Perimenopause & Menopause Exam Pack With Complete Solutions Grade A+

Perimenopause: when does it start and what are the manifestations - Answer - occurs after primary reproductive years but before menopause (~45) - begins about 4 yrs before final menstrual period - manifestations: irreg periods, hormonal fluctuations (don't measure hormones this time), hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness * if taking OCP, may not notices some of these changes Menopause: definition - Answer - abscence of periods for 12 months - mean age ~ 51 yrs - women live avg 30 yrs beyond - occurs 2 years earlier in smokers *always ask about sx: night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disturbances Cause of Menopause: - Answer - loss of ovarian function & subsequent hormonal deficiency - causes: * normal process of aging * surgery (total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy-pushes into early menopause-no more estradiol) * chemotherapy * pelvic irradiation - postmenopausal ovary no longer produces estradiol or progesterone Manifestations of Menopause - Answer * bone loss (5-6 years accelerated bone loss after menopause starts; why women reach menopause earlier than men) * impaired balance & forearm fx * hyperlipidemia