Hormone Basics
This hormone imbalance causes menopausal symptoms.
What is low estrogen and high FSH?
These pills contain only one hormone and must be taken continuously with no breaks.
What are progestin-only (mini pills)?
This is the MOST common side effect of oral contraceptives (besides nausea).
What is breast tenderness/enlargement?
What is same time daily, every day?
What is same time daily, every day?
This habit significantly increases clot risk in women taking OCs.
What is smoking?
A patient starts OCs and asks if she is immediately protected. Your response?
What is “No, use backup contraception for the first cycle”?
This hormone therapy may take this long before noticeable effects occur.
What is several months (androgens/testosterone)?
Missing how many pills requires backup contraception for the rest of the cycle?
What is two or more pills?
Name one life-threatening complication associated with OCs.
What is DVT / PE / stroke / MI?
Why should patients check before taking OTC meds with OCs?
What is risk for drug interactions reducing effectiveness?
This lab/condition makes drospirenone-containing OCs unsafe.
What is high potassium risk (kidney, liver, adrenal disease)?
A patient applies testosterone gel and immediately puts on clothes. What’s wrong?
What is must allow it to dry at least 5 minutes first?
This hormone can cause birth defects through skin contact exposure.
What is testosterone?
Why must mini pills be taken at the same time EVERY day?
What is low hormone levels → narrow window for effectiveness?
What is breast tenderness, bleeding, fluid retention, weight gain, acne?
What is breast tenderness, bleeding, fluid retention, weight gain, acne?
What is the most important lifestyle modification for patients on OCs?
What is stop smoking / avoid nicotine?
Name one condition that makes testosterone therapy unsafe.
What is prostate cancer, breast cancer, recent MI/CVA, uncontrolled HF?
A 38-year-old smoker wants OCs. What is your concern?
What is extremely high risk for blood clots, stroke, MI?
Why are hormone levels in mini pills clinically significant?
What is they are low → strict adherence required?
Why take OCs with food?
What is to reduce nausea?
This reaction requires monitoring for 30 minutes after injection.
What is anaphylaxis or pulmonary oil microembolism?
What is the BEST teaching if two pills are missed?
What is continue pills + use backup contraception rest of cycle?
Which patient should NOT take drospirenone?
What is patient with kidney/liver/adrenal disease or on potassium-increasing drugs?
A patient reports leg pain and shortness of breath on OCs. Priority?
What is suspect thromboembolism → immediate evaluation?
Explain why menopausal symptoms occur in terms of feedback mechanisms.
What is low estrogen → pituitary increases FSH → imbalance causes symptoms?
A patient takes OCs perfectly but starts a new medication and becomes pregnant. Why?
What is drug interaction reducing OC effectiveness?
Why does HRT increase risk for thromboembolism?
What is exogenous estrogen increases clot formation?
What is the MOST important discharge teaching for testosterone gel?
What is prevent transfer to others + allow drying + wash hands?
Why is testosterone contraindicated after recent MI or stroke?
What is increased cardiovascular risk?
A patient on OCs smokes, misses pills, and takes OTC meds without guidance. What is your priority teaching?
What is high risk for pregnancy AND life-threatening clots—must stop smoking, take correctly, and check meds?