Class 3 Flashcards
What is the menstrual cycle?
A cycle process whereby the endometrial lining is shed if implantation of a conceptus has not occured
What is Menarche?
When Menstrual cycle begins (10 - 14 years)
What is Menopause?
When Menstrual cycle ends (45-55 years)
How many days in the average menstrual cycle?
28 days
What are the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle?
THE MENSTRUAL PHASE (days 1-5)
THE PROLIFERATIVE PHASE (days 6-14)
THE SECRETORY PHASE (days 15-28)
What happens in the Menstrual Phase?
- ENDOMETRIUM DEGENERATES
- SLOUGHS OFF THE MYOMETRIUM
- EXPELLED AS MENSES
- TYPICALLY 12-24 HOURS OF HEAVY FLOW, WITH LESS FLOW FOR THE NEXT 4-7 DAYS
What happens in the Proliferative Phase?
REGROWTH OF ENDOMETRIUM MAINLY UNDER INFLUENCE OF ESTROGEN ESTROGEN RELEASED BY OVARIAN FOLLICLES ENDS AT OVULATION * OVULATION ON APPROXIMATELY DAY 14 OF A 28 DAY CYCLE
What happens in the Secretory Phase?
ALSO CALLED LUTEAL PHASE
BEGINS AT OVULATION
ENDS WHEN MENSTRUATION STARTS
GLANDULAR AND VASCULAR CHANGES IN ENDOMETRIUM
PRIMARILY UNDER the INFLUENCE OF PROGESTERONE
ABSENCE OF FERTILIZATION RESULTS IN FALL IN ESTROGEN & PROGESTERONE; START OF MENSTRUATION
* ENDOMETRIUM IS THICKEST DURING THIS PHASE
What is the name of the process that is controlled by a feedback system between ovaries, hypothalamus, and the anterior hypophysis of pituitary?
Hormonal regulation
Endometrium responds to what levels in the blood?
Estrogen and progesterone
What is the chain of events in the HYPOTHALAMUS?
- Secretes Gonad Releasing Hormone (GnH) (GnRH)
- Rise in GnH causes Pituitary Gland to release Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
What is the chain of events in the PITUITARY GLAND?
-Releases FSH
-FSH causes numerous follicles in ovary to grow
Follicles produce estrogen
-Rising estrogen levels trigger Pituitary to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
-Rise in LH causes ovulation to occur
What hormone is related to the following?
- PROLIFERATIVE PHASE
- SECRETORY PHASE
- CAUSES OVULATION TO OCCUR
- HYPOTHALAMUS
- PITUITARY
- OVARIES
- PROLIFERATIVE PHASE - ESTROGEN
- SECRETORY PHASE - PROGESTERONE
- LH CAUSES OVULATION TO OCCUR
- HYPOTHALAMUS - GnH
- PITUITARY - FSH, LH
- OVARIES - ESTROGEN, PROGESTERONE
How many follicles are stimulated each month by FSH?
5-7
What is the dominant follicle?
The Graafian Follicle
At ovulation, where do the follicles rupture through?
Tunica Albuginea
Where do blood and / or fluids drain to during ovulation?
Posterior Cul De Sac
Under what circumstances would follicles be measured ?
If the follicles are large or if the patient is undergoing ovulation induction
How large is a follicle rupture in cm? What is the average?
Follicle ruptures between 1.8-2.5cm
average is 2.0cm
What is vaginal bleeding that is not related to the menstrual cycle?
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
What is Hypermenorrhea?
Excessive volume during cyclic menstrual bleeding
What is Hypomenorrhea?
Abnormally small amount of menstrual bleeding
What is Polymenorrhea?
Frequent menstrual bleeding less than 21 days apart
What is Oligomenorrhea?
Menstrual bleeding greater than 35 days apart
What is Dysmenorrhea?
Painful uterine bleeding
What is Amenorrhea? What kinds are there?
Absence of menstrual flow
- Primary - patient has never menstruated
- Secondary - Patient had menstrual periods but stopped
What does HRT stand for?
Hormonal Replacement Thearapy
What symptoms of Menopause does HRT help treat?
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Sleep disorders
- Vaginal dryness
What are the pros and cons of HRT?
PROS: Decreases menopausal symptoms
CONS: Increased risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer
