Fertility Control Flashcards
What is released from the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutenising hormone (LH)?
- gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) is released from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete 2 hormones that are then able to stimulate the ovaries?
- follicular stimulating hormone (FSH)
- leutenising hormone (LH)
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) is released from the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutenising hormone (LH). LH and FSH then stimulate follicles in the ovaries through to maturation. What are the 2 key hormones in the ovaries that drives the maturation of follicles?
1 - oestrogen
2 - progesterone
Estrogen is critical for stimulating follicular development through to maturation in the ovaries. What is another important function of estrogen?
- negative and positive feedback to the hypothalamus
Although FSH and LH both have a myriad of roles, what is the main function of each of these hormones in the development and maturation of follicles?
- LH = ovulation (oocyte released into fallopian tubes)
- FSH = development and maturation of follicle up to ovulation
Once ovulation has occurred the follicle becomes the corpus luteum. What hormone does the corpus luteum then secrete in response to this, which also then goes on to prepare the uterus for the oocyte?
- progesterone
Once ovulation has occurred the follicle becomes the corpus luteum resulting in a peak in progesterone production and some estrogen production. What does the level of estrogen and progesterone then do to LH and FSH levels?
- acts as a negative feedback
- LH and FSH levels drop significantly
Once ovulation has occurred the follicle becomes the corpus luteum resulting in a peak in progesterone production and some estrogen production. The levels of estrogen and progesterone then provide a negative feedback loop to LH and FSH levels, causing them to reduce. What does this then directly do to the levels of estrogen and progesterone?
- both then drop as an effect
Synthetic estrogen is taken by females as a form of contraception. What is the main effect of synthetic estrogen on the menstrual cycle?
- high oestrogen provides negative feedback to hypothalamus
- gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH) is reduced
- FSH and LH secretion is reduced
- ovulation is inhibited
Although we are aware that synthetic oestrogen’s are an effective female contraceptive through:
- providing negative feedback to the hypothalamus
- gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH) is reduces
- FSH and LH secretion is reduced
- ovulation is inhibited
What effects can synthetic progesterone have on the menstrual cycle as an affective female contraceptive?
- suppress ovulation (not as well as estrogen)
- reduces cilia activity in the fallopian tube
- increases volume and thickens cervical mucus
- thins endometrium
What are endogenous and exogenous hormones?
- endogenous = hormones produced by the body
- exogenous = synthetic prescribed hormones
Within the group of endogenous hormones as forms of contraception, there are 2 broad categories, what are they?
1 - combined hormonal contraceptives
2 - progesterone-only contraceptives
Within the group of endogenous hormones as forms of contraception, there are 2 broad categories:
1 - combined hormonal contraceptives
2 - progesterone-only contraceptives
What are combined contraceptives?
- contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone
Combined hormonal contraceptives are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. In the UK what are 3 forms in which they can be administered?
1 - pill (combined oral contraceptive pill ‘the pill’)
2 - patch
3 - vaginal ring
Combined hormonal contraceptives are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What is the typical efficacy of this medication as an effective form of contraception?
- 91% is normal efficacy (due to forgotten taking of pills)
- 99% can be seen in some patients
Combined hormonal contraceptives are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. Typical efficacy of this medication as an effective form of contraception is generally around 91%, although 99% can be achieved. What are 3 key things can affect the efficacy of this form of contraception?
1 - diarrhoea and vomiting (close to taking medication)
2 - weight (>90kg)
3 - drug interactions (enzyme inducing drugs, such as antibiotics and anti-epileptic medication can speed up enzymes acting on contraception)
Although combined contraception can start at any time, assuming the woman is not already pregnant. If they are taken between days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle, how quickly can their effective be seen?
- immediately
Although combined contraception can start at any time, assuming the woman is not already pregnant. If they are taken after days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle, how quickly can their effective be seen?
- at least 7 days
- if sex occurs in this time period then barrier protection should be used
Combined hormonal contraceptives are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What cancers have they been shown to reduce the risk of?
- ovarian, colorectal and endometrial cancer
Combined hormonal contraceptives are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What 2 effects can the combined contraception have on bleeding and pain experienced during the menstrual cycle?
- provides predictable bleeding patterns
- reduces menstrual bleeding and pain
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What 3 gynaecological conditions can taking the CHC pill help with?
1 - polycystic ovarian syndrome
2 - endometriosis
3 - premenstrual syndrome
What age should the combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) not be used for?
- women >50 years of age
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. If the pill is stopped, generally how soon will fertility return to normal?
- rapidly
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. There are 6 common side effects observed in some patients that use CHC, what are they?
1 - breast tenderness 2 - weight gain 3 - bloating 4 - changes in libido 5 - changes in mood 6 - irregular bleeding
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What 2 cancers can CHC increase the risk of?
1 - breast cancer (during use and in following 5 years)
2 - cervical cancer (during use and following 10 years)
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What cardiovascular event is does taking CHC increase the risk of?
- arterial thromboembolism (blood clot formation in an artery)
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. Taking CHC does increase the risk of arterial thromboembolism (blood clot formation in an artery). However, is the risk higher than in a woman who is pregnant or not taking CHC?
- no risk of arterial thromboembolism is higher in pregnancy and those not taking CHC
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. There are a number of other factors that can increase the risk of thrombotic events that must be asked prior to prescribing a patient with CHC. What are some of the most common risks that must be checked?
- age
- weight (BMI >30 is cautionary contraindications)
- smoking status (cautionary contraindications)
- blood pressure (absolute contraindications)
- history of thromboembolism (absolute contraindications)
- clotting disorder (absolute contraindications)
- migraine with aura and family history (absolute contraindications)
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. Are CHC ok to prescribe to women postpartum (immediately following child birth) and breast feeding?
- postpartum = yes
- breastfeeding = after 6 weeks
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. What is the standard CHC administration?
- 21 days use
- 7 days of hormone free interval (HFI)
The standard treatment with combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) is generally 21 days of using the CHC, followed by a 7 day hormone free interval (HFI). This can be tailored and amended though. What time period can the HFI period be changed to?
- generally 4 days
- can increase the risk of unscheduled bleeding
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are contraceptives that contain oestrogen and progesterone. The standard CHC administration is 21 days use, following by 7 days of hormone free interval (HFI). Any deviation from this increases the risk of what?
- unpredictable bleeding
Within the group of endogenous hormones as forms of contraception, there are 2 broad categories:
1 - combined hormonal contraceptives
2 - progesterone-only contraceptives (POC)
POC as the name suggests is when the contraception contains only progesterone. There are 4 type os POC used in the UK, what are they?
1 - pill (oral contraceptive pill - ‘the mini pill’ or POP)
2 - injection (‘the depo injection’)
3 - implant
4 - interuterine system (IUS)
There are 4 types of progesterone-only contraceptives (POC) used in the UK:
1 - pill (oral contraceptive pill - ‘the mini pill’ or POP)
2 - injection (‘the depo injection’)
3 - implant
4 - interuterine system (IUS)
Although they all have a unique mechanisms, they are ALL able to do what to the cervix and uterus?
- cervix = increase mucous thickening
- uterus = thin endometrial layer (not good for oocyte implantation)
Are progesterone-only contraceptives (POC) suitable for postpartum women and those women breast feeding?
- yes
If a women is unable to take the combined contraception as oestrogen is a contraindication to them, what form of contraception will they be able to take?
- progesterone only contraception
Progesterone-only contraceptives (POC) have a number of benefits. Do they increase the risk of arterial thromboembolism?
- no