18 Menopause
Menopause
Case
Kathleen McHale is a 51 year old female. She came in today for a physical exam. She has not seen a doctor for a long time. She explains that she has been too busy worrying about her husband Richard and her kids to take care of herself. Lately however, she has been waking up in the middle of the night hot and sweaty for no reason and is concerned enough to come to the doctor.
Questions to Consider
- What additional history do you want?
- What labs/studies are indicated?
- To what do you attribute her nighttime symptoms?
- What are her treatment options?
- How would you counsel this patient on hormone replacement therapy?
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, active participants will be able to:
- Describe how to evaluate and treat menstrual changes in a peri-menopausal woman.
- Demonstrate skills in counseling patients on the risks and benefits of HRT.
Required Reading: Executive Summary
Required Reading: Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
Optional Reading: Natural Medicines in the Clinical Management of Menopausal Symptoms