Menopause

Question 1

What stages does the menopause consist of?

Answer 1

• Pre-menopause
• Menopause
• Post-menopause

Question 2

When does pre-menopause begin?

Answer 2

Typically from ˜40 years, but variable

Question 3

What is considered to be premature menopause?

Answer 3

Before early 30’s

Question 4

What is premature menopause due to?

Answer 4

Follicular failure

Question 5

What happens to ovulation in pre-menopause?

Answer 5

Ovulation is early is absent

Question 6

What happens to oestrogen in pre-menopause?

Answer 6

Less oestrogen is secreted

Question 7

What happens to LH and FSH levels in pre-menopause?

Answer 7

LH and FSH levels rise, FSH more

Question 8

Why do FSH and LH levels rise in pre-menopause?

Answer 8

Reduced feedback

Question 9

What happens to fertility in pre-menopause?

Answer 9

It is reduced

Question 10

What is the menopause?

Answer 10

Cessation of the menstural cycle

Question 11

What is the average of menopause?

Answer 11

49-50, but variable

Question 12

When do menopause occur?

Answer 12

When there are no more follicles to develop

Question 13

What is the indiciation that someone has passed from pre-menopause to menopause?

Answer 13

When there have been no menstrual cycles for 12 months

Question 14

What happens to oestrogen levels in menopause?

Answer 14

They fall dramatically

Question 15

What happens to FSH and LH levels in menopause?

Answer 15

They rise, FSH dramatically

Question 16

What are the effects to menopause?

Answer 16

• Vascular changes
• Has effects on oestrogen sensitive tissues
• Effects on bone

Question 17

What oestrogen sensitive tissues are affected in the menopause?

Answer 17

• Uterus
• Bone
• Cervix
• Vagina
• Breast tissue
• Skin
• Bladder/pelvic muscles

Question 18

What is the effect of the menopause on the uterus?

Answer 18

• Regression of the endometrium
• Shrinkage of myometrium

Question 19

What is the effect of the menopause on the cervix?

Answer 19

Thinning

Question 20

What is the effect of the menopause on the vagina?

Answer 20

• Vaginal rugae lost
• Thinner, dryer

Question 21

What is the effect of the menopause on breast tissue?

Answer 21

Involution of some breast tissue

Question 22

What is the result of the changes in bladder and loss of pelvic tone in the menopause?

Answer 22

Increased risk of urinary incontinence

Question 23

What is the effect of the menopause on bone?

Answer 23

Bone mass reduced by 2.5% per year for several years

Question 24

Why does the menopause result in a loss of bone mass?

Answer 24

Reduced oestrogen enhances osteoclast ability to absorb bone

Question 25

What does the loss of bone mass in the menopause lead to?

Answer 25

Osteoporosis

Question 26

What does the fact that the severity of menopausal osteoporosis is much worse in some than others indicate?

Answer 26

That there are other factors, not just sensitivity to oestrogen

Question 27

What is post-menopausal osteoporosis a major cause of?

Answer 27

Fractures in later life

Question 28

How can post-menopausal osteoporosis be limited?

Answer 28

Oestrogen therapy

Question 29

How can menopausal symptoms be treated?

Answer 29

Hormone replacement therapy

Question 30

What are the advantages of hormone replacement therapy?

Answer 30

* Can improve well-being * Can limit osteoporosis

Question 31

Is HRT recommended for a first line protection against osteoporosis in menopause?

Answer 31

No

Question 32

Is HRT adviced for cardioprotection in menopause?

Answer 32

No

Question 33

How can HRT be administered?

Answer 33

Orally or topically, by patch or gel

Question 34

Do males experience menopause?

Answer 34

No, there is no obvious events in males, and sperm production continues