Week 6 Menopause Breast Osteoporosis Flashcards
define menopause
- Permanent cessation of menstruation and ovulation
- 1 year of amenorrhea
- average age: 52
- premature menopause: before 40 yrs old (get lab work)
natural vs induced menopause
natural: gradual process, see changes in cycle
induced: surgical, ovarian ablation, chemotherapy, radiation
Factors that influence early menopause?
- LSL
- Lower body weight/BMI
- Nulliparity
- Smoking
- Hx of NO use of oral contraceptives
- mother had early menopause
estradiol (E2)
- most potent secreted by dominant follicle and corpus luteum, main estrogen produced during repro years
- but is low in postmenopausal yrs
estrone (E1)
- weakest estrogen, primary circulating estrogen in post menopausal women, children, men
- estrone is made by adipose conversion of androstenedione by adrenals
estriol (E3)
secreted by placenta and synthesized from androgens by fetus during pregnancy
perimenopause
time when women begin to experience cycle irregularities and other menopause-related sx’s (hot flashes, bag dryness) and ends when dx of menopause made after 12 months amenorrhea
keep using back up contraception bc unexpected ovulation
early vs late menopause
- early menopause: cycle irregularities of 7 days or greater
- late menopause: women 45+ with periods of amenorrhea for 60 days or more
- FSH levels rise in both
what are vasomotor sx’s and how can you reduce them?
who are they common in ? highest prevalence when?
- From declining estrogen levels
- **controlling chronic health issues like diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism HTN, etc can reduce sx’s
- Flushing, sweating, heat sensation
- palpitations/anxiety, chills
- Common in and more severe in:
- African women
- Smokers
- > 27 BMI
- ^ adipose = ^ androgen to estrogen
- Menopause at younger age
- Surgical menopause esp during 1st year
- Younger age menopause and higher BMI = more vasomotor sx’s
- Hot flashes highest prevalence: 1st year
- 50% for 4-5 years
- 25% > 5 years
- 10% > 15 years
other vasomotor symptoms?
- Poor quality sleep
- Insomnia or prolonged time need to fall asleep
- weight gain
- vaginal dryness
- incontinence
- psychological
- dizziness, anxiety, poor memory, mood swings, less interest in sexual activity
GU changes in menopause
- Atrophy: vaginal cervical epithelium that is thin, dry, and pale
- Microabrasians
- Absent rugae
- Cervix decreases in size, less mucus (painful sex)
- Smooth shiny pale appearance (sparse capillary bed, atrophy of epithelium)
- Ovaries small, impalpable
- Small - moderate fibroids are sensitive and shrink after menopause
- Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder
what is vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA)? Treatment?
Declining estrogen levels in 90% women in late post menopause
- decreased rural folds of walls, pale mucosa, loss of elasticity, dryness
- Nonhormonal tx’s:
- Vaginal lubricants (for dryness only)
- Water based
- Silicone based
- KY jelly
- Oil based
- coconut oil, olive oil
- pH balanced
- Vaginal lubricants (for dryness only)
**NO petroleum jelly (vaseline) as can injury tissue and increase risk of BV**
- hormone tx:
- vaginal estrogen
- creams, rings, suppositories
- femring
- DHEA suppositories
- vaginal estrogen
non medical treatments for VMS
- Phytoestrogens- Soy Isoflavones , Red Clover
- Herbal supplements-
- Black Cohosh, St John’s Wort
- Clothing/environment
- Layers, fan, cool room
- Lifestyle changes
- smoking cessation, exercise, healthy BMI, stress reduction
- Dietary changes
- avoid or reduce trigger foods: hot drinks, caffeine, ETOH, chocolate, spicy foods
- Yoga/meditation
- Acupuncture
medication treatment for VMS
- Mood disorders: first line = SSRI
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- SE: less libido
- Hot flashes:
- Antihypertensive: clonidine (Catapress) patches
- Anticonvulsant: Not FDA approved but hot flashes ok
- gabapentin (Neurontin)
- no antihistamines = too drying
The only FDA approved med for hot flashes who high risk for breast cancer or who have had breast cancer is
PAROXETINE
risk factors for menopause
- Hx depression, PP depression, PMS, PMDD
- Surgical menopause (esp < 48 yrs)
what dysfunction is similar to perimenopause?
thyroid dysfunction
- Similar sx’s to perimenopause:
- Changes in menstrual patterns
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Sleep difficulties
- Heat intolerance
- Palpitations
- Consider screening for thyroid dz
- screen for thyroid dz
what labs to check to dx menopause?
- NONE! its based on menstrual hx, medical hx, and sx’s
- only consider labs for abnormal uterine bleeding or PREMATURE menopause
menopause differentials
- ****Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Depression
- Carcinoma
- HTN, arrhythmias, anemia
- if in perimenopause, continue contraception
can you use hormone replacement therapy as a contraceptive?
NO! not sufficient enough to prevent pregnancy
when is it recommended to transition to hormone therapy?
55 years old, when 90% reach menopause
Hormone Therapy (HT) for intact uterus
use combined estrogen and progesterone (prog needed for endometrial buildup / hyperplasia)
HT for hysterectomy:
estrogen alone (don’t add progesterone bc higher BC risk)
what is hormone therapy most effective in treating?
hot flashes but takes effect in 2-6 weeks but if stop HT, 50% returns
local/topical estrogen HT..
don’t need progestin but monitor endometrial with ultrasound after 6-12 months and annually
which one to choose if systemic therapy or local vaginal therapy needed for HT?
- Hot flashes = systemic dosing
- Vaginal atrophy = local
contraindications to HT
- Undiagnosing vaginal bleeding
- Known or suspected hx of breast cancer, suspected estrogen dependent cancer
- Hx of DVT, pulmonary embolism, CVA, or MI [thromboembolic disorder]
- CVD / MI
- Active liver disease
- Pregnancy
sequential EPT vs continuous combined EPT
sequential: estrogen daily, add progestin on days 10-14, predictable w/drawal bleeding (educate this side effect)
continuous combined EPT: estrogen and prog daily
when to stop hormone therapy
- Tx shortest duration for sx relief
- Collab w pt
- Review risk benefits and stop after 5 years of therapy