Introduction Menopause starts gradually and is usually signaled by changes in menstruation. The monthly flow may increase, decrease, become irregular, and finally cease. Often, the interval between periods is longer; a lapse of several months between periods is not uncommon. Changes signaling menopause begin to occur as early as the late 30s, when ovulation occurs less frequently, estrogen levels fluctuate, and FSH levels rise in an attempt to stimulate estrogen production
Definition Menopause is the permanent physiologic cessation of menses associated with declining ovarian function; during this time, reproductive function diminishes and ends. - Brunner & Suddarth Menopause means permanent cessation of menstruation at the end of reproductive life due to loss of ovarian follicular activity. It is the point of time when last and final menstruation occurs. - D.C.Dutta
Stages of menopause Perimenopause is the part cyclic irregular. perimenopause to the period around menopause (40–55 years). Post-menopause is the phase of life that comes after the menopause. Age of Menopause: Age at which menopause occurs is genetically predetermined. The age of menopause is not related to age of menarche or age at last pregnancy. The age of menopause ranges between 45–55 years, average being 50 years.
MENSTRUATION PATTERN PRIOR TO MENOPAUSE Any of the following patterns are observed: i . Gradual decrease in both amount and duration. It may be spotting or delayed and ultimately lead to cessation. ii. Irregular with or without excessive bleeding. One should exclude genital malignancy prior to declare it as the usual premenopausal pattern.
MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS In majority, apart from cessation of menstruation, no more symptoms are evident. In some women symptoms appear. The important symptoms and the health concerns of menopause Urogenital atrophy Osteoporosis and fracture Cardiovascular disease Cerebrovascular disease Psychological changes Skin and Hair Sexual dysfunction Dementia and cognitive decline.
COMMON SYMPTOMS Profuse sweating Discomfort Sleep disturbances Subsequent fatigue Embarrassment Osteoporosis (decreased bone density) Bone fractures Vaginal secretions decrease Dyspareunia (discomfort during intercourse) Bacterial infections (atrophic vaginitis) & discharge, itching, and vulvar burning Some women report fatigue, dizziness, forgetfulness, weight gain, irritability, trouble sleeping, and feelings of panic. Menopausal complaints need to be evaluated carefully as they may indicate other disorders.
Diagnosis of menopause Complete history collection Physical examination Cessation of menstruation for consecutive 12 months during cyclic Appearance of menopausal symptoms ‘ ‘night sweats’. Vaginal cytology – showing least (Features of low estrogen). Serum FSH and LH:>40 ml U/mL Ultrasonographical examination
TREATMENT MANAGEMENT Nonhormonal Treatment: Lifestyle modification includes: Physical activity (weight bearing), reducing high coffee intake, smoking and excessive alcohol. There should be adequate calcium intake (300 mL of milk), reducing medications that causes bone loss (corticosteroids) Nutritious diet: balanced with calcium and protein is helpful. Supplementary calcium: daily intake of 1–1.5 g can reduce osteoporosis and fracture Exercise: weight bearing exercises, walking, jogging
Cont. Vitamin D: supplementation of vitamin D3 (1500–2000 IU/day) along with calcium can reduce osteoporosis and fractures. Exposure to sunlight enhances synthesis of (vitamin D3) in the skin Cessation of smoking and alcohol Fluoride prevents osteoporosis and increases bone matrix. It is given at a dose of 1 mg/kg for short-term only. Calcium supplementation should be continued. Long-term therapy induces side effects (brittle bones). Calcitonin inhibits bone resorption. Simultaneous therapy with calcium and vitamin D should be given. It is given either by nasal spray (200 IU daily) or by injection (SC) (50–100 IU daily). It is used when estrogen therapy is contraindicated
Cont. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): It increase bone mineral density, reduce serum LDL and to raise HDL2 level. Thiazides: reduce urinary calcium excretion. It increases bone density specially when combined with estrogen. Paroxetine: a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is effective to reduce hot flushes (both the frequency and severity). Coolness body
Cont. Phytoestrogens containing isoflavones are found to lower the incidence of vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. It reduces the risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) The HRT is indicated in menopausal women to overcome the short-term and long-term consequences of estrogen deficiency.
Indication of Hormone Replacement Therapy Relief of menopausal symptoms. Prevention of osteoporosis. To maintain the quality of life in menopausal years. Special group of women to whom HRT should be prescribed: Premature ovarian failure Surgical or radiation menopause
Benefits Of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Improvement of vasomotor symptoms (70– 80%) Improvement urogenital atrophy Increase in bone mineral density (2–5%) Decreased risk in vertebral and hip fractures (25–50%) Reduction in colorectal cancer (20%) Possibly cardio-protection
Contraindications to HRT Undiagnosed genital tract bleeding or venous thromboembolism Active liver disease Gallbladder disease Risks Of Hormone Replacement Therapy Endometrial cancer Breast cancer Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease Coronary heart disease (CHD) Lipid metabolism Dementia, Alzheimer disease
Available Preparations For Hormone Replacement Therapy The principal hormone used in HRT is estrogen. This is ideal for a woman who had her uterus removed (hysterectomy) already. Addition of progestins for last 12–14 days each month can prevent this problem. Commonly used estrogens are conjugated estrogen (0.625–1.25 mg/day) or micronized estradiol (1–2 mg/day). Progestins used are medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5–5 mg/day), micronized progesterone (100–300 mg/day) or Dydrogestrone (5–10 mg/day).
Cont. Oral estrogen regimen: Estrogen—conjugated equine estrogen 0.3 mg or 0.625 mg is given daily for woman who had hysterectomy. Estrogen and cyclic progestin: For a woman with intact uterus estrogen is given continuously for 25 days and progestin is added for last 12–14 days. Continuous estrogen and progestin therapy: Subdermal implants: Implants are inserted subcutaneously over the anterior abdominal wall using local anesthesia. 17 β estradiol implants 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg are available and can be kept for 6 months. This method is suitable in patients after hysterectomy. Percutaneous estrogen gel: 1 g applicator of gel, delivering 1 mg of estradiol daily, is to be applied onto the skin over the anterior abdominal wall or thighs. Effective blood level of oestradiol (90–120 /mL) can be maintained.
Cont. Transdermal patch: It contains 3.2 mg of 17 β estradiol, releasing about 50 µg of estradiol in 24 hours. It should be applied below the waist line and changed twice a week . Skin reaction, irritation and itching have been noted with their use. Vaginal cream: Conjugated equine vaginal estrogen cream 1.25 mg daily is very effective specially when associated with atrophic vaginitis. Progestins: In patients with history of breast carcinoma, or endometrial carcinoma, progestins may be used. It may be effective in suppressing hot flushes and it prevents osteoporosis . Medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5–5 mg/day can be used.
Monitoring prior to and during HRT A base level parameter of the following and their subsequent check up (at least annually) are mandatory. Physical examination including pelvic examination. Blood pressure recording. Breast examination Mammography Cervical cytology Pelvic ultrasonography Endometrial thickness (normal <5 mm). Any irregular bleeding should be investigated thoroughly (endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy).
Cont. Duration of HRT: Use Generally, use of HRT for a short period of 3–5 years have been advised. Reduction of dosage should be done as soon as possible. Menopausal women should maintain optimum nutrition, ideal body weight and perform regular exercise.
Abnormal Menopause 1. Premature Menopause: If the menopause occurs at or below the age of 40, it is said to be premature. 2. Delayed Menopause: If the menopause fails to occur even beyond 55 years, it is called delayed menopause. 3. Artificial Menopause: Permanent cessation of ovarian function done by artificial means, e.g. surgical removal of ovaries or by radiation is called artificial menopause. 4. Surgical Menopause: Menstruating women who have bilateral oophorectomy, experience menopausal symptoms. It is sometimes more troublesome than natural menopause
Cont. 5. Radiation Menopause: The ovarian function may be suppressed by external gamma radiation in women below the age of 40.The menstruation may resume after 2 years and even conception is possible.