Gynaecology Flashcards
(113 cards)
What is amennorhoea?
A lack of periods
What are three main groups of causes for primary amennorhoea?
Problems with hypothalamus or pituitary, problem with the gonads or structural (e.g imperforate hymen)
What the most common cause of amennorhoea?
Pregnancy
What are some other causes of secondary amennorhoea?
PCOS, Cushing’s, menopause, anorexia/stress, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal contraceptives, hyperprolactinaemia, premature ovarian failure
What are common causes of intermenstrual bleeding?
Cervical ectropion, hormonal contraception, STI, endometrial polyps or cancer, vaginal pathology, pregnancy, medications (e.g SSRIs and anticoagulants)
What is the word for painful periods?
Dysmenorrhoea
What can cause dysmenorrhea?
Endometriosis, fibroids, PID, copper coil, cervical/ovarian cancer, primary dysmennorhoea
What is the word for heavy periods?
Menorrhagia
What is it referred to when there is no identifiable cause for menorrhagia?
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
What are some causes of menorrhagia?
Extremes of reproductive age, fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis, PID, copper coil, anticoag meds, bleeding disorders, connective tissue disorders, endometrial hyperplasia, PCOS
What are the key causes of postcoital bleeding?
Cervical cancer (+endometrial or vaginal), cervical ectropion, trauma, atrophic vaginitis
What is the term for cyclical pain felt during ovulation?
Mittelschmerz
How is primary amenorrhoea defined?
Not starting period by 13 when there’s no other signs of pubertal development
Not starting period by 15 where there are other signs of puberty
When do we typically seen girls starting periods in relation to starting puberty?
Puberty is normally between 8-14 for girls
Menarche usually starts 2 years after start of puberty
What cause of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is associated with anosmia?
Kallman syndrome
What are some structural causes of amenorrhoea?
Imperforate hymen, female genital mutilation, transverse vaginal septae, vaginal agenesis, absent uterus
What will the levels of LH and FSH be like in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism?
Hypogonadotropic= low LH and FSH
Hypergonadotropic= high LH and FSH
What hormonal blood tests can be used to investigate amenorrhoea?
FSH and LH
Thyroid
Testosterone (raised in PCOS, androgen insensitivity and CAH)
Prolactin
Insulin-like growth factor (used in screening of GH deficiency)
In patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, how can we treat them if they want t be fertile and where pregnancy is not wanted?
Pulsatile GnRH can be used to induce ovulation and menstruation- can induce fertility
Pregnancy not wanted- combined contraceptive pill can induce regular menstruation
How is secondary amenorrhoea defined?
No menstruation for greater than 3 months after regular menstrual periods
Why does physiological or psychological stress lead to amennorhoea?
It reduces the production of GnRH. This is so the boys doesnt have a pregnancy when the body may not be fit for it
What medications can be used to reduce prolactin production?
Dopamine agonists like bromocriptine or cabergoline
In a patient with amenorrhoea, what would a high LH or a high FSH suggest as the cause?
High LH/ high LH:FSH ratio - indicates PCOS
High FSH - indicates primary ovarian failure
Why do women with PCOS require a withdrawal bleed every 3-4 months?
To reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer