Female Physiology Flashcards
How are androgens produced in females
LH –> inner thecal cells
inner thecal cells release androgens
(converted to estrogen in granulosa cells)
Which PG degrades the corpus leuteum
PGF2α
Function of these in women:
FSH
LH
FSH: stimulate follicles to mature
–>granulosa cells convert testosterone to estrogen
LH: stimulate follicle rupture
–>also promote androgen release from inner thecal cells
GnRH is what type of receptor
Gq (queer)
Ca2+ influx via PLC
hCG stimulates which receptor
LH receptor
helps maintain pregnancy (secreted by syncytiotrophoblast of placenta)
syncytiotrophoblast = placental villi tissue
Who is in charge of estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy
placenta
GnRH, LH, and FSH are all really low in pregnancy but estrogen and progesterone are really high
not sure what the feedback mechanism is to the placenta to keep these levels in check
*placenta is not regulated by hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Surge of what hormone causes ovulation
LH
causes rupture of oocyte out of follicle ie ovulation
Estrogen and cholesterol
protective effect
decrease LDL
increase HDL
What is left after oocyte erupts from ovary
corpus leuteum
secretes estrogen progesterone (so decreased LH and FSH)
Function of corpus leuteum immediately after ovulation
secretes estrogen progesterone
decreases circulating LH and FSH
Why do women take their temperature so much when they are trying to bring new life into their uterus?
because progesterone spike during ovulation causes increase in body temperature
very mild but may be measureable
How do oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives prevent pregnancy
low dose constantly decreased LH and FSH
no LH surge
prevents ovulation
Function of hCG
activates LH receptors (luteotropic activity)
for 3-4 mo until placenta takes over
What causes myometrial contraction leading t menstral pain
PGF2 and PGE2
also cause mild Braxton-Hicks contractions and strong contractions during partuition
Oxytocin function
promotes milk ejection
