Menstrual and Endocrine Disorders Flashcards
(128 cards)
in what phase does PMS occur? how many days prior to menses? when does it resolve?
the luteal phase
a cyclic occurence; 5-7 days before menses and resolves within about 4 days after onset of menses
symptoms of PMS
-can range from mild to severe; occur cyclically in the luteal phase with a symptom-free period in the follicular phase
a. physical
-headache
-breast changes
-fluid retention
-swelling
-abdominal bloating
-N/V
-alterations in appetite
-food cravings
-lethargy/fatigue
-exacerbations of preexisting conditions, like asthma
symptoms of PMS
b. psychological
-irritability
-depression
-anxiety
-sleep alterations
-inability to concentrate
-anger
-violent behavior
-crying
-confusion
-changes in libido
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES for PMS
(many-13)
- a diagnosis of exclusion
- depression and or anxiety
- bipolar affect disorder
- alcohol or substance abuse
- personality disorder
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- fibromyalgia
- diabetes
- brain tumor
- thyroid disease
- hyperprolactinemia
- perimenopause
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
what steps should you recommend to patients with suspected PMS?
write symptoms in diary fashion for 2 to 3 months to evaluate for symptom consistency with ovulation and menses
PMS management
1. nonmedical (first line therapy)
-self-help strategies first-line, but no quick cures
-Vitamin B continuous
-calcium carbonate supplementation of 1200-1600 mg/day
-chaste tree berry extract shown in placebo-controlled trial to reduce PMS symptoms
T/F restriction of salt and refined sugar or limiting caffeine have show to be helpful with PMS
FALSE
little evidence exists
T/F aerobic exercise 20 to 30 minutes at least four times a week can help PMS symptoms
TRUE
what can be prescribed to reduce swelling and bloating r/t PMS?
Spironolactone
T/F NSAIDs given before and during menstruation may reduce fluid retention, breast, lower back, abdominal, pelvic pain
true
other medical management of PMS suggestions
-COCs or POPs may decrease physical symptoms by suppressing ovulation and reducing menstrual bleeding and pain
-SSRIs alleviate severe PMS
-Danazol may improve PMS symptoms by suppressing ovulation; SIGNIFICANT androgen-related side effect
primary vs secondary dysmenorrhea definition and etiology
primary: dysmenorrhea unassociated with pelvic pathology; rarely begins AFTER age 20; associated with ovulatory cycles; from prostaglandins stimulating contractile response on smooth muscles
secondary: underlying pelvic pathologic condition thought to be the cause; may occur at any age
how do primary and secondary dysmenorrhea differ in their presenation
primary is often shortly before and early on in the menses; lasts no more than 2 days and is crampy spasmodic pain in lower abs, radiates to lower back and thighs
secondary is at any time in the cycle, unlikely to be relieved by OTC measures and symptoms persist longer than with primary
differential diagnoses for dysmenorrhea
-imperforate hymen
-endometriosis
-cervical stenosis
-uterine abnormalities
-pelvic infection
-ovarian cycts
-pelvic congestion
-adhesions
-infibulation
-STIs
-UTI
-vaginismus
-interstitial cystitis
what is infibulation
type of female genital cutting that includes narrowing of the vaginal orifice
management of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea
primary: NSAIDs are TOC and best begun 2 days prior to expected menses or at onset of menses and continuing for 48-72 hours
CHCs are good too; act by reducing prostaglandins and menstrual flow
progestin only may relieve symptoms by decreasing or eliminating menstrual bleeding (DMPA, nexplanon)
self help measures: regular exercise, warm heat, relaxation exercises
secondary: tx consistent with pathology found on u/s
primary vs secondary amenorrhea
- Primary: no menstruation by the age of 14 years in absence of secondary sex characteristics; no menstruation by age 16 years regardless of secondary sex characteristics
- secondary: absence of menses in previously menstruating women; no menses 3-6 months in women who has normal periods/3 cycles
Possible causes of amenorrhea
-pregnancy
-disorders of genital outflow tract
-endocrine disorders (hyper/hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, hyperandrogenism, PCOS, ovarian failure)
-congenital and chromosomal abnormalities
-anorexia nervosa
-excessive exercise
-obesity
-malnutrition
-MEDICATIONS (birth control, antipsychotics, chemo)
-chronic illness (T1DM, TB)
-chronic or excessive stress
if a patient presents to you with absent menses and abnormal visual fields you should suspect and/or rule out a…
PITUITARY TUMOR
(think about HPO axis!!)
differential diagnoses for amenorrhea
- pregnancy
- menopause
- anorexia nervosa
- intensive physical training
- disorders of ovary, anterior pituitary, hypothalamus
- congenital or acquired anatomic disorders
- chronic illness
- medication effects
Amenorrhea workup
- pregnancy test
- serum prolactin levels
- TSH
if initial labs for amenorrhea workup are normal, may evaluate availability of estrogen with..
a progestin challenge test!!!
Progestin challenge test explained
a. progestin each day for 10 to 14 days- wait for bleeding, which should occur within 7 to 14 days; will indicate adequate estrogen production and stimulation as well as no problem with outflow tract
b. if no withdrawal bleed in 2 weeks, order FSH/LH
c. if FSH and LH are low, the case is likely hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction
d. if FSH and LH are high, the cause is likely ovarian failure or menopause
management of primary amnorrhea
REFER TO ENDOCRINOLOGIST