Endocrine Disorders Affecting Reproduction Flashcards
Describe the pattern of GnRH release.
What is the consequence of this?
- GnRH is released in a pulsatile manner throughout the day.
- This results in pulsatile FSH and LH release.
What is the consequence of continuous GnRH release?
Continuous GnRH release decreases release of FSH and LH.
List the 3 categories of causes of HPG axis dysfunction.
1 - Central pathology.
2 - Gonadal damage.
3 - PCOS.
What is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhoea?
Pregnancy.
List 3 symptoms of oestrogen deficiency.
1 - Hot flushes.
2 - Poor libido.
3 - Dyspareunia.
List 7 factors to consider when assessing the function of the HPG axis in females.
1 - Menstrual history (oligomenorrhoea / amenorrhoea).
2 - Oestrogen deficiency.
3 - Hirsutism.
4 - Acne.
5 - Androgenic alopecia.
6 - Weight changes.
7 - Galactorrhoea.
List 3 central causes of amenorrhoea.
1 - Hypothalamic responses due to anorexia excessive exercise and stress.
2 - Pituitary tumours.
3 - Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (failure of FSH / LH secretion).
List 2 ovarian causes of amenorrhoea.
1 - Turner’s syndrome.
2 - Premature ovarian failure.
List 2 miscellaneous causes of amenorrhoea.
1 - PCOS.
2 - Thyrotoxicosis.
When does leptin secretion increase?
Why?
- Following weight gain.
- Because there is more adipose tissue secreting it.
List the anterior pituitary hormones.
1 - ACTH.
2 - TSH.
3 - GH.
4 - LH.
5 - FSH.
6 - Prolactin.
Which cells release prolactin?
Lactotrophs.
How is prolactin release controlled?
It is constantly negatively regulated by dopamine.
What effect does prolactin have on other anterior pituitary hormones?
Prolactin negatively regulates FSH and LH.
What is the effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on prolactin?
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulates the release if prolactin from the anterior pituitary (as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone).
What is the average upper limit of prolactin concentration?
500mu/L.
Why is hyperprolactinaemia difficult is diagnose in postmenopausal women?
- Because prolactin inhibits FSH and LH, therefore oestrogen production.
- The effects of a lack of oestrogen are normally the indicators of hyperprolactinaemia.
- In postmenopausal women, oestrogen isn’t being released anyway.
List the symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia in premenopausal women.
1 - Oligo/amenorrhoea.
2 - Vaginal dryness.
3 - Flushes.
4 - Sweats.
5 - Galactorrhoea.
List 4 causes of hyperprolactinaemia.
1 - Prolactinomas.
2 - Space-occupying lesions.
3 - Dopamine antagonists.
4 - Secondary hypothyroidism.
Why might a space-occupying lesion cause hyperprolactinaemia?
Because the pituitary stalk might become compressed / disconnected, causing loss of inhibitory signalling by the hypothalamus.