Women's Health Flashcards

1
Q

Menstrual hormone review

A
  • menstruation typically occurs on 1-7 days, avg. about 5 days
  • Follicular phase: the first 13-14 days; main hormones are FSH, estrogen & LH
  • Ovulatory phase: ovulation occurs mid-cycle with the surge in LH
  • Luteal phase: days 14-28; main hormones are estrogen & progesterone (prepares uterus for implantation)
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2
Q

Benefits of hormonal contraceptives

A
  • pregnancy prevention
  • cycle regulation: decrease blood loss (anemia), irregular cycle regulation
  • dysmenorrhea –> painful menstrual cramps
  • menorrhagia –> abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • menometrorrhagia –> heavy bleeding occurs more frequently or irregularly
  • decrease ovarian cysts
  • improve PMS & pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder
  • treatment of endometriosis
  • prevention of ovarian & endometrial cancer
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3
Q

Estrogen contraceptive

A
Ethanol estradiol (EE)
-helps stabilize the endometrium & control the menstrual cycle
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4
Q

Progesterone (Progestin) contraceptive

A

1st generation: Norethindrone, Norethindrone acetate & ethynodiol diacetate
2nd generation: levonorgestrel
3rd generation: Desogestrel, Norgestimate & drospirenone

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5
Q

Combined hormonal methods

A
  • combined oral contraceptives
  • ortho evra patch
  • nuva ring
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6
Q

MOA of combined hormonal contraceptives

A

Estrogen & Progesterone work synergistically (estrogen regulates the cycle, progesterone stops conception)

  • continuous levels of estrogen & progesterone suppress FSH & LH
  • progesterone suppresses LH to prevent the mid-cycle surge & stop ovulation
  • progesterone thickens cervical mucus to impair sperm travel
  • estrogen suppresses FSH to prevent the selection & emergence of a dominant follicle
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7
Q

Progesterone portion of combined hormonal methods

A

All forms of progesterone can exhibit some estrogenic, androgenic & anabolic activity

  • estrogenic: increases estrogen
  • androgenic: produces male characteristics (Desogestrel & norgestimate are less androgenic)
  • anabolic: testosterone effects
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8
Q

Monophonic combined oral contraceptives

A
  • provides the same amount of hormones every day for 21 days (days 22-28 are placebos)
  • modified mono-phasic provides very low dose estrogen on days 24-28
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9
Q

Biphasic & triphasic combined oral contraceptives

A
  • biphasic switches hormone level once through a pack
  • triphasic changes hormone levels every week
  • both have varying levels of estrogen & progesterone every week
  • less progesterone in general than monophasics
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10
Q

Withdrawal bleeding

A

pseudomenstruation

  • 28 day oral contraception pills: provide medication during the 7-day hormone free period (ie. some have iron to alleviate anemia)
  • a monthly episode of withdrawal bleeding is not necessary to maintain a healthy uterus
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11
Q

Extended & continuous cycle combined oral contraceptives

A

Extended: shorten the length of bleeding time to decrease mood swings & acne; contains 24 or 26 pills
Continuous: pack contained 84 active pills; 12 weeks of pills, pseudo menstruation the 13th week (bleed 3x per year)

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12
Q

Missed combined oral contraceptives

A

1 missed pill –> take pill as soon as realized, take next tablet as scheduled, backup protection not required
2 or less missed pills –> take 2 a day until caught up, use backup method through the rest of the pack or until pseudomenstruation occurs
3 or more pills –> discontinue present pack & allow for withdrawal bleeding, start new pack 7 days after last pill taken, use backup until new set of pills have been taken for at least 7 consecutive days

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13
Q

ortho-evra transdermal patch

A
  • patch is placed once a week for 3 weeks in a row (need to rotate sites to prevent skin irritation)
  • 4th week is path free to allow for withdrawal bleeding
  • patch works similar to COC by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration & preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus
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14
Q

NuvaRing transvaginal contraceptive

A
  • 2 inch diameter flexible indwelling ring inserted into the vagina
  • non-biodegradable, transparent & colorless
  • put 1 ring in, last 3 weeks. Take it out week 4 & have psuedomenstruation
  • can be taken out for 2 hours at a time and still be effective); can be left in during sex
  • added side effects: foreign body sensation, expulsion, possible vaginal discomfort
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15
Q

How to start combined hormonal methods

A
  • 1st day start method: initiated on first day of menstruation; no backup needed
  • Sunday start: initiated on the Sunday after the first day of menstruation (won’t have psuedomenstruation on the weekend); backup needed for 7 days
  • Quick start: initiated the day the patient receives the contraception; need backup for at least 7 days (recommended through 1st cycle)
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16
Q

Combined hormonal contraceptive medication interactions

A

Use backup method for the duration of treatment plus 7 extra days (if med is long term, new form of contraception is needed)

  • anticonvulsants: patients need 2 different types of birth control or longer acting method (ie. IUD)
  • anticoagulants: estrogen cancels out the effect
  • antituberculin
  • antibiotics: need to use a backup method (for sure with Rifampin & Doxycycline)
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17
Q

Excess estrogen side effects

A

Most common: fluid retention, breast tenderness
-nausea (the more estrogen, the higher nausea), vomiting, dizziness, edema, breast enlargement chloasma, leg cramps, headaches, HTN

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18
Q

Estrogen deficiency side effects

A

Most common: breakthrough bleeding

-oligomenorrhea, dyspareunia (painful intercourse-low estrogen causes vaginal atrophy & dryness)

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19
Q

Excess progesterone side effects

A

Most common: vaginitis, excess hair growth, decreased breast size
-increased appetite, weight gain, oily skin, acne, depression, amenorrhea

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20
Q

Progesterone deficiency side effects

A

dysmenorrhea, bleeding late in the cycle, heavy menstrual flow, amenorrhea

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21
Q

Contraindications for combined hormonal contraceptives

A
  • smokers over age 35
  • HRN
  • coronary artery disease/CHF/strong family hx of heart disease
  • clotting disorders/hx of thromboembolism
  • breastfeeding
  • known or suspected endometrial cancer
  • diagnosis of breast cancer current or past
  • migranes with or without aura
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22
Q

Medical risks associated with combined hormone contraceptives

A
  • thromboembolism
  • stroke
  • MI
  • HTN
  • hepatic neoplasia
  • gallbladder disease
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23
Q

Patient education for combined hormonal contraceptives

A
A - severe abdominal pain
C -chest pain
H - headaches
E - eye problems (vision changes)
S - severe leg pain

If experiencing any of these, come to the clinic. Method will be stopped immediately & changed

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24
Q

Progestin only & LARC methods

A
  • progestin only pills - “mini pills”
  • Depo-provera
  • long acting reversible contraception (LARCs)
    • IUDs: hormonal (levonorgestrel) & non-hormonal (copper)
    • Nexplanon
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25
Q

Good candidates for progesterone & LARC methods

A
  • patients who can’t take combined methods because of co-morbidities or chronic disease
  • active viral hepatitis or cirrhosis
  • breastfeeding patients
  • hypertensive patients
  • patients over 35 that smoke
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26
Q

Progesterone only pill

A
  • works by thickening the cervical mucus & thinning the endometrium to make the uterus inhospitable for fertilization/implantation (don’t suppress LH & FSH)
  • each pill = 24 hours of protection
  • must be taken at the exact same time each day (within 30 minutes); if > 3 hrs late, need backup contraceptive method for 48 hours
  • irregular unscheduled bleeding can occur
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27
Q

Depo-provera

A

MOA: suppresses ovulation & changes cervical mucus; inhibits secretion of LH & FSH; suppresses estradiol levels (which can lead to decreased bone mass)

  • should be given every 12 weeks (-2 or +1 week cushion)
  • IM injection
  • document weight & BP at visits (depo can increase both)
28
Q

Long-Acting reversible contraception (LARCs)

A

Hormonal methods:
-IUD: intrauterine device
-Nexplanon: implantable devices
Non-hormonal methods: Paragaurd (IUD)

29
Q

IUD Mechanism of Action

A
  • inflammatory reaction (especially with copper IUD)
  • thickens cervical mucus
  • inhibits sperm: sterile inflammatory response is toxic to sperm & egg
  • thins the uterine lining
  • doesn’t always suppress ovulation
30
Q

IUD contraindications

A
  • pregnancy
  • unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • cervical cancer
  • abnormal uterine anatomy
  • ongoing pelvic infection
31
Q

Hormonal LARCs

A
  • inserted in clinic
  • check strings
  • might have no cycle/bleeding
  • removal = immediate return to fertility
  • progesterone only; localized distribution of hormones, not systemic

Types: (Levonorgestrel)

  • Mirena, Kyleena & Liletta: 5 years
  • Skyla: 3 years
32
Q

Non-hormonal LARCs

A

Paraguard

  • great option for people who can’t use hormonal methods
  • can be used for up to 10 years
  • side effects: heavier menstrual bleeding & cramping
33
Q

Implantable hormonal LARCs - Nexplanon

A

MOA: low levels of circulating progesterone suppresses ovulation & thickens cervical mucus
-implanted into the non-dominant arm & left in place for up to 3 years
Common side effects: menstrual irregularities, weight gain, headaches, vaginitis
Contraindications: pregnancy, active liver disease or active venous thromboembolism

34
Q

Hormonal LARC comparison

A

Hormonal IUDs: 3 or 5 years, in the uterus, irregularities in menstrual bleeding, doesn’t protect against STIs, few contraindications
Nexplanon: 3 years, in the arm, irregularities in menstrual bleeding, contraindicated in active liver disease & active venous thromboembolism

35
Q

Emergency contraception

A
  • works by disrupting the timing of ovulation or preventing fertilization
  • oral EC methods
  • copper IUD: most effective form; inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse
36
Q

Oral emergency contraceptive methods

A
  • Ulipristal Acetate (UPA): can be used up to 120 hours after; anti-progesterone
  • Levonorgestrel (LNG): can be used up to 72 hours; includes OTC Plan B
  • combined oral estrogen & LNG contraceptive pills
37
Q

Mifepristone (abortifacient)

A

Indications: pregnancy termination of intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days gestation (given with misoprostol)
MOA: stimulates uterine contractions & blocks the effects of progesterone
Admin: buccal or vaginal administration (could take effect in 2-24 hours)
Side effects: abdominal cramping, uterine cramping, nausea, headache, HTN, angioedema
Caution: concurrent use with any blood thinners could lead to increased risk of severe uterine bleeding

38
Q

Mifepristone black box warning

A
  • risk for serious bleeding & fatal infections
  • atypical presentation of infections
  • sepsis
  • prolonged heavy bleeding (ie. fill 2 large pads per hour, clots common)
  • signs of incomplete abortion
39
Q

Mifepristone patient education

A
  • be at an appropriate location within the window of pregnancy termination (up to 70 days/10 weeks)
  • misoprostol given 24-48 hours after mifepristone
40
Q

Mifepristone nursing implications

A
  • monitor for abnormal bleeding
  • monitor vital signs (BP, HR, signs of HTN, signs of hemorrhagic shock with continued bleeding)
  • symptom management (N/V, pain)
41
Q

Goals of caring for transgender women

A
  • reduce hormonally induced male secondary sex characteristics
  • induce secondary sex characteristics to match gender identity
  • achieve balance with hormonal medications & patient desired outcomes
42
Q

Hormone regimes for transgender women

A

Antiandrogens: block the effects of testosterone, affect androgen receptor blockers
Progesterones: involved in maturation of mammary structures
GnRH agonists: suppresses testicular production; can be used to suppress puberty in young teens
Estrogen: works directly on body tissue, indirectly suppresses testosterone

43
Q

Monitoring of transgender women on hormone therapy

A
  • evaluate every 3 months in 1st year, then 1-2 times per year after that for appropriate signs of feminization & for adverse reactions
  • measure serum testosterone & estradiol every 3 months
  • for individuals on spironolactone, monitor serum electrolytes (K+) q4 months for the 1st year & then annually
  • routines cancer screening is recommended
  • consider bone mass density at baseline & then follow-up as needed
44
Q

Serum testosterone & estradiol levels during hormone therapy

A

Serum testosterone: <50 ng/dL

Serum estradiol: shouldn’t exceed the peak physiologic range; 100-200 pg/mL

45
Q

Specific screening for transgender women

A
  • breast cancer
  • cervical cancer (no screening)
  • prostate cancer
  • cardiovascular disease
  • DM
  • hyperlipidemia
  • osteoporosis
46
Q

Hormone therapy adverse events

A
  • VTE
  • cardiovascular disease
  • elevated triglycerides
  • hyperprolactinemia
  • cancer
  • infertility
47
Q

Menopause Overview

A

-the permanent cessation of menses
3 stages during the transitional process:
-perimenopause: occurs up to 10 years prior to menopause (avg. age is 42-55)
-menopause: year without menses (median age: 51)
-postmenopause: time afterwards

48
Q

Menopause increases the risk of:

A
  • stroke
  • heart disease
  • fractures (especially hip)
  • colorectal cancer
  • endometrial cancer
49
Q

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT)

A
  • estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) for patients who have an intact uterus
  • estrogen therapy (ET) for use with patients who’ve had a hysterectomy; cannot be used in patient with a uterus (causes endometrial cancer)
  • goal: relieve menopausal symptoms
50
Q

Forms of HRT

A

oral, transdermal, rings, creams, gels

51
Q

Premarin (oral estrogen)

A

MOA: maintain female genital system
Therapeutic effect: Tx of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms
Side effects: N/V, breast tenderness, fluid retention, leg cramps
-has a greater effect on the liver due to 1st pass effect
-admin increases hepatic production of triglycerides, HDL & clotting factors

52
Q

Transdermal estrogen

A
  • contain 17-beta estradiol
  • patch applied once or twice a week (most common side effect: skin irritation at site)
  • do not apply to breast or waistline
  • equally effective in preserving bone density & treating menopausal symptoms
  • associated with lower risk of venous thrombosis & stroke, and has less effect on serum lipids
53
Q

Estrogen vaginal rings

A

can be used to provide low-dose estrogen for vaginal atrophy but not as good for other symptoms

54
Q

Estrogen vaginal creams

A

have low systemic absorption & are good for vaginal complaints & atrophy

55
Q

Estrogen topic gels/lotions/mists

A
  • gels/lotions come in individual packets that are applied from wrist to shoulder or to the thighs or calves
  • topic spray is sprayed between the elbow & wrist on the inside of the forearm
56
Q

Progesterone

A
  • most common: Medroxyprogesterone acetate
  • usually used in combination with estrogen
  • IUDs (mirena) have been used off-label for HRT
57
Q

Estrogen & Progesterone combo HRT

A
  • used in patients with a uterus
  • meant to be used < 5 years because of an increased risk of breast cancer associated with combination treatments
  • progestin given to decrease risk of hyperplasia
  • Forms: tablets, transdermal patches
58
Q

Estrogen & Testosterone combo HRT

A
  • decrease in testosterone accompanies menopause; this can lead to loss of libido
  • ONLY indication: severe vasomotor symptoms & loss of libido
  • longterm use is associated with hepatocellular neoplasm, increased edema & elevation of cholesterol level
  • can lead to hirsutism, voice changes & a decrease in HDL
  • testosterone can be added to HRT in doses of 1.25 to 2.5 mg
59
Q

HRT side effects

A
  • nausea/vomiting
  • breakthrough bleeding
  • fluid retention
  • breast tenderness
  • leg cramps
  • headahces
  • mood changes
  • cholasma
60
Q

Risks of combined HRT

A
  • coronary heart disease
  • invasive breast cancer
  • stroke
  • pulmonary embolism
61
Q

Risks of estrogen only HRT

A
  • pulmonary embolism

- hip fracture

62
Q

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

A
  • estrogen-like compounds that have been derived from plants
  • custom-made for the patient
  • Tri-est, Bi-est, straight estriol, micronized progesterone
63
Q

Contraindications to HRT

A
  • pregnancy
  • hx of endometrial cancer
  • personal hx of breast cancer
  • hx of thromboembolic disorders
  • acute liver disease or chronic impaired liver function
  • active gallbladder or pancreatic disease
  • coronary artery disease
  • undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
  • transient ischemic attack (TIA)
64
Q

Other meds used for menopausal symptoms

A

-SSRIs
-SNRIs
-Methyldopa
-Clonodine
-Gabapentin
Alternative choice: natural soy/soy derivatives, red clover extract, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, St. John’s wort, ginseng, valerian, melatonin

65
Q

Recommended order of HRT

A
  1. short term treatment of symptoms at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period
  2. if vasomotor symptoms not controlled, higher estrogen dose used for a short period
  3. if there is a contraindication to HRT or the decision has been made not to use these methods, consider SSRI or alternative therapies