Chapter 37 Female Reproduction

Question 1

What are the sources and roles of reproductive hormones GnRH, FSH,LH and E2 during the menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

GnRH
Source: Hypothalamus
Roles:stimulating FSH and causing follicle development to begin

FSH
Source: Anterior pituitary
Roles:stimulates growth of eggs in the ovaries

LH
Source: Anterior pituitary
Roles: Helps with egg maturation and triggers and releases the egg in the ovaries

E2
Source: Growing Follicle
Roles:
essential for
1. Secondary sex characteristics
2. Function of other organs -bones, brain, liver , heart , skin, muscle

Question 2

What is the hormonal trigger of ovulation?

Answer 2

Superovulation is something that is an assisted reproduction technique that uses hormones (e.g. FSH or hCG) to trigger ovulation of several mature follicles.

Question 3

How do birth control pills prevent pregnancy?

Answer 3

they do that using synthetic estrogens and/or progesterones to:
1. Prevent ovulation and/or
2. Alter the endometrium to prevent implantation

Question 4

How does breast feeding provide a natural contraceptive?

Answer 4

Lactational amenorrhea is a temporary dampening of the normal hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis suppresses follicular development, ovulation and menstruation

Question 5

What are potential causes of infertility in females ?

Answer 5

1. Problem with follicle development
2. Lack of Ovulation
3. Problem with luteal phase

Question 6

What feature distinguish GDM from other forms of diabetes ?

Answer 6

diabetes is lack of insulin but in the case of GDM ,insulin is suppressed due to high hPL and Prl secretion

Question 7

What are the main treatment and management approaches for GDM?

Answer 7

1. Lifestyle changes : Nutrition , exercise
2. Glucose lowering medications : insulin or metformin therapy
3. Surveillance : resolution after birth (6-12wks)