Menopause - Test 3 Flashcards
What is the average age for menopause?
51
When can the diagnosis of menopause be made?
after 12 months of amenorrhea
In menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly. Which estogen becomes the predominant estrogen?
E1 (estrone)
In menopause, progesterone is no longer produced via the ovaries. Where does progesterone come from?
the adrenal glands and brain
What happens to androgen levels n menopause?
they decrease
In menopause, women experience hot flashes. What is the pathophysiology?
Thermoregulation via the hypothalamus is altered such that the threshold for cooling is lowered and the threshold for warming is raised
In menopause, women experience sleep dificulties. Why?
Hot flashes keep them up
In menopause, there is more estrogen compared to progesterone because the ovaries stop making it (no corpus luteum). How does this affect the endometrium?
The anovulation prevents corpus luteum formation and therefore no progesterone production. This high estrogen and low progesterone balance (think unopposed estrogen) can lead to endometrial overgrowth, hyperplasia, and cancer
Have depression, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating been reported by women in menopause?
yeah
How do menopause changes affect the cardiovascular system?
Decreased estrogen is associated with increased lipids which leads to atherosclerosis, which can lead to MI and stroke
How does menopause affect the musculoskeletal system?
Decreased estrogen leads to osteoporosis which can cause fragility fractures
Trabecular bone is most affected
What are some coomon exam findings in postmenopause?
Urethral caruncle
Loss of vaginal rugae
Thin, pale vulvovaginal tissues with erythematous and friable areas
Fissures
Small uterus
Ovaries are non-palpable
Does vaginal pH increase after menopause?
yes
What are the FSH and E2 levels that indicate menopause?
FSH >25 IU/L and E2 <50 pg/ml
If you want to treat your patient’s menopause symptoms, what hormones can you give them? What are the risks?
Estrogen +/- progestogen is effective in controlling menopausal symptoms
Estrogen + progestin therapy increases risk for breast cancer
