USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes 2019: Obstetrics/Gynecology (Kaplan Test Prep)

GYN TRIAD

Premature   Ovarian Failure r/o Y   Chromosome  Mosaic

The etiology of menopausal symptoms is lack of estrogen.

Diagnosis. The laboratory diagnosis of menopause is made through serial
identification of elevated gonadotropins.

Clinical Findings. The majority of menopausal symptoms and signs are caused
by a lack of estrogen.

Hot flashes,    sweats

Age 25  years

↑   FSH level

Premature   menopause   occurs  age 30–40   and is  mostly  idiopathic, but can

also    occur   after   radiation   therapy or  surgical    oophorectomy.

Premature   ovarian failure occurs  age <30 and may be  associated  with

autoimmune  disease or  Y   chromosome  mosaicism.

Amenorrhea  (most   common symptom  is  secondary   amenorrhea):    menses

typically   become  anovulatory and decrease    during  a   period  of  3–5 years

known   as  perimenopause.

Hot flashes (75%    of  menopausal  women): unpredictable   profuse sweating

and sensation   of  heat,   probably    mediated    through the hypothalamic

thermoregulatory    center. Obese   women   are less    likely  to  undergo hot flashes,

owing   to  peripheral  conversion  of  androgens   to  estrone in  their   peripheral

adipose tissues.