Question

The CC mammograms of a patient prior to menopause and 1 year after the onset of menopause are compared. The woman has never taken synthetic hormones. What is the most likely difference?

A. The mammogram taken prior to menopause shows signs of atrophy
B. The mammogram taken after the onset of menopause shows signs of atrophy
C. There will be little or no change in the glandularity of the breast
D. The mammogram taken after menopause will show increased glandularity

Answer 1

The most likely difference is that the mammogram taken after menopause will show signs of atrophy, as estrogen levels decrease during menopause.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely difference between the mammogram taken prior to menopause and the mammogram taken after the onset of menopause is that the mammogram taken after menopause will show signs of atrophy (answer option A). Atrophy refers to a decrease in the size or function of the breast tissue. This is because after menopause, there is a decrease in the production of estrogen, which can lead to the shrinkage of breast tissue.

The mammogram taken prior to menopause is less likely to show signs of atrophy because the hormone levels during premenopause are still relatively stable. Estrogen is important for maintaining the structure and function of breast tissue, so a decrease in estrogen levels after menopause can result in atrophy.

In contrast, the other answer options are less likely to be observed. There will generally be little or no change in the glandularity of the breast (option C) because glandular tissue is not directly influenced by menopausal changes. Likewise, the mammogram taken after menopause is unlikely to show increased glandularity (option D) since glandular tissue typically decreases with age and hormonal changes.