Women's Health - Menopause Flashcards
Q: What is menopause, and what are its stages?
A: Menopause is the life stage where menstruation and reproductive potential ceases. Stages include:
Early menopause (40–45 yrs.): Affects 5–12%; cessation of ovarian function without secondary cause.
Perimenopause (45–50 yrs.): From irregular cycles to 1 year after the final period.
Menopause (50–55 yrs.): Defined after 12 months of amenorrhoea.
Post-menopause (55+ yrs.): Periods cease; symptoms subside.
Premature menopause (<40 yrs.): Due to ovarian insufficiency or surgery.
Q: What are the key hormonal changes during perimenopause?
A:
FSH and LH levels rise due to reduced negative feedback.
FSH levels fluctuate significantly.
The oestrogen-to-progesterone (O:P) ratio varies widely.
Q: What defines menopause?
A: Low oestrogen, persistently high FSH (> 30 iu/L checked 4–6 weeks apart), and LH levels.
Q: What happens post-menopause?
A:
Periods cease, and hormonal symptoms generally subside.
~65% of women still produce sufficient testosterone from adrenal glands to sustain libido.
Q: Name factors that affect the transition to menopause.
A:
Obesity: Can worsen symptoms.
Smoking: Linked to earlier onset and hypoestrogenic effects.
Chronic stress (HPA axis): Associated with menstrual irregularity.
Long-term lead exposure: Early menopause risk.
Gut microbiome changes (‘oestrobolome’): Affects oestrogen metabolism.
Family history and hypertension: Linked to early onset menopause.
Q: What are vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?
A:
Hot flushes/flashes: Sudden warmth in the face, neck, and chest, often followed by a chill.
Prevalence: Affects 30–70% of women during perimenopause.
Triggered by obesity, smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and stress.
Q: What other symptoms are associated with menopause?
A:
Physical: Weight gain, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, hair loss, joint pains.
Mood-related: Anxiety, irritability, depression, and reduced self-esteem.
Genitourinary: Urogenital atrophy, dyspareunia, dysuria.
Other: Memory issues, fatigue, and burning tongue.
Q: What are dietary strategies to manage menopause symptoms?
A:
Increase antioxidants and fibre from fruits and vegetables.
Include a daily phytoestrogen source.
Choose more plant proteins and eat organic where possible.
Maintain a low GL, omega-3-rich diet.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
Q: What additional strategies help with vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?
A:
Increase phytoestrogens (e.g., flaxseeds, sage, red clover).
Reduce weight and balance blood glucose levels.
Use evening primrose oil for its GLA content.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine.
Q: How can bone health be supported during menopause?
A:
Use calcium, vitamins C, D, K2, and magnesium.
Engage in weight-bearing exercise to promote osteoblasts.
Q: What are the uses of black cohosh in menopause?
A: Oestrogen-modulating (isoflavone content), energetically cooling. It reduces hot flushes and supports bone mineral density.
Q: Which herbs support vaginal health and dryness?
A:
Shatavari: Relieves vaginal dryness.
Liquorice root: Mildly oestrogenic.
Q: Name nervine herbs that manage stress and anxiety in menopause.
A: Valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile.
Q: What benefits does maca offer in menopause?
A: Improves libido, sleep, mood, and hot flushes.
