Case Study

A 48 yr old woman presents with concerns about her periods.
She has been having irregular periods over the previous 6 months, some heavy and some lighter, with the heavier periods occurring after a longer pause between periods.

 

There has been no postcoital bleeding and she has had no pain with menstruation. The heaviest days she has had to use a tampon and large pad and change them frequently.

 

She is getting tired and feels she may be approaching menopause. She has occasional severe sweats and flushes easily. Her skin is getting drier.

 

When asked about her main concern it is the flooding and irregular menses as she is unable to predict it and she has lost time at work.

 

Past history - mild well controlled hypertension, nil else

 

Family history - Mother had menorrhagia and had a hysterectomy aged 45

 

Non smoker

 

Drinks 2 standard drinks of alcohol per day

 

Current medications: Ramipril 5mg daily

 

Issues of concern

 

• Perimenopause oestrogen deficiency symptoms

• Menorrhagia and irregular cycle

• Possible iron Deficiency

• Exclude Thyroid disorder?

 

Risk evaluation of HRT:

 

Australasian menopause society