Menopause Flashcards
define menopause
end of menstruation for 12 months with no biological cause
what happens to the hormone levels in menopause
oestrogen decreases causing a rise in FSH and LH
which hormone will rise more, LH or FSH
FSH as inhibin is no longer produced
what are the 4 phases of menopause
pre-menopause = time prior to menopause where changes to the menstrual cycle start to occur
peri-menstrual = the transition phase
menopause = where menstruation stops for 12 months
post menopause = the time after
what is pathological menopause
gradual or abrupt cessation of menstruation before 40
what symptoms are seen in menopause
irritability, night sweats, hot flushes, bloated, sleepy
what CVS effects are there in menopause
increased cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease/stroke, increased BP
what are the bone changes seen in menopause
osteoporosis - the lack of oestrogen means osteoclast activity is now not inhibited
what happens to the androgen levels in menopause
they decline later then oestrogen
what is dysfunctional uterine bleeding
this is seen as spotting between cycles, heavy menstrual flow, mid-cycle bleed, unpredictable cycles
why does dysfunctional uterine bleeding occur
there is continued oestrogen causing the thickening of the endometrium - however as there is no production of a corpus luteum there is no progesterone to help shed this thickening
what must be taken with HRT and why
progesterone must also be taken as the oestrogen can cause endometrial carcinoma - however the progesterone has anti-proliferative effects
what does HRT put you at a higher risk of
breast cancer
DVTs/PEs
