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73 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back

menstrual cycle length

determined from the first day of one menses to the first day of of the next menses.




once established cycle length is 21-35 days.

amount of flow

on average 25-60 mL




blood loss over 80 mL is considered abnormal

length of menses

2-8 days

hypomenorrhea

short duration of menstrual flow or, in other words, uterine bleeding at normal intervals but in decreased amounts.

hypermenorrhea

an abnormally long or heavy menstrual flow at normal intervals (sometimes used interchangeably with menorrhagia).

oligomenorrhea

bleeding, often irregular, occurring in intervals greater than 40 days.

polymenorrhea

bleeding, either regular or irregular, occuring at intervals of less than 22 days.

menorrhagia

bleeding that is excessive in amount and duration, which occurs at regular intervals

metrorrhagia

bleeding, usually of a normal amount, occurring at irregular intervals.

menometrorrhagia

bleeding that is excessive in amount and duration, which occurs at either regular or irregular intervals.

intermenstrual bleeding

bleeding occurring between regular menstrual cycles.

amenorrhea

the absence of menses. primary or secondary.

primary amenorrhea

menstruation has not been established by age 16

secondary amenorrhea

an established menses (of longer than 3 months) ceases.

Causes of amenorrhea

  1. hypothalamic dysfunction
  2. pituitary dysfunction
  3. chronic anovulation or ovarian failure
  4. anatomic abnormalities

dysmenorrhea

painful menses. occurs at or a day before, the onset of menstruation and disappears by the end of menses. primary or secondary.

primary dysmenorrhea

defined as cramps without underlying disease. prostaglandins F2 and F2a which are produced by the uterus in higher concentrations during menses, are the primary cause. they increase uterine contractility and decrease uterine artery blood flow causing ischemia. the end result is the painful sensation of cramps.

secondary dysmenorrhea

associated with pathology of the reproductive tract and usually appears after menstruation has been established.

causes of secondary dysmenorrhea

  1. endometriosis
  2. residual pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  3. cervical stenosis
  4. uterine fibroids
  5. ovarian cysts
  6. benign or malignant tumors of the pelvis or abdomen
  7. presence of an IUD (intrauterine device)

premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

a symptom complex associated with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. 70-90% of women report physical or emotional changes premenstrually. diagnosis is made when symptoms appear for three consecutive cycles.

premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

affects 3-8% women must experience five or more symptoms in the given time frame, which are relieved with menstruation and have occurred during most cycles during the previous year. markedly interferes with work, school, and relationships and must not merely be worsened symptoms of another disorder such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, or personality disorder.

psychologic symptoms of PMS

irritability, lethargy, depression, low morale, anxiety, sleep disorders, crying spells, hostility, decreased concentration

neurologic symptoms of PMS

classic migraine, vertigo, syncope

respiratory symptoms of PMS

rhinitis, hoarseness

gastrointestinal symptoms of PMS

nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal bloating, increased appetite or food cravings

urinary symptoms of PMS

retention and oliguria

dermatologic symptoms of PMS

acne

mammary symptoms of PMS

swelling and tenderness

musculoskeletal symptoms of PMS

joint or muscle pain

menopause

defined as the absence of menstruation for 1 full year, is a time of transition for a woman, marking the end of her reproductive abilities. occurs between 45-52 years, average age is 51.3.

climacteric

change of life refers to the host of psychologic and physical alterations that occur around the time of menopause.

perimenopause

refers to the period of time before menopause during which the woman moves from normal ovulatory cycles to cessation of menses.

What kind of risks are there for a pregnancy when a woman is over 40?

  • hypertensive disorders
  • diabetes
  • placenta previa
  • placental abruption
  • over 50% heightened risk of SAB
  • preterm birth
  • IUGR
  • 2x greater risk of pregnancy related death than younger women.

non-contraceptive benefits of oral contraceptives during perimenopause:

Healthy non-smokers benefit by



  • regulation of menses
  • treatment of anovulatory bleeding
  • relief of symptoms of estrogen deficiency and variability such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, menorrhagia, and vaginal dryness.

what types of cancer will oral contraceptives decrease the risk of during perimenopause?

endometrial and ovarian

what are other factors that may contribute to the psychological aspects of menopause?

  • "empty nest"
  • caring for aging parents

what factors influence how a woman copes with climacteric changes?

  • self-concept
  • physical health
  • marital stability
  • relationship with others
  • cultural values

on average, how much of a woman's life will be lived after menopause?

1/3

beginning 2-8 years before menopause, women experience:

  • episodes of anovulation
  • reduced fertility
  • decreased or increased flow
  • irregular frequency of menses
  • amenorrhea

physical changes in the reproductive system include:

  • thinning of the endometrium
  • atrophy of the myometrium
  • atrophy of the fallopian tubes and ovaries
  • loss of elasticity in the vaginal mucosa, which becomes thinner and smoother.
  • loss of cervical gland function
  • vaginal pH increases, increases risk of vaginal infections
  • decrease in number of Doderlein's bacilli

vasomotor changes

80-90% of women who are perimenopausal or menopausal experience hot flashes, typically described as a feeling of heat rising from the chest and spreading to the neck. can happen up to 20-30 times a day. some women also experience dizzy spells, palpitations, and weakness.

osteoporosis

a decrease in bone strength related to diminished bone density and bone quality, is a major health concern for women

lowered estrogen causes:

osteoporosis

risk factors for osteoporosis


  • middle-aged and elderly women
  • european american or asian ethnic origin
  • small-boned and thin body type, low body weight
  • family history of osteoporosis
  • lack of regular weight-bearing exercise
  • nulliparity, early onset of menopause
  • consistently low calcium intake, cigarette smoking
  • moderate to heavy alcohol intake
  • use of certain medications such as anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, lithium

number one killer of women

cardiovascular disease (CVD) 300,000 women die each year from coronary heart disease. six times higher than those deaths caused by breast cancer.

metabolic syndrome

is a major predisposing factor for coronary heart disease and is defined through a collection of risk factors. clinical characteristics are weight measurement greater than 35 inches, triglycerides grater than 150 mg/dL, HDL less than 50, blood pressures over 130/85, and fasting glucose levels greater than 110 mg/dL.

risk factors for CHD in women

  • family history of heart disease
  • advancing age - over 55 or postmenopausal
  • overweight and obesity
  • cigarette smoking, and/or tobacco use
  • sedentary lifestyle
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • elevated cholesterol
  • race (highest incidence in African American women)

Alzheimer's disease

most commonly occurring form of dementia, estimated to affect 4.5 million Americans. new cases are projected to double between 2010 and 2050

spontaneous premature menopause


premature ovarian insufficiency

is a devastating event and is not well understood, although family history is a major influencing factor. it occurs in 1% of women under age 40 and is demonstrated by the development of amenorrhea, a sharp decline in estrogen levels, and a rise in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). 5-10% of cases will spontaneously reverse.

treatment of premature menopause

estrogen and progesterone therapy until the usual age of menopause.

premature menopause can also be caused by:

anorexia, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, and oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries.

hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

refers to the administration of specific hormones to alleviate symptoms associated with the changes of menopause.

estrogen therapy

given to women who have undergone a hysterectomy.

combined estrogen-progesterone therapy

used for women with an intact uterus for the relief of vasomotor symptoms and urogenital and vaginal symptoms, as well as osteoporosis prevention.

why is progesterone added to HRT for women with an intact uterus?

unopposed estrogen increases the risk of endometrial cancer by eightfold and therefore is never given without progesterone in these women.

modes of HRT delivery:

orally, transdermally (patch, gel, lotion), vaginal creams, or vaginal ring.

the primary indication for HRT

treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and urogenital symptoms is the primary indication for HRT and estrogen therapy (ET)

HRT cannot prevent:

coronary heart disease (CHD)

methods of CHD prevention:

weight control, regular exercise, no smoking, healthy diet, etc.

testosterone may be added to HRT to:

improve sexual desire, responsiveness, and frequency.

bioidentical hormones

structurally identical to the hormones produced by the ovaries. may be safer and more effective.

what should be done prior to beginning HRT?

a through history, physical examination, pap smear, measurement of cholesterol, lipids, and liver enzyme levels; baseline mammogram. endometrial biopsy for those at heightened risk of endometrial cancer and if excessive, prolonged, or unexpected bleeding occurs.

women who are on HRT should report these symptoms immediately

  • headaches
  • visual changes
  • signs of thrombophlebitis
  • signs of myocardial infarction

ACOG recommends bone mineral density (BMD) testing for:

  • all postmenopausal women over age 65
  • all postmenopausal women with fractures
  • postmenopausal women under age 65 with one or more risk factors

BMD testing may also be indicated for:

pre or postmenopausal women with certain medical conditions:


  • eating disorders
  • thyroid disorders
  • leukemia
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • multiple sclerosis
  • those taking corticosteroids or anticonvulsants

biophosphonates

reduce bone resorption and bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast activity. the two most common, alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel) are both taken upon arising in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.

selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)

have estrogen-like properties. the SERM approved for osteoporosis treatment, reloxifene (Evista), acts like estrogen by protecting against osteoporosis but does not stimulate uterine or breast tissue. does not relieve other menopausal symptoms and may increase hot flashes, so it is indicated in asymptomatic women who want preventative therapy for osteoporosis.

salmon calcitonin

a calcium regulator that may inhibit bone loss and is approved for use to treat osteoporosis in women who are 5 years postmenopause. administered as a nasal spray, its value is less clear than that of other medications listed.

parathyroid hormone

a daily subcutaneous injection, activates bone formation, which results in substantial increases in bone density

ultra-low-dose estrogen patches

Menostar have proven to treat osteoporosis and can be used with out a progestogen. these small doses are found to demonstrate effective prevention of fracture without the increased side effects or risks of endometrial stimulation found in larger dose estrogen patches

signs of myocardial infarction in women

  • pain in the neck, back or epigastric region
  • loss of appetite
  • shortness of breath
  • nausea or vomiting
  • weakness in the shoulder, arms, and chest

phytoestrogens

plant products that have estrogen-like properties and may help relieve some menopausal symptoms, although it is not clear whether relief comes from estrogens or other substances in plants. foods include carrots, yams, and soy.

herbal supplement phytoestrogens

black cohosh, dong quai, red clover, soy isoflavones, ginseng, and kava