CH5: Gynecologic, Reproductive, and Sexual Disorders Flashcards
(550 cards)
What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & its symptoms
The cyclic occurrence, in the luteal phase, of a group of distressing physical and psychological symptoms that begin about 5-7 days before the menstrual period and resolve within about 4 days after onset of menses. Symptoms disrupt normal activities and interpersonal relationships
Symptoms:
- headache
- breast changes
- fluid retention, swelling, bloating
- nausea, vomiting
- changes in appetite, food cravings
- lethargy, fatigue
- exacerbations of chronic conditions, such as asthma
- irritability, depression, anxiety, anger, crying, violent behavior, confusion
- sleep alterations
- difficulty concentrating
- changes in libido
% of folks who experience PMS
50%+, most folks do not require treatment, severe symptoms occur in 3-10%
PMS symptoms recur cyclically in the ______ phase
luteal
Non-pharm therapy options for the treatment of PMS (including herbal/natural supplements)
- reassurance, avoid known physical and emotional triggers, self-management
- 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise 4 or more times per week
- CBT, relaxation therapies, mindfulness
- biofeedback, acupuncture, massage, light therapy
- supplements, including: vitamin B6 50-150mg/day; calcium carbonate 1200-1600 mg/day; chaste tree berry extract
What medication may be helpful for the treatment of PMS swelling and bloating
spironolactone during the luteal phase
What medication may be helpful for the treatment of PMS fluid retention, breast pain, lower back pain, abdominal and pelvic pain
NSAIDs before and during menstruation
What medication may be helpful in decreasing all of the physical symptoms of PMS
birth control (combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only contraceptives). May be helpful in reducing physical symptoms by suppressing ovulation and/or reducing menstrual bleeding and pain
Medication options for the management of PMS
- birth control
- spironolactone (bloating)
- NSAIDs (pain, bleeding)
- SSRIs
- danazol (androgen receptor agonist, used to suppress ovulation)
- GnRH agonists (inhibits cyclic gonadotropin release, used to suppress ovulation, limit use to 4-6 months unless in combination with hormonal therapy as causes menopause-like side effects)
What is the definition of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
At least 5 PMS-type symptoms severe enough to disrupt normal functioning markedly in most, if not all, menstrual cycles. Occurs in the luteal phase and results within 1 week after menses. Must include at least ONE of these symptoms, specifically: markedly depressed mood, marked anxiety, marked affective lability, persistent and marked anger
Prevalence of PMDD
3-10% reproductive-age females
Medication options for PMDD
- generally, same as for PMS
FDA-APPROVED:
- combination hormonal contraceptives that contain the progestin drospirenone
- fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft) [all SSRIs]
OTHER:
- anxiolytic drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax; benzo) or buspirone (Buspar) have mixed results with risk for dependence - use only for short-term
(3) SSRIs FDA-approved for PMDD
fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft)
Define primary dysmenorrhea (age of onset, etiology, characteristic patterns)
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, commonly a sensation of cramping in the lower abdomen during or just before menses, may radiate to the back and thighs. Pain is described as colicky, crampy, or spasmodic.
Primary dysmenorrhea occurs unassociated with an underlying pelvic pathology. It rarely begins after 20yo. It is associated with ovulatory cycles and is stimulated by prostaglandin release
Typically, the pain begins shortly after the onset of menses and usually lasts no longer than 2 days
What is thought to cause primary dysmenorrhea
prostaglandins
Define secondary dysmenorrhea (characteristic onset, pattern, relieving measures, etc.)
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, commonly a sensation of cramping in the lower abdomen during or just before menses, may radiate to the back and thighs.
Secondary dysmenorrhea may onset many years after menarche, most often in folks >20yo, and is related to an organic disease/pelvic pathology
This pain may begin at any time in the cycle, and folks may notice a change in the duration and amount of their menstrual flow. Pain is unlikely to be relieved by OTC measures and symptoms often persist for longer than those with primary dysmenorrhea (>2 days)
General work-up for diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea
- vaginal US and hysterosalpingogram to evaluate pelvic structures
- cultures, smears to evaluate for infections
- laparoscopy to evaluate endometrial cavity
- lower GI evaluation
(3) pharm therapies for primary dysmenorrhea, classes
- NSAIDs/prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (treatment of choice)
- combined hormonal contraceptives
- progestin-only contraceptives (specifically, the arm implant, LNG-IUD, and DMPA)
Describe the use of NSAIDs/prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea
First line treatment of choice. Best to start 2 days before expected menses and continue for 48-72 hours.
Specific medications shown to be effective include naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, indomethacin, mefenamic acid
Self-help measures for primary dysmenorrhea (non-pharm)
regular exercise, warm heat, relaxation exercises, stress reduction, massage therapy
Define primary amenorrhea
No menstruation by age 14yo (if no secondary sex characteristics have developed) or by 16yo (regardless of the development of secondary sex characteristics)
Define secondary amenorrhea
Absence of menses in a previously menstruating person - no menses for 3-6 months for those with previously regular cycles, or in 3 cycles for those with irregular cycles
Differential diagnosis for/causes of amenorrhea
- disorder of genital outflow tract (vaginal agenesis, imperforate hymen, cervical stenosis)
- endocrine disorders (hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, hyperprolactinemia, hyperandrogenism, ovarian failure, PCOS)
- congenital or chromosomal abnormality (Turner’s syndrome, androgen resistance syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
- anorexia nervosa
- excessive exercise or competitive sports
- obesity
- malnutrition
- medications (hormones, contraception, antipsychotics, cancer treatments)
- chronic illnesses (TB, alcohol abuse, T1DM, adrenal gland disorders)
- Asherman’s syndrome (irradiation or surgery resulting in destruction of the endometrium)
- Sheehan syndrome (postpartum hypopituitarism, may occur after massive blood loss)
- excessive or chronic stress
- pregnancy
- menopause
Diagnostic work-up for amenorrhea, initial (3)
- pregnancy test
- serum prolactin
- serum TSH
21yo G0P0 with amenorrhea x7 months with previously regular cycles. Pregnancy test was negative, serum prolactin and TSH WNL. What is the next step in your work-up?
progesterone challenge test to evaluate the availability of estrogen