Endocrine infertility

Question 1

Describe the Gn axis in men

Answer 1

GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates pituitary into making FSH and LH. These hormones stimulate testis into making testosterone. This causes negative feedback along with release of inhibin which also causes negative feedback

Question 2

Describe the Gn axis in women during the follicular phase

Answer 2

GnRH from hypothalamus stimulates pituitary into making FSH and LH. These hormones stimulate ovary into making oestradiol and progesterone. This causes negative feedback along with release of inhibin which also causes negative feedback

Question 3

Describe the Gn axis in women during ovulation

Answer 3

Lots of GnRH producing FSH and lots of LH. This produces lots of oestradiol in the ovary, causing ovulation. The oestradiol causes a positive feedback loop

Question 4

What happens in the luteal phase if implantation does not occur

Answer 4

Endometrium is shed causing menstruation

Question 5

What is infertility

Answer 5

Inability to conceive after 1 year of regular unprotected sex

Question 6

What’s the proportion of couples with infertility

Answer 6

1:6

Question 7

What happens in primary gonadal failure

Answer 7

Low sex steroids bcs gonads does not work. High FSH and LH, high GnRH

Question 8

What happens in secondary gonadal failure

Answer 8

Low sex steroids bcs pituitary dont work, low FSH, LH

Question 9

What are the clinical features of male hypogonadism?

Answer 9

Loss of libido = sexual interest / desire
•Impotence
•Small testes
•Decrease muscle bulk
•osteoporosis