Endo - Reproductive Treatments Flashcards
What is testosterone replacement given for?
not looking for fertility
but wants to improve symptoms
What symptoms does T replacement treat?
→ loss of early morning erections
→ low libido
→ decreased energy
→ reduced shaving frequency
Why is testosterone not given to people wanting fertility, even if they have low T?
→ testosterone leads to negative feedback on LH + FSH
→ reduces FSH and LH
→ reduces spermatogenesis
What levels of testosterone are required for T replacement to be given?
→ at least 2 low measurements of serum T before 11 am
→ low measurements < 9 mol/L
What forms of T replacement are available?
→ daily gel (e.g. Tostran)
→ 3 weekly intramuscular injections (e.g. Sustanon)
→ 3 monthly intramuscular injections (e.g. Nebido)
→ implants + oral prep (less common)
Why do you have to be careful with daily gel T replacement?
have to be careful and not contaminate partner
What factors need to be monitored when taking T replacement? Why?
→ increased haematocrit (ratio of RBC to blood vol) : could lead to hyperviscosity and stroke
→ PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) : overstimulation of prostate could cause cancer
What is primary hypogonadism?
→ high LH + FSH
→ but problems with gonads themselves
→ so low T produced from gonads
How hard is it to treat?
difficult to treat
What is secondary hypogonadism?
→ low LH and FSH produced
→ so low T
How is secondary hypogonadism treated induce spermatogenesis?
treat with LH + FSH
How do LH and FSH induce + promote spermatogenesis?
→ LH stimulates Leydig cells to increase intratesticular testosterone (to x100 the levels than in circulation)
→ FSH stimulates seminiferous tubule development + spermatogenesis
How is low T in secondary hypogonadism treated in those who want fertility?
→ hCG injections (acts on LH-receptors
→ if no response after 6 months, add FSH injections
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
2/3 of these qualify for PCOS:
→ hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical
→ PCOS morphology on ultrasound
→ irregular periods
What are the features of hyperandrogenism?
→ hirutism
→ acne
What are the signs or features of hypothalamic amenorrhoea?
→ low body weight → excessive exercise → stress → genetic susceptibility → irregular periods
What is hypothalamic amenorrhoea?
stress on the body causes hypothalamus to stop releasing GnRH, stopping release of LH and FSH
What is ovulation induction?
→ aim to develop one ovarian follicle
→ methods aim for small increase in FSH
Why is only one ovarian follicle the aim for ovulation induction?
→ if more than 1 develops, has risks of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
→ multiple pregnancies = many risks for mother + baby during preganancy
What are the 4 methods in which ovulation can be induced?
→ lifestyle / weight loss / metformin
→ letrozole
→ clomiphene
→ FSH stimulation
How does letrozole induce ovulation?
→ aromatase inhibitor
→ aromatase = converts T to Oestradiol
→ inhibiting aromatase = low oestradiol
→ low oestradiol = reduced negative feedback on pituitary and hypothalamus
→ this increases GnRH + LH + FSH
→ stimulates follicle growth + egg release
How does clomiphene induce ovulation?
→ oestradiol receptor antagonist
→ reduces the amount of oestradiol produced
→ reduces negative feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary
→ increases GnRH + LH + FSH
→ stimulates follicle growth + egg release
What are the different steps of IVF?
→ oocyte retrieval
→ fertilisation in vitro
→ embryo incubation
→ embryo transfer
What is oocyte retrieval?
→ high doses of FSH to stimulate follicle growth
→ eggs collected outside of utero
What is fertilisation in vitro?
either:
→ IVF (in vitro fertilisation) : sperm + egg mixed in a dish)
→ ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injections) : single sperm injected directly into the egg
What in embryo incubation?
waiting 3-5 days
What is embryo transfer?
the strongest embryo in implanted into the endometrium
When in ICSI preferred over IVF?
when there’s problems with male fertility or sperm
What are the key steps in IVF in terms of hormones?
→ FSH stimulation (super ovulation so that multiple follicles develop )
→ prevent premature LH surge (to prevent premature ovulation before eggs can be collected)
→ expose eggs to LH when mature