Scribd
Upload
232 views12 pages

6 Menopause

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation, marking the transition from reproductive capability to incapability. It can be caused by physiological aging of the ovaries or pathological factors like premature ovarian failure, radiation, chemotherapy, or bilateral oophorectomy. As the ovaries age and produce less estrogen and progesterone, menstrual irregularities occur along with neuroendocrine changes that result in symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. The climacteric period surrounding menopause lasts up to 15 years and involves three stages - early symptoms, intermediate urogenital atrophy and mood changes, and late risks of osteoporosis and heart disease. Treatment aims to relieve early symptoms, reduce long term risks, and

Uploaded by

Anonymous HHhuUgK
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
232 views12 pages

6 Menopause

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation, marking the transition from reproductive capability to incapability. It can be caused by physiological aging of the ovaries or pathological factors like premature ovarian failure, radiation, chemotherapy, or bilateral oophorectomy. As the ovaries age and produce less estrogen and progesterone, menstrual irregularities occur along with neuroendocrine changes that result in symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. The climacteric period surrounding menopause lasts up to 15 years and involves three stages - early symptoms, intermediate urogenital atrophy and mood changes, and late risks of osteoporosis and heart disease. Treatment aims to relieve early symptoms, reduce long term risks, and

Uploaded by

Anonymous HHhuUgK
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

By Dr Kihara

Definition: is the cessation of the menstrual


period. It heralds the transition from
reproductive capability to incapability.
The premenopausal period to the
postmenopausal period is termed as
CLIMACTERIC and can last up to 15 years.

Causes of menopause
1. Physiological ageing of the ovaries
2. Pathologically induced menopause
Premature ovarian failure
Radiation
Cytotoxic therapy
Bilateral oophorectomy

Physiology of menopause
Hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis
elaborated.
With the aging of the ovaries there is reduction
in the production of the sex steroids
principally estrogen and the following occurs:

1. Menstrual irregularities due to anovulation.


2. Changes in the circulating levels of sex

steroids, inhibin and pituitary gonadotrophins.


3. Decrease in the fertility rates.
4. Neuroendocrine changes of thermoregulation,
sleep patterns, mood and behavior (vasomotor
effects).
5. Eventually the cessation of menstruation and
the clinical effects of dwindling sex steroids.

Clinical picture of the climacteric


Problems associated with estrogen deficiency

Stage I
Changes in the menstrual cycle
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Insomnia
Depression
Mood changes

Stage II Intermediate
Urogenital atrophy
Dyspareunia ( painful/ difficult sexual
intercourse)
Dysuria (painful/ difficult urination)
Stress incontinence
Skin changes

Stage III Late


Osteoporosis
Cardiovascular disease
Alzheimer's disease

Management
History
Physical examination
Baseline investigations
Diagnosis
Treatment The essence of a womans vitality

and wellness must be maintained.


Ensure that you r/o malignancies

1. Relieve early symptoms.


2. Reduce intermediate and long term

consequences.
3. Enhance vitality and quality of life.

Options to treatment
1. Reassurance
2. Hormonal replacement therapy

This should be guided by the presence of the


uterus +/- cyclical bleeding, Absence of the
uterus and the ovaries
3. Presence of sexual dysfunctions and
treatment
4. Adjuvant therapy Nutrition, vitamin
supplements and herbal therapy, exercise
5.Support from partner, the family members and
community.

You might also like