Menopause

Question 1

Define menopause

Answer 1

Time when there has been no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and no other biological or physiological cause can be identidfied.

Question 2

What is the climacteric?

Answer 2

Physiological period in a woman’s life where there is regression of ovarian function.

Question 3

Give some late consequences of oestrogen deficiency.

Answer 3

Osteoporosis 
Atherosclerosis 
CHS
CVD
Alzheimer’s disease

Question 4

What maintains the ovarian androgen secretion?

Answer 4

High FSH and LH

Question 5

Give 2 factors that can contribute to weight gain during menopause.

Why does voice deepemn?

Answer 5

Irregular food habits due to mood swings
More deposition of fat around the hips, waist and buttocks

Vocal cord thickening

Question 6

What is the physiology behind hot flushes in menopause?

Answer 6

Increase NA and serotonin narrow the thermoregulatory setpoint in the HT

Question 7

Give the physiology behind why mucosa vaginal becomes dry?

Answer 7

Decreased blood flow
Decreased glycogen
Lactobacilli die because less energy for them
Increased vaginal pH

Decreased secretions
Epithelial atrophy occurs

Question 8

Why do you get stress incontinence and increased POP chance?

Answer 8

Decreased collagen synthesis

Weakening of vaginal walls

Question 9

What can you do to help decrease hot flashes and night sweats?

Answer 9

Dress in light colours
Less caffeine
Less alcohol
Less spicy foods

Question 10

Why does estrogen have a cardioprotective effect?

Answer 10

Keeps blood vessel walls flexible