Menopause Flashcards
(82 cards)
what is the average age and range of menopause
~51yrs
45-55yrs
what is the menopause transition
when you start seeing changes i ncycle
what is perimenopause
menopausal transition + 1yr post menopause
what is considered early and premature menopause
early <45yrs
premature <40yrs
what happens biologically during the menopause transition
- FSH and LH
- E and P
- flow regularity and amount
- E types
↓ number and function of follicles + ↓ response to FSH and LH
No progesterone release = irregular + heavy (may also be lighter)
increased FSH and LH
prev more estradiol -. more estrone
increasing and fluctuating E and decreasing P in perimenopause
what happens to E and P in postmenopause
both plumet
what is estrone
⅓ potency of estradiol
Conversion in liver, androstenedione in peripheral tissue
what is estradiol
Most potent
Main endogenous hormone
Produced in ovaries
what is estriol
Least potent
Metabolite from estradiol and estrone
Highest levels in pregnancy as also produced by placenta
after menopause, where is estrogen made
androstenedione stored in body fat is converted into estrone which can be conv into estradiol
where is T made in women
25% ovaries, 25% adrenals, 50% peripheral conversion from androstenedione
T or F: T declines drastically after menopause
F- gradually as we age
unless surgical menopause- then decreases 50%
what is a dx of menopause
cessation of periods F12mths + elevated FSH (≥30mIU/ml)
is perimenopause dx with FSH levels
no
how long do VMS last
7-8yrs, median duration after last period ~4.5yrs
1/3 pts have it for 10yrs
what are VMS
hot flashes, night sweats
T or F: E levels predict severity of VMS
F
how does E changes in menopause cause hot flashes
↓E = ↓ endorphin conc in hypothalamus = ↑NE, ↓5HT levels = narrow thermoregulatory zone in hypothalamus (narrowed thermoneutral zone)
KNDy neurons in hypothalamus- control of thermoregulatory centers are stimulated by neurokinin B + inhibited by estrogen
↓ estrogen = hypertrophy of KNDy neurons = ↑activity = hot flashes
Target of new tx approaches for VMS (neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists)
when do VMS tend to peak
early in the evening
what is GSM
genitourinary sx of menopause
describe GSM sx and physiology
Degeneration of connective tissue (collagen, elastin, smooth muscle) = vaginal shortening + narrowing
Reduced vaginal blood flow and secretions
↓ Glycogen production = △ vaginal pH from acidic to alkaline (↑pH)
Thinning mucosa + ↓ blood flow = ↓ secretions
Sx: vaginal atrophy (dryness, irritation/ itch, dyspareunia, post coital spotting), lower urinary tract (recurrent UTI, LUTS), sexual fx (low libido)
what are some menopausal sx that are more common in perimenopause
breast tenderness, headaches
estrogens have a_______ effect on arteries
protective- prevents atherosclerosis
rapid effects of E on arteries
dilation and NO release