Ch3

Question 1

Describe PCOS, first line of therapy, and dietary changes.

Answer 1

• PCOS causes one or both ovaries to have a covering containing immature ova in sacs decreasing ovulation.
• This causes high levels of androgens, especially testosterone. This causes insulin resistance, high blood insulin levels, obesity, amenorrhea, and infertility.
• The first-line treatment is dietary modification, weight loss, and exercise.
• Dietary recommendations emphasise lean sources of protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fibre, and non-fat dairy.

Question 2

Why obese men have low testosterone and elevated estrogen? How does this effect fertility.

Answer 2

• Body fat contains aromatase which converts testosterone to estrogen.
• Estrogen inhibits LH and FSH lowering testosterone.
• Low testosterone in obese men decreases sperm production.

Question 3

Jane and Julie are both overweight. Jane runs marathons and Julie seldom exercises. Who has a better chance of conceiving?

Answer 3

• Not all overweight individuals are at risk of fertility problems.
• Overweight females engaging in aerobic exercise experience improvement in hormones and increased fertility compared to sedentary overweight women.
• Jane has a better change of concieving.

Question 4

List common physical symptoms of PMS

Answer 4

1. tender breasts
2. abdominal bloating
3. swelling
4. headache

Question 5

Impact of eating disorders on womens reproductive health.

Answer 5

• Anorexia and bulimia are related to amenorrhea due to low body fat decreasing estrogen. In addition, impaired GnRH decreases estrogen.
• These women who become pregnant are likely to miscarry, experience preterm delivery and delivery low birth weight babies.
• Ovulation and menstruation returns with normal eating behaviours.