Objectives
After completing this module you should be more aware of:
- The stages of the menopausal process, including premature menopause and epidemiology.
- Physiological changes including ovarian follicle decline.
- Desensitisation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian feedback loop relating to oestrogen.
- The impact on and of hormones in the process.
- Potential triggers for premature menopause.
- Signs and symptoms of menopausal transition, and lasting effects through perimenopause into post menopause.
- When laboratory tests are appropriate to assess perimenopausal symptoms.
- Management of symptoms: self care and the use of medicines, both non-HRT and HRT.
- The impact of the Lancet study (August 2019) on breast cancer risk and HRT on the NICE guidance around menopause.
- How HRT can be used in managing symptoms.
- The impact of HRT on other health risks.
- How to advise women about health risks to help them decide whether they wish to use HRT.