Menopause and HRT Flashcards
What is the definition for premature menopause (aka premature ovarian failure)
Periods are stopped before 40 years of age
Investigations for menopause are not required in those before 40 years of age
Give 4 menopausal symptoms
Night sweats + Hot flushes
Vaginal dryness + Reduced libido
Low mood and/or Feeling anxious
Joint + Muscle pain
Outline the different management approaches to menopause
Natural management
Non-hormone medical treatment
Alternative treatments
Hormones // HRT
Outline 3 Natural management apporaches to menopause
Exercises
Running, Swimming and Yoga are highly recommended
Smoking cessation
Reduced alcohol and caffeine intake also helps with symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats
Mediterranean-style diet
What are the benefits for HRT in menopause? (give 3)
Most effective treatment for hot flushes and low mood
HRT can improve sexual desire and reduces vaginal dryness
Prevents osteoporosis
Reduces some urinary symptoms
Give 3 HRT side effects
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Bloating
Muscle cramps
Irregular bleeding
Give 3 risks associated with HRT
Cardiovascular // IHD
Stroke
Breast cancer
VTE (not increased if using gel or patch)
Give 3 types of HRT
Sequential HRT - starts within 12 months of last period (to minimuse risk of irregular bleeding)
Continuous combined HRT (cc-HRT) - not had a period for 12 months
Tibolone - its own class of HRT.
Vaginal oestrogen - help with vaginal and urinary symptoms
What type of oestrogen is typically used in HRT?
Estradiol (not ethinylestradiol as seen in COCP)
usually alongside a progesterone (such as Levenorgestrel or Medroxyprogesterone)
Give 2 examples of Medical treatments for menopausal symptoms
Clonidine // Gabapentin // SSRI for hot flushes
Androgen (testosterone) therapy - to help with sex drive > currently not used in NHS
Give 3 examples of non-hormonal treatment options for menopausal symptoms
Bio-identical hormones (derived from Soy + Plant extracts)
Herbal medicines (safety not known)
Vaginal lubricants + Moisturisers (eg Yes WB on NHS)
Psychological treatments = CBT to elevate mood and anxiety
