The menopause and post-reproductive health Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the menopause?
The permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from loss of ovarian follicular activity.
What is the average age of menopause?
51 years
How can you tell is someone is in the menopause?
After 12 months of amenorrhoea
What is the perimenopause?
The time beginning with the first features of the approaching menopause, such as vasomotor symptoms and menstrual irregularity, and ends 12 months after the LMP.
What is premature menopause?
Menopause occurring before the age of 40. In most women, no cause is found.
What is post-menopausal bleeding?
Vaginal bleeding occurring at least 12 months after the LMP.
What are the causes of post-menopausal bleeding?
Endometrial carcinoma Endometrial hyperplasia Cervical carcinoma Atrophic vaginitis Cervicitis Ovarian carcinoma Cervical polyps
How would you investigate post-menopausal bleeding?
All women should undergo a bimanual and speculum examination and a cervical smear. TVS measures endometrial thickness and gives info on other pelvic pathologies.
What would indicate an increased risk of malignancy or other pathology on TVS in post-menopausal bleeding?
A thickened endometrium or cavity filled with fluid.
What are the different systems effected by menopause?
Vasomotor, urogenital, sexual problems and osteoporosis
What are the vasomotor symptoms of menopause?
Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptoms.
What are the complications of night sweats?
They can cause sleep disturbances leading to tiredness and irritability.
When do night sweats start?
They may begin before periods stop and usually are present for less than 5 years. However, in some women they may continue
What are the genital problems associated with menopause?
Oestrogen deficiency can cause vaginal atrophy and urinary problems.
What are the complications of vaginal atrophy?
It can be extremely uncomfortable and can result in dyspareunia, cessation of sexual activity, itching, burning and dryness.
What urinary symptoms are associated with menopause?
Frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence and recurrent infection.
What sexual problems are associated with menopause?
Decreased interest in sex, loss of sexual desire, loss of sexual arousal, problems with orgasm and sexual pain.
What are the two main features of bone strength?
Bone density and bone quality
What is bone density?
It is expressed as grams of mineral per area or volume and, in any given individual, is determined by peak bone mass and amount of bone loss
What is bone quality?
Architecture, turnover, damage accumulation (microfractures) and mineralization
What is the T score?
The number of standard deviations by which a particular bone differs from the young normal mean.
Where are the most common sites for osteoporotic fractures?
The wrist or Colles’ fracture, the hip and the spine.
What are the risk factors for the development of osteoporosis?
Parental history of fracture (particularly hip), early menopause, chronic use of corticosteroids (oral and possibly inhaled), prolonged immobilisation and prior fracture
What environmental risk factors are there for osteoporosis?
Cigarette smoking
Alcohol abuse
Low calcium intake
Sedentary lifestyle
