Endocrine System Flashcards
Is the following statement true or false? The normal effect of ageing on the endocrine system is to decreased hormone production.
It’s false. The normal effects of ageing on the endocrine system could result in decreased, increased or unchanged hormone production.
Is the following statement true or false? Anatomical changes are structural changes in the gland that usually result in decreased hormone production.
It’s true. Anatomical changes usually result in the loss of hormone producing tissue, and therefore hormone production is generally decreased.
Is the following statement true or false? Pathological changes may result in increased hormone production, especially if the changes neoplastic.
It’s true. Pathological changes often lead to uncontrolled hormone production, especially if the pathological process is a tumour that causes increased formation of endocrine cells.
Is following statement true or false? Menopause occurs when no further eggs are available to mature in the ovaries.
It’s true. The hormone oestrogen is produced by the cells of the follicle in which the egg matures. Once no more eggs are maturing no more oestrogen will be produced.
Is the following statement true or false? All older people benefit from hormone replacement therapy.
It’s false. Not all older people will benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Only people with a hormone deficiency will benefit, but in those patients hormone replacement therapy is very useful.
Is the following statement true or false? Oral contraceptives prevent egg maturation, leading to larger reserves of eggs in the ovaries and therefore a delay in menopause.
It is true that oral contraceptives prevent egg maturation, but they do not result in the preservation of eggs or a delay in the menopause.
Is following statement true or false? Endocrine changes always produce obvious effects in patients.
It’s false. Endocrine changes often produce very subtle symptoms in patients and endocrine problems can be very difficult to diagnose based on signs and symptoms. Diagnosis often relies on blood testing.
What are the common problems associated with menopause?
osteoporosis; increased risk of cardiovascular disease; vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes); night sweats; irregular bleeding; vaginal dryness; and sleep disturbance
What is the role of hormone replacement therapy in the management of menopause?
Hormone replacement therapy can treat the immediate symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and sleep disturbances, and it can also decrease the development of longer term complications such as osteoporosis.
Is the following statement true or false? Hormone replacement therapy has no effect on the risk of cancer in women.
It’s false. Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of some types of cancer. It depends on the individual and the type of hormone replacement therapy being used. However, overall the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweigh the adverse effects.
Is the following statement true or false? The signs of hypothyroidism can be subtle and mistaken for normal ageing.
Its true. Many endocrine changes are subtle and can be easily missed.
Is the following statement true or false? Testosterone levels in men are not normally affected by ageing.
Its false. Testosterone levels usually fall with increasing age but the fall is gradual (unlike the fall in oestrogen levels that occurs at menopause). Older men may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
How do changes in receptors affect endocrine function in ageing?
Changes in receptors can decrease the effect that hormones have. The body may respond by increasing the amount of hormone being produced. In type 2 diabetes, insulin receptors become less responsive and so blood glucose levels are high. This results in an increase in insulin production.
