The menopause

Question 1

What is the definition of the menopause?

Answer 1

The menopause is the last ever period

Question 2

What is the average age of the menopause?

Answer 2

51

Premature menopause is <40 years

Question 3

What is meant by the term ‘climacteric’?

Answer 3

Climacteric describes the symptoms which occur around the time of the menopause

Question 4

What conditions might be associated with premature menopause?

Answer 4

Removal of the ovaries

Turner’s syndrome

Chemotherapy

Question 5

What happens to the hormones levels at the menopause?

Answer 5

Low oestrogen

LH and FSH are raised (have to try harder together the ovaries to release an egg)

Question 6

What are some of the possible physical symptoms of the menopause?

Answer 6

Hot flushes 
Night sweats 
Palpitations 
Insomnia 
Headaches 
Osteoporosis

Question 7

What are some of the psychological symptoms of the menopause?

Answer 7

Mood swings

Irritability

Difficulty concentrating

Question 8

What are some of the sexual symptoms of the menopause?

Answer 8

Reduced libido

Vaginal dryness
vaginal and urinary infections, dyspareunia, stress incontinence and prolapse

Question 9

What is the menopause associated with reduced libido?

Answer 9

The main function of the ovaries is to produce oestrogen but the also produce testosterone which is responsible for libido

Question 10

What diagnosis should be considered if a woman experiences post menopausal bleeding?

Answer 10

Endometrial cancer

Question 11

What are conservative management options for the menopause?

Answer 11

Diet - soy and calcium products

Weight loss (high BMI makes symptoms worse)

Reduced caffine (helps palpitations)