Obstetrics & Gynecology
Menopause
폐경
12 months amenorrhea (avg age 51); hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis
- How common
- Common
- Typical age
- Variable across reproductive lifespan
What is it?
Core pathophysiology of Menopause.
Commonly affected: Female reproductive tract or pregnancy-related site
How it develops
- TriggerTriggering factor for Menopause
- Local changeTissue-specific changes occur in target reproductive organ
- Clinical manifestationCharacteristic OB/GYN features appear
- Course/complicationsCourse depends on treatment
Symptoms
- Characteristic symptomClassic Menopause feature
- Abnormal bleeding/dischargeMenstrual or non-menstrual changes
- Associated symptomsPain, swelling, systemic possible
How it is examined
- History + pelvic examMenstrual/obstetric/sexual history then bimanual exam
- TVUS / labsTVUS, β-hCG, hormones, swabs as appropriate
Imaging
US is generally preferred over X-ray.
- US preferred
Pelvic MRI for detailed mass/anatomy assessment.
- Pelvic mass
- Anatomic detail
Non-surgical care
- Symptomatic / medicalAnalgesics, hormones, antibiotics per etiology
- LifestyleWeight, smoking, diet, exercise
- SurveillancePeriodic exam and imaging
Conservative options are generally tried first. Medications listed here can have side effects — discuss them with your prescriber.
When surgery is considered
Medical failure, suspected malignancy, emergency complication
Procedures that may be discussed
- Laparoscopic/hysteroscopic surgery
- Open surgery
- Radical surgery (cancer)
Outlook
Good prognosis with early diagnosis and tailored therapy.