Female endocrinology Flashcards
What is amenorrhoea?
The absence of a menstrual period.
When is amenorrheoa normal?
Pregnancy.
Pre-puberty.
Post-menopause.
What are the type of amenorrhoea?
Primary:
> Failure of the menstrual cycle to start by the age of 16 years.
Secondary:
> Cessation of menses for >3 months anytime after menarche.
What are the causes of primary amenorrhoea?
Premature ovarian failure (i.e. turners).
Mullerian agenesis.
Hypothalamic/pituitary failure.
Excess sex hormone production (i.e. CAH, ovarian, adrenal tumours).
What are the causes of secondary amenorrhoea?
Pregnancy.
Menopause.
PCOS.
Hypothalamic/pituitary failure.
What is premature ovarian failure?
Loss of function of the ovaries before 40 years.
What are the causes of POF?
Idiopathic.
Gonadal dysgenesis (i.e. turners or fragile X).
Polyendocrine deficiency syndromes.
Infections (i.e. mumps).
What are the signs of POF?
Amenorrhoea.
Hypo-oestrogenism - low oestrogen.
Hypergonadotropinism - elevated LH & FSH.
What would POF show on blood investigations?
Low oestrogen.
Elevated FSH.
What is the treatment for POF?
HRT.
Donor oocyte therapy.
What is Turners syndrome?
Monosomy X.
What are the signs of Turners syndrome?
Short stature. Webbed neck. Widespread nipples. Short 4th metacarpal. Primary amenorrhoea. Absent secondary sexual characteristics. Hypothyroidism. Diabetes.
What would blood investigations for Turners show?
Low GH.
Low TSH & free T4.
Elevated LH & FSH.
Low oestrogen.
What is the treatment for Turners?
Oestrogen.
Thyroxine.
GH.
Diabetic agents.
What is androgen excess?
Excess androgen production in females.
