Female Hormones (memorizables)

Question 1

What cell are FSH receptors specific to?

• what is secreted by this cell?

Answer 1

FSH receptors are specific to Granulosa Cells

Secretion: 
• ESTROGEN
• Inhibin
• Activin 
• progesterone

Question 2

What is the androgen producing cell of the ovary?

Answer 2

Theca Cells

Question 3

What type of estrogen is secreted by the placenta?

Answer 3

Estrone (2nd most potent estrogen)

Question 4

FSH acts to upregulate what enzyme in Granulosa cells?

Answer 4

FSH increases AROMATASE activity

While 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is key in granulosa cells, it is not affected by FSH

Question 5

What cells produce progesterone?

Answer 5

Theca
Granulosa
Corpus Luteum

Question 6

What cells produce estrogen?

Answer 6

Granulosa Cells

Corpus Luteum

Question 7

What happens to gonadotropin levels in the average female between 12 and 13 years old?

Answer 7

5-10x increase in LH and FSH

Question 8

What happens to gonadotropins after menopause?

Answer 8

Unchecked Secretion of Gonadotropins from the Anterior Pituitary

Question 9

What mediator is responsible for triggering ovulation?

Answer 9

LH

Leads to ovulation and maturation of the corpus luteum

Question 10

What negative regulators are present in the Follicular (proliferative) phase?

Answer 10

Estrogen inhibits LH

Inhibin B inhibits FSH

Question 11

What happens to the hypothalamus and pituitary as a result of the pre-ovulatory surge in estrogen?

Answer 11

Increased GnRH receptors on Pituitary

Faster production of LH (mostly) and FSH

Question 12

What negative regulators are present in the luteal phase?

Answer 12

Progesterone inhibits LH

Inhibin A in inhibits FSH

Question 13

98% of estrogen is bound.
• What are the relative amounts of Low and High affinity binding?
•What proteins are responsible for these different binding types?

Answer 13

Low Affinity binding (30-50%)
• Albumin

High Affinity binding (45-70%)
• Beta globulins like sex steriod binding globulin (SSBG)

remember these increase the stability of the androgens and aid in delivery to target tissues

Question 14

Through what receptor types does estrogen mediate its Quick and Short acting response?

Answer 14

GPCRs and Calcium Ion Channels

Question 15

What are the target tissues for estrogen and what are its effects there?

Answer 15

Reproductive Organs
• Growth
• INCREASED CILIARY ACTIVITY
•Maintenance of Pregnancy

Brain
Bones
• Increased Density, Epiphyseal Plate fusion

Liver
• Low LDL

Heart
• Cardioprotective

Blood Vessels
• Anti-athlerosclerotic
• Decreased Plaque

Question 16

Progesterone
• Target Tissues
• Effects

Answer 16

Uterus
• Preparation of implantation, Maintenance of pregnancy
• Decreases spontaneous uterine contractions

Breasts
• Regulates Development

Brain
•Acts on AP axis