapy?
Local estrogen therapy is used to treat vaginal symptoms like vaginal atrophy and dryness, regardless of uterine status.
Why is local estrogen therapy considered safe for all women?
Local estrogen does not raise systemic estrogen levels significantly, eliminating the need for additional progestogen.
Why is progestogen added to estrogen therapy in women with an intact uterus?
Progestogen prevents endometrial hyperplasia and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer caused by unopposed estrogen.
What is the role of Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy (EPT)?
EPT provides the benefits of estrogen while ensuring endometrial protection for women with an intact uterus.
What happens if unopposed estrogen is given to women with a uterus?
It can stimulate the uterine lining, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
Why is systemic unopposed estrogen therapy unsuitable for women with a uterus?
Without progestogen, it increases the risk of endometrial cancer due to estrogen stimulation of the uterine lining.
What symptoms does local estrogen therapy specifically target?
Local estrogen therapy targets vaginal atrophy and dryness.
How does EPT balance the effects of estrogen?
EPT allows the benefits of estrogen while reducing its risks by protecting the endometrium in women with a uterus.
What is the primary benefit of using progestogen in EPT?
Progestogen prevents adverse effects of unopposed estrogen, such as endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
What is the first-line therapy for managing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in menopausal women?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the first-line therapy for managing hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms.
How does HRT help prevent osteoporosis?
HRT prevents bone loss and reduces fracture risk, making it beneficial for women at risk of osteoporosis.
When is HRT indicated for women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or early surgical menopause?
HRT is used to manage symptoms and protect long-term health in these cases.
What is the recommended therapy for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM)?
Local estrogen therapy, such as estradiol vaginal tablets or estriol cream, is recommended for GSM.
What are common side effects of HRT?
Side effects include breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding, nausea, headaches, weight changes, skin reactions, and cholecystitis.
What systemic HRT options are available for women with an intact uterus?
Options include: CEE (Premarin) or Estradiol Valerate (Progynova) taken daily; Combination therapy with CEE or Estradiol Valerate plus Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA); Estradiol Hemihydrate + Drosperinone (Angeliq).
What systemic HRT options are available for women without a uterus?
CEE (Premarin) or Estradiol Valerate (Progynova) can be taken daily without the need for progestogen.
What is the regimen for Estradiol Vaginal Tablets (Vagifem) for GSM?
Insert 10 mg daily for 2 weeks, followed by 1 tablet twice weekly for maintenance.
How is Estriol Cream (Ovestin) used for GSM?
Apply 0.5 mg daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.
Why do women with an intact uterus require progestogen in HRT?
Progestogen prevents endometrial hyperplasia and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer caused by unopposed estrogen.
What differentiates local from systemic HRT?
Systemic HRT addresses broader symptoms like VMS, while local HRT targets GSM with minimal systemic exposure and fewer side effects.
How does combination HRT with progestogen work for women with a uterus?
Progestogen is added to systemic estrogen therapy to protect the uterus and balance the effects of estrogen.
Why is CEE or Estradiol Valerate used without progestogen for women without a uterus?
Women without a uterus don’t need progestogen because there’s no risk of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
What are the absolute contraindications to MHT?
Absolute contraindications include: History of breast or endometrial cancer, Porphyria, History of thromboembolic disease, Unexplained vaginal bleeding, Active liver disease, Acute cardiovascular disease, Stroke, TIA, MI, PE, or VTE, Immobilization, Atypical ductal hyperplasia of the breast, Uncontrolled hypertension, Active gallbladder disease, Migraine with aura.
Why is MHT contraindicated in women with a history of breast or endometrial cancer?
Hormones may worsen or stimulate the growth of these cancers.
Why is MHT avoided in thromboembolic disease?
MHT increases the risk of blood clots, worsening thromboembolic conditions.
Why is unexplained vaginal bleeding a contraindication for MHT?
It requires evaluation for potential malignancies, as MHT may exacerbate these conditions.
Why should MHT not be used in active liver disease?
Estrogen is metabolized by the liver, and active liver disease may interfere with MHT processing.
Why is MHT contraindicated in acute cardiovascular conditions?
Hormones may aggravate existing cardiovascular diseases like MI, PE, or stroke.
Why is immobilization a contraindication for MHT?
Immobilization increases the risk of thromboembolism, which can be worsened by MHT.
Why should MHT be used cautiously in women with diabetes?
MHT may affect glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health, requiring careful monitoring.
Why is hypertriglyceridemia a precaution for MHT use?
It increases the risk of thrombosis when combined with MHT.
Why is MHT risky for women with migraine with aura?
MHT raises the risk of stroke in these women.
What precautions should be taken for women at increased risk of breast cancer or cardiovascular disease?
MHT should be carefully considered and monitored, as it may raise the risks of these conditions.
Why is an individualized approach important for MHT?
Assessing a patient’s health history ensures safe and effective therapy while minimizing adverse effects.
What factors should be considered when selecting an HRT preparation?
Factors include increased triglycerides, diabetes mellitus, breast cancer risks, mammographic density, and family history of VTE.
How can the first-pass effect be avoided in HRT?
Transdermal Estradiol bypasses the liver, reducing metabolic impact and clotting risk.
What are strategies for safer HRT use?
Use transdermal estradiol, progestins with safer metabolic profiles, and ultra-low-dose preparations.
How is endometrial protection ensured for women with a uterus on systemic estrogen?
Combine systemic estradiol with progesterone or conjugated estrogens (CEE) with Bazedoxifene to protect against endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
Is progesterone required for low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy?
No, progesterone is typically unnecessary unless unusual vaginal bleeding occurs.
When should endometrial evaluation be performed during low-dose vaginal ET?
If vaginal bleeding occurs, evaluation is needed to rule out endometrial pathology.
What are the indications for osteoporosis drug therapy in postmenopausal women?
Indications include a history of vertebral or hip fractures or a T-score < -2.5 at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, or total hip.
What are the osteoporosis risk thresholds for moderate-risk postmenopausal women?
A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 with a 10-year FRAX risk of major osteoporotic fracture ≥ 20% or hip fracture risk ≥ 3%.