Endocrinology

Question 1

Infertility is defined by the length of time a couple has taken to attempt to conceive. This time is usually ________ with regular unprotected sex.

Answer 1

1 year

Question 2

Infertility affects what percentage of couples?

Answer 2

10%

Question 3

Would the levels of each of the following hormones be high or low in primary gonadal failure?

GnRH:
LH/FSH:
T/E2:

Answer 3

GnRH: High

LH/FSH: High

T/E2: Low

Question 4

Anosmia and low GnRH levels would suggest what disease?

Answer 4

Kallman’s Syndrome

Question 5

What is the incidence of PCOS in women of childbearing age?

Answer 5

1 in 12`

Question 6

What are the three major clinical features of PCOS?

Answer 6

1) Hirsutism
2) Menstrual cycle disturbance
3) Raised BMI

Question 7

An adrenal tumour can account for infertility in both sexes. What hormone would this tumour be releasing?

Answer 7

Prolactin

Question 8

How many oocytes do females have by the time they reach puberty?

Answer 8

Around 500,000. Many times less than the amount they had at birth.

Question 9

When is HRT given for women in menopause?

Answer 9

To control vasomotor symptoms (flushing). It is used to delay osteoporosis, but only if vasomotor symptoms are present as well. If not, bisphosphonates and raloxifene are used instead.

Question 10

Oestrogen-only HRT must only be given to women who…

Answer 10

… have had a hysterectomy. Oestrogen promotes endometrial proliferation and thus high doses may increase the risk of developing endometrial carcinoma. If the patient hasn’t had a hysterectomy, both oestrogen and progesterone are given together.