Female Reproductive Physiology

Question 1

Changes in hormone (LH/ FSH) status during/at:

• Onset of puberty
• Reproductive years
• Menopause

Answer 1

• Onset of puberty: gradual increase
• Cyclic release
• Sustained high levels

Question 2

Female puberty

Answer 2

• Transition from non-cyclic, quiescent reproductive endocrine system to a state of cyclic reproductive function.
• Begins about 8-9 yrs and ends ~ 11-16 yrs

Question 3

Formation of primary sec charc. during puberty

Answer 3

Increased E and androgens

–Pulsatile release of GnRH results in pulsatile LH and FSH release leading to an increase in estrogen and androgens from the ovary

–Menarche – beginning of menstrual cycles.

Question 4

Secondary sex charc.

Answer 4

Thelarche

Adrenarche

Question 5

Thelarche

Answer 5

breast development

• first sign of puberty
• Due to the presence of estrogen

Question 6

adrenarche (cause and effect)

Answer 6

increase in androgen secretion

•Pubic hair growth (androgens and DHEA)

Question 7

Metabolic actions of estrogen during puberty

Answer 7

–Protein: anabolic

–Lipids: anti-lipolytic (promotes fat storage)

–Stimulates epiphyseal closure

Question 8

Last step pf female puberty (cause and effect)

Answer 8

maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis

–Decrease in the sensitivity of the gonadotrophs to feedback inhibition by estrogen

Question 9

Enumarate major events of female puberty

Answer 9

1. transition of reproductive endocrine(non-cyc& quiscent to cyclical)
2. over a period of 3-7 yrs
3. Primary sex charc
4. Pulsatile LH/ FSH release
5. Inc E. Androgens
6. Menstrual cycles begins
7. 2nd sex Charc: thelarche and adrenarche
8. growth spur
9. Maturation of HPO axis

Question 10

Compare male/female

growth spur during puberty

Answer 10

Occurs earlier in females because of earlier onset of GnRH release

Question 11

causes the maturation of HPO axis

Answer 11

Decrease in the sensitivity of the gonadotrophs to feedback inhibition by estrogen

Question 12

Ovarian follicle

Answer 12

The ovarian follicle is one germ cell completely surrounded by a cluster of endocrine cells.

Question 13

Ovarian follicle functions:

Answer 13

–Maintains and nurtures the oocyte

–Matures the oocyte and releases it at the appropriate time

–Prepares the vagina and fallopian tubes to assist in fertilization

–Prepares the uterus to accept and implant a zygote

–Maintains hormonal support of the fetus until placenta takes over