Endocrine control of Ovarian and Menstrual cycles

Question 1

What axis controls female reprodcution?

Answer 1

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis

Question 2

What is no period known as

Answer 2

amenorrhoea

Question 3

3 main areas for amenorrhoea

Answer 3

problem with regulating hormones
problems with ovarian function
problem with uterus or outflow tract

Question 4

Problems with regulating hormones

Answer 4

hypothalmic or pituitary cause

hypogonadotropic , hypogonadism (low FSH,lh, high prolactin)

• functional/lifestyle
• chronic medical illness
• prolactinoma, tumours/cysts
• infection/trauma
• drugs (glucocorticoids, opiates, steriods)
• Kallman’s syndrome

Question 5

Problem with ovarian formation

Answer 5

HIGH or normal FSH, LH

(hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism)

• genetic - Turners
• ageing
• POI or POF
• chronic illness
• radio/chemotherapy

Question 6

Problems with the uterus or outflow tract- what are the 2 categories? - describe them briefly (3)

Answer 6

congenital - lady may not have uterus or vagina - lack of mullerian duct

• transverse vaginal septum
• androgen insensitivity syndrome

latrogenic - uterine adhesions (Asherman syndrome)
- radiotherapy (cervical cancer)