Gynecology (Tony's) Flashcards
Sex determination
Chromosomal sex determined at conception (XX, XY)
Sex differentiation
Development of male or female urogenital system which involves sex and autosome chromosome genes
Genotypic/primary sex differentiation - development of gonads
Phenotypic/seconday sex differentiation is development of the urogenital system
Male sex differentiation
Y chromosome contains SRY (sex determining region) gene, which encodes TDF (testis-determining factor)
TDF initiates cascade of downstream events to develop male urogenital system (mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) + testosterone to develop male urogenital system)
Female sex differentiation
Default pathway is female (absence of SRY gene)
Development of the ovaries
- Gonadal ridges in the mesoderm
- Primordial germ cells develop in endoderm of yolk sac and migrate via dorsal mesentary to invade the genital ridges
- Celoemic epithelium gives rise to primitive sex chords, which penetrate the underlying mesenchyme
- In male develop into testis (primitive sex chords develop to form seminiferous tubules and tunica albuginea thickens)
- In female develop into ovaries (primitive sex chords develop to form medulla of ovary and tunica albuginea disappears) and surface epithlium gives rise to secondary sex cords (become follicular cells)
Descent of ovaries location and support
Ovaries move inferiorly and settle just below the rim of the true pelvis.
The superior (cranial) genital ligament forms the suspensory ligament of ovary.
The inferior (caudal) genital ligament (aka gubernaculum) forms the ovarian ligament and round ligament of uterus
Genital duct development
- Indifferent stage - mesonephron (Wolfian) duct develops if male and paramesonephric (Muellerian) duct develops if female
- Sex differentiation of genital duct
MIS and testosterone presence or absence
Role of testosterone in the differentiation of the genital duct
Testosterone stimulates development of mesonephric duct and stimulates development of male external genitalia
Absence results in disintegration of mesonephric duct and development of female external genitalia (labia majora, labia, minora, clitoris and lower 2/3 vagina)
Role of MIS in sex differentiation of genital duct
MIS - inhibits development and stimulates disintegration of paramesonephric duct which develops into uterine tube, uterus and superior part of vagina
Formation of uterus
Bilateral paramesonephric ducts fuse at the distal end to become uterus and superior part of vagina and septae eventually disappears
Formation of vagina
Dual origin where the superior part is derived from paramesonephric duct and the inferior part is derived from urogenital sinus
What are the components that make up the pelvic brim
- Sacral promontory
- Margin of sacral ala
- Arcuate line of ilium
- Pectineal line
- Pubic crest
What is the pelvic outlet
plane bounded by tip of coccyx posteriorly; sacrotuberous ligament posteriolaterally; ischial tuberosities laterally; ischiopubic rami and pubic symphysis anteriorly
What is the pelvic diaphragm and its components
Funnel shaped muscular floor composed of floor of lesser (true) pelvis and roof of perineum
Made by coccyges and levator ani (pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus) muscles
What is the pelvic brim
Divides the superior greater (false) pelvis and inferior lesser (true) pelvis
What are the conjugate measurements of the pelvis
Anatomical (true) conjugate
Obstetric conjugate
Diagonal conjugate
True conjugate
Distance from sacral promontory to superior aspect of pubic symphysis
Obstetric conjugate
distance from sacral promontory to most posterior aspect of pubic symphysis
Diagonal conjugate
distance from sacral promontory to inferior aspect of pubic symphysis
What is the transverse diameter of pelvic outlet
distance between ischial tuberosities (10-11cm)
What is interspinous diameter
distance between ischial spines
What penetrates the pelvic diaphragm
Urethra, vagina, rectum
What is the role of the medial fibers of levator ani (part of pubococcygeus)
Forms sling around rectum (puborectalis)
What is the role of the pelvic diaphragm
supports pelvic viscera, contribute to fecal / urinary continence
What is a lateral episiotomy
Controlled incision of pelvic diaphragm
Pelvic diaphragm compromise and consequences
due to damage during childbirth in female or prostatectomy in males, increasing risk of organ prolapse
in female, primary uterus and bladder prolapse
organ prolapse lead to urinary and fecal incontinence in both genders
Where does the coccygeus muscle run
Inside aspect of sacrospinous ligament
What is the levator plate
pubococcygeus and iliococcygeal muscle form shelf like portion of pelvic floor behind the anus
What is the Pouch of Douglas and its significance
Rectouterine pouch where pus and fluid collects, which can be drained through posterior fornix
Components of broad ligament
Mesoosalpinx
Mesometrium
Mesovarium
What forms the broad ligament of the uterus
Peritoneum drapes over the uterus, uterine tube and ovary superiorly
What is the parametrium
Covering that separates the uterus from the bladder
Pubocervical ligament role
Fascial ligament that anchors side of cervix to pubic symphysis
What are the uterine fascial ligaments
Deep - underneath the broad ligament (peritoneum) that support the position of the uterus
Part of the parametrium
Pubocervical ligament, transverse cervical ligament, uterosacral ligament
Pubocervical ligament
Anchor side of cervix to pubic symphysis
Transverse cervical ligament
aka Mackenrodt or transverse cardinal ligament
Provides central cervical support and carries the uterine artery
Ureter inferior to the transverse cervical ligament/uterine artery
Uterosacral ligament
Anchor cervix posteriorly to sacrum
Ovarian ligament role
Tethers ovary to uterus
Round ligament role
Tethers uterus through inguinal canal to labia majora
What is the isthmus
Initial narrowing from body of uterus to cervix
Layers of uterus
4 layers from superficial to deep
1) Parametrium - supporting fibrous fascia (transverse cardinal/cervical ligament, uterosacral ligament, pubovesical ligament)
2) Perimetrium - peritoneal coat overlying uterus, continuous with mesometrium of broad ligament
3) Myometrium - smooth muscle
4) Endometrium - internal mucosa
What is the angle of version of the uterus
Angle between vaginal and cervical axis
What is the angle of flexion of the uterus
Angle between uterine body axis and cervical axis
What is the most common orientation of the uterus
Anteverted and anteflexed
Components of the uterine tubes
Infundibulum –> ampulla –> isthmus –> intrauterine part –> horns of uterus
Where are the ovaries located
Ovarian fossa, medial to external iliac vessel and anterior to ureter and internal iliac artery
What are located at the vaginal uterine junction
4 vaginal fornices - 1 anterior, 1 posterior, 2 lateral
What is the suspensory ligament of ovary
Mesentery overlying ovarian artery and ovarian vein
Ovarian blood supply and drainage
Ovarian artery from abdominal aorta
Ovarian vein drains into IVC
Uterine blood supply and drainage
Uterine artery from internal iliac artery
Uterine vein drains into internal iliac vein
Vaginal blood supply and drainage
Vaginal artery from internal iliac artery and internal pudendal artery from internal iliac artery (feeds distal vaginal canal in perineum)
Vaginal and internal pudendal veins drain into internal iliac vein
Pelvic blood supply
Internal iliac artery with anterior and posterior division
Anterior - supplies pelvic viscera
Anterior division includes umbilical artery, superior vesicle artery, uterine artery, vaginal or inferior vesicle artery and middle rectal artery and internal pudendal artery
Posterior division goes to body wall, lower limb muscles, perineum
Uterine artery
Pass above ureter
Tortuous
Runs in transverse cardinal ligament
Superior vesicle artery
Feeds superior aspect of bladder and comes off umbilical artery
Vaginal/inferior vesicle artery
Feeds inferior aspect of bladder and superior vagina
Middle rectal artery
Feeds rectum above pelvic diaphragm
Internal pudendal artery
Feeds distal rectum and vagina in perineum
Inferior rectal artery
Feeds rectum below pelvic diaphragm
Innervation of female reproductive organs
Ovaries, uterus, superior vagina innervated by autonomic nerve supply
Sympathetic T12-L2 to pelvic splanchnics
- Synapse at pre-vertebral ganglia or abdominal aortic plexus –> travel with ovarian blood vessels to ovary
- hypogastric/pelvic plexus to uterus and superior vagina
Parasympathetic pelvic splanchnics S2-S4
Distal vagina somatic nerve supply
Motor nerves and sensory innervation from pudendal nerve (S2-4)
What is a splanchnic nerve
splanchnic nerves are paired visceral nerves (nerves that contribute to the innervation of the internal organs), carrying fibers of the autonomic nervous system (visceral efferent fibers) as well as sensory fibers from the organs (visceral afferent fibers).
Visceral pain of the pelvic region
Uterine body above pelvic pain line - visceral pain travels with sympathetics to T12-L2 region
Uterine cervix and upper vagina below pelvic pain line - visceral pain travels with parasympathetic to S2-4
Low vagina travels with somatic pudendal nerve S2-4
Anesthesia blocks for the reproductive system
Spinal block - block lumbar splanchnic nerve (T12-L2), pelvic splanchnic nerve (S2-4) and pudendal nerve (S2-4) blocking all sensation from waist down
Caudal epidural block from pelvic splanchnic (S2-4) and pudendal nerve S2-4 results in loss of sensation of uterine cervix and vagina
Pudendal nerve block of pudendal nerve S2-4 results in loss of somatic sensation of vagina only
Lymphatic drainage of female reproductive system
Most lymph to back body wall to chyle cistern to thoracic duct
Lymph from distal vagina, labia majora and perineum drains superficially to superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Some parts of uterus associated with round ligament can drain to superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Branches of internal iliac artery supplying body wall
Middle sacral artery - midline sacrum, from aorta prior to bifurcation
Lateral sacral artery - feeds sacrum from lateral aspect
Iliolumbar artery - ascends on back body wall
Superior gluteal artery - leaves pelvis above the piriformis between lumbosacral trunk and S1
Inferior gluteal artery - leaves pelvis below piriformis
Internal pudendal artery - leaves pelvis, loops around pelvic diaphragm to access perineum
Obturator artery - travels with obturator nerve through obturator canal
Umbilical artery - obliterated artery that gives off superior vesicle artery prior to becoming occluded
Anterior branching of internal iliac from proximal to distal
- Superior vesicle artery
- Uterine artery
- Inferior vesicle/vaginal artery
- Middle rectal artery
- Internal pudendal artery (penetrates pelvic diaphragm to access perineum)
- Inferior rectal (can alternatively branch off internal pudendal artery)
Hypothalamus Pituitary Ovary Axis
- Hypothalamus secretes GnRH in pulsatilla manner
- GnRH stimulates anterior pituitary to secrete FSH and LH in pulsation fashion
- FSH and LH stimulate ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone as well as ovulation
Affect of GnRH on LH or FSH secretion
- amplitude and frequency of pulses determines predominant LH or FSH secretion by anterior pituitary
- Follicular phase: GnRH pulses become faster to prepare for the future LH surge and high LH in literal phase
- In literal phase pulses become slower to prepare for future high FSH in follicular
GnRH release regulation
3 negative feedback loops
- Long loop - estrogen and progesterone decrease release
- Short loop - FSH and LH decrease GnRH release
- Ultra short loop - GnRH inhibits its own release
Role of FSH
Targets granulosa cells in ovary causing follicular growth and estrogen production
Role of LH
LH surge stimulates ovulation
LH targets theca cells and corpus luteum
LH stimulate thecca cells to produce testosterone, which can be converted to estrogen by granulosa cells
LH stimulates corpus luteum to produce progesterone as well as estrogen
What’s the deal with estrogen and progesterone levels
Estrogen and progesterone are sex steroid hormone derived from cholesterol and produced in ovarian follicles
Estrogen level varies depending on stage of menstrual cycle
Low (<50) at menstruation
Increases with follicular development and peaks at 200
At end of literal phase, estrogen drops to menstrual levels
Progesterone level varies depending on stage of menstrual cycle
Low <2 before ovulation and high >5 after ovulation
Anatomy of the ovary
Enclosed in germinal epithelium
Outer cortex contains follicles, corpora lutes and corpora albicans
Inner medulla composed of connective tissue where blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves enter the ovaries
Ovary functions
- Produce oocytes that are ovulated into Fallopian tube
2. Produce reproductive hormones including estrogen and progesterone
Sex hormone production pathway and where each sex hormone is produced
Cholesterol —> progesterone —> testosterone —> estrogen
Progesterone produced in all major ovarian cells (granulosa, theca, interstitial, corpus luteum)
Testosterone produced in theca, interstitial and corpus luteum
Estrogen produced by granulosa cells and corpus luteum
What is required to produce estrogen
Aromatase (lacking in the a cells)
Role of estrogen
Stimulate follicular development and onset of puberty
Main estrogen produced by ovary
Estradiol
Main estrogen produced by placenta
Estratriol
Main estrogen produced by adipose tissue
Estratone
What is the role of the estrogen to testosterone ratio in follicles
Determines the dominant follicle
Non-dominant follicles - inability to convert T to E leading to more androgen and follicular atresia
Dominant follicle - ability to convert
Regulation of FSH secretion
- Activism from granulosa cells stimulates FSH secretion
- Inhibin from granulosa cells inhibits FSH secretion
- Follistatin from granulosa cells neutralizes activism, thereby inhibiting FSH secretion
Oogenesis pathway
1) ovarian germ cells (oogonia) multiplies by mitosis until ~20 weeks gestation
2) at birth, oogonia (2n) enter meiosis I and arrest in prophase, becoming primary oocyte (2n) in a primordial follicle
3) at start of each menstrual cycle ~15-20 primordial follicles are recruited and develop into primary follicles, which is independent of FSH
4) during follicular phase, primary follicles develop into secondary, then one follicle will mature into tertiary follicle
5) before ovulation, LH surge allows primary oocyte (2n) to complete meiosis 1, becoming secondary oocyte (1n) that is halted in meiosis 2 metaphase plus 1st polar body 6) at ovulation, secondary oocyte (1n) exits ovaries and enters fallopian tubes
7) if ovulated secondary oocyte (1n) is fertilized with sperm, then secondary oocyte completes meiosis 2 to become an ovum, which joins sperm to form zygote
Menstrual cycle goal
goal of menstrual cycle is to produce a single, mature, fertilizable oocyte as well as provide right environment for it to implant and develop
Components/phases of menstrual cycle
2 cycles: ovarian and endometrial cycle
normal menstrual cycle usually 28 days
endometrial cycle
- day ~1-5 menstruation, part of proliferative phase
- day ~6-13 proliferative phase
- day 15-28 secretory phase
ovarian cycle
- day ~1-13 follicular phase 2. day ~14 ovulation
- day ~15-28 luteal phase
during menstrual cycle, female is fertile from ovulation day -3 days to ovulation +1 day
-3 days, because sperm can live in fallopian tube for 3 days
+1 day, because ovulated ovum is viable for ~1 day
length of follicular phase may vary, but length of luteal phase should be fixed at ~14 dayS
What occurs during the Follicular Stages
0) all follicles begin as primordial follicle
primordial follicle = oocyte surrounded by layer of flattened granulosa (follicular) cells
ovary start with all of its primordial follicles at birth, which then slowly depletes over time
primordial follicle contain a primary oocyte (2n) (primary oocyte are arrested at meiosis I prophase)
1) primordial follicles will develop into primary follicle, then secondary follicle
development from primordial follicle to secondary follicle is gonadotropin (LH & FSH) independent and occurs with time at any time, only a small portion of primordial follicles are developing to become primary follicle then secondary follicle
primary follicle result in:
- larger primary oocyte with a zona pellucida
- granulosa cells proliferating forming layers around oocyte
- interstitial cells close to growing follicles form the theca cells
2) under high FSH and high LH in follicular phase, a secondary follicle develops into tertiary (Graafian or astral or pre-ovulatory) follicle
high FSH stimulates many primary follicles to start development to secondary follicles
the fastest primary follicle that develops into secondary follicle at first becomes the dominant follicle
dominant follicle increase production of estrogen, that inhibit FSH, such that rest of the developing primary follicles die
non-dominant follicles also cannot convert testosterone into estrogen resulting in high testosterone that stimulates follicular atresia dominant follicle further increase estrogen that trigger LH surge
FSH stimulates proliferation, production of estrogen, increased FSH receptor and inhibin production in granulosa cells LH stimulates testosterone from theca cells, which then is converted to estrogen by granulosa cells
secondary follicle has
-formation of antrum, cumulus granulosa cells (surrounding oocyte) and mural granulosa cells (in the periphery)
-growth of granulosa and theca cell compartments
-increased vascularization of theca layer
-still a primary oocyte
FSH with high estrogen increase expression of LH receptor on granulosa cells, preparing the peripheral granulosa cells to become corpus luteum that is responsive to LH
3) LH surge result in ovulation
the high estrogen (>200) by dominant tertiary follicle cause LH surge
LH stimulates the primary oocyte (2n) to complete meiosis I to become a secondary oocyte (1n)
LH stimulates progesterone production by granulosa cells
LH surge results in ovulation of the tertiary oocyte into fallopian tube by increasing antral fluid and stimulating release of hydrolytic enzymes
the secondary oocyte with corona radiata granulosa cells are released into peritoneal cavity to be picked up into fallopian tube
the rest of follicle (peripheral granulosa and theca cell layers) remains in follicle and become vascularized with capillaries to become corpus luteum
4) corpus luteum forms and produce progesterone and estrogen in luteal phase corpus hemorrhagim -> corpus luteum -> corpus albicans
corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogen
corpus luteum contains large luteal cells (granulosa cell derived) and small luteal cells (theca cell derived) that produce progesterone and testosterone the high progesterone increases basal body temperature during luteal phase
corpus luteum is temporary (lasts 14 days) and will disintegrate into corpus albicans due to decline in LH
release of HCG from fertilization and implantation can rescue corpus luteum, which is them taken over by placenta after 4-5 months
What occurs during Endometrium stages
1) menstruation at day 0-5 due to low estrogen and progesterone progesterone withdrawal results in shedding of endometrium
2) proliferative phase at day 5-14 due to high estrogen
follicles produce high estrogen, which stimulate proliferation of endometrial cells increasing endometrial thickness
3) secretory phase at day 14-28 due to high progesterone
corpus luteum secrete high progesterone, which cause endometrial hypertrophy, thickening of spiral arteries and glycogen secretions from glands endometrium is thickest at secretory phase
the endometrium at secretory phase is optimal for implantation
endometrium most optimal for implantation about ovulation + 7 days
4) return to menstruation
disintegration of corpus luteum result in low estrogen and progesterone, causing endometrium to shed progesterone withdrawal is mainly responsible for normal menstrual bleeding
Mechanism of action of OCP
4 MOA by progesterone:
- Inhibiting ovulation (main mechanism)
- Change cervical mucous which blocks sperm
- Cause pseudo decidualization of endometrium to inhibit implantation
- Inhibit tubal peristalsis to inhibit fertilization
Role of estrogen in OCP
Estrogen does not contribute to mechanisms of contraception and is added to prevent breakthrough bleeding
OCP start methods
1) start on 1st Sunday after menses to have period free weekends
2) start on day 1 of that month
3) quick start ASAP (recommended)
Disadvantage to extending hormone days and/or shortening hormone free days with OCP
Can cause unscheduled bleeding
OCP schedule
Any change to traditional 21/7 regimen is reasonable as long as there is no more than 7 days without hormones
Absolute contraindications to OCP, ring and patch
smoker (>15 cigarettes / day) and over age 35
<6 weeks postpartum if breastfeeding
history of current or past venous thromboembolism (VTE)
current breast cancer
uncontrolled hypertension (diastolic >100 or systolic >160)
ischemic heart disease
complicated valvular heart disease
history of cerebral vascular accident (CVA) aka stroke
migraine headache with focal neurological symptoms
over age of 35 and migraine without aura (i.e. focal neurological symptoms)
diabetes with end organ involvement
severe cirrhosis, liver tumor, or active viral hepatitis
known thrombophilia
systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) with positive anti-phospholipid antibody (APLA)
False contraindication
OCP can be prescribed to anyone with family history of cancer
OCP can be prescribed without a pelvic exam
Benefits of OCP, ring and patch
Short term benefits
- regulation of cycle
- decreased bleeding
- decreased dysmenorrhea, premenstual syndrome, acne, hirsutism
Long term benefit
- decrease risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
- decrease risk of benign breast disease
- decrease risk of colorectal cancer
- decrease risk of acute PID and ectopic pregnancy
- dec risk of ovarian cyst
- amerliorate endometriosis
OCP, ring and patch contraceptive adverse effects
most women using OCP report no adverse effects
common adverse effects: headache, nausea, breast tenderness
usually mild, transient and self resolves in few months
less common adverse effects: decreased libido, unscheduled bleeding, mood changes
rare adverse effects: stroke, MI, VTE, increased risk of cervical cancer
Where should the contraceptive patch not be applied
Breast
When starting a new method of contraception what is the period duration where backup contraception should be used
7 days
Forgiveness period for contraceptive patch
2 days
Nuvaring forgiveness period
2 weeks
Progestin only pill mechanism of action
Thickening of cervical mucous to block sperm
Progestin only pill indication
When combined hormone contraceptive is contraindicated such as breastfeeding women, women with VTE
Use of progestin only pill
1 pill every day at same time (3 hour window) with no sugar pill week
Back up contracceptive x2 days if pill was taken late
Menstruation continues if baseline mensturation is regular
Progestin only adverse effects
Irregular bleeding
Worsening mood disorder such as depression
DMPA injectable progestin mechanism of action
1) inhibit ovulation
2) thickening of cervical mucus to block sperm
3) pseudo-decidualization (atophy) of endometrium that inhibit implantation
Use of injectable progestin DMPA
Intramuscular injection once every 3 months
breakthrough bleeding in first 3-6 months is normal, which usually can be treated with estrogen or NSAID, and can be ameliorated by shorter interval of injection
2 week forgiveness, where injection is still effective up to 14 weeks
if >14 weeks since last injection, do urine pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, give injection and use back up contraception for 7 days
Absolute contraindication
known or suspected pregnancy (progesterone is not a teratogen, but pregnancy would make injectable progestin meaningless)
unexplained vaginal bleeding
current diagnosis of breast cancer
DMPA adverse effects
menstrual cycle disturbance including irregular non-stop bleeding or amenorrhea especially in first 3 months of use
after 1 year of use, ~50% develop amenorrhea
after 2 years of use, ~75% develop amenorrhea
weight gain due to increased appetite
decreased bone density
delay to fertility: return to fertility after 9 months on average post discontinuation of injectable progestin
Benefits DMPA
injectable progestin also used to treat menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain
menstrual suppression, inducing amenorrhea to treat menses-related symptoms, anemia and hygienic concerns
decrease risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
decrease incidence of seizure
IUD contraindication
known or suspected pregnancy puerperal sepsis (infection and fever post childbirth or miscarriage) immediate post septic abortion current pelvic inflammatory disease, purulent cervicitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea cervical or endometrial cancer current breast cancer unexplained vaginal bleeding distorted uterine cavity anatomy malignant trophoblastic disease
Adverse effects of IUD
unscheduled vaginal bleeding, which usually improve with time
LNG-IUS tend to decrease menstrual bleeding
copper IUD tend to increase menstrual bleeding
pain or dysmenorrhea
uterine perforation (0.1% risk)
infection (relative risk of 4 in first 3 weeks after insertion then return to normal baseline)
expulsion of device (5% of cases)
failure resulting in pregnancy, which may have increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
LNG-IUD cause hormonal side effects and functional ovarian cyst
What is the minimum beta hCG to see something in the uterus
1500
Copper IUD MOA
Main mechanism is prevention of fertilization
Other mechanisms:
foreign body reaction
endometrial change that adversely affects sperm transport
copper directly inhibits sperm motility and reduces sperm penetration through cervical mucous
inhibits implantation
Mirena (LNG-IUS) components
Progesterone
Mirena MOA
main mechanism of action is prevention of fertilization
other mechanisms of action include
thickening of cervical mucus by progesterone to block sperm
suppress endometrial estrogen and progestin receptor
inhibit ovulation by progesterone in some women
inhibit implantation
induce endometrial changes
LNG IUS indications
Contraception 3-5 years
Treat heavy menstrual bleeding
Male Vasectomy confirmation
need to use contraception for 3 months after operation and until 2 consecutive semen analysis confirms azospermia
What’s the deal with hysteroscopic tubal occlusion
insertion of alloy coil into fallopian tube via hysteroscope, which induce fibrosis and occlusion in Fallopian tube
need to do hysteosalpingography radiographic imaging to confirm tubal occlusion
must use contraception until occlusion is confirmed
complications include failure to successfully place, perforation of fallopian tube / uterus and expulsion of coil
Emergency contraception methods
Yuzpe method (estrogen + progesterone)
Plan B/Norlevo (Progestin only)
Copper IUD
Most effect emergency contraception method
Most effective emergency contraception (effective up to 7 days post unprotected sex exposure)
Then plan B then Yuzpe
Plan B/Norlevo components
Protesterone only
Plan B MOA
inhibit ovulation
change endometrium to inhibit implantation
disrupt luteal phase
effect on tubal transport time
however, does not disrupt an established pregnancy, so it is not effective with more time elapsed from sexual intercourse
Use of Plan B
earlier use increase effectiveness, best within 5 days of unprotected sexual intercourse
plan B have 2 tablets
both tablets at same time (preferred method) or one table followed by the other 12 hours later
Amenorrhea definition
absence of menstruation for at least 3 cyclic lengths
Oligomenorrhea definition
Cyclic length >35 days
Primary amenorrhea definition
failure to reach menarche (amenorrhea and no pubertal development by 14 years of age; or amenorrhea with secondary sexual characteristics by age 16)
Secondary amenorrhea definition
previously menstruating and cessation of menses (cessation of regular menses for 3 normal menstrual cycles or 6 months), typically in patient age <40
Major cause of amenorrhea
causes can be classified to physiologic, other endocrinopathies, medication, hypothalamus - pituitary - ovary - uterus - outflow tract
physiologic: pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause
other endocrinopathies: thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism), adrenal disease (adrenal insufficiency, adrenal hyperplasia), hyper-androgenism (congenital adrenal
hyperplasia, androgen secreting tumor), Cushing’s syndrome, constitutional delay of puberty
medication: contraception containing estrogen and / or progesterone, anti-depressants, anti-hypertensive, anti-psychotics, opiates
hypothalamus: hypothalamic tumor, functional suppression of hypothalamus, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency, infection (meningitis, TB, syphilis), traumatic
brain injury
functional suppression of hypothalamus-pituitary-varian axis due to physical stress on body including rapid weight loss, eating disorder, malabsorption, excessive
exercise, stress
pituitary: tumor (prolactinoma), empty sella syndrome, infiltrative disease (sarcoidosis), post-partum hypopituitarism (Sheehan syndrome)
ovary: polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian insufficiency, ovarian insufficiency, ovarian tumor
ovarian insufficiency can be due to idiopathic causes, auto-immune destruction, chemotherapy, radiation, congenital causes (Turner’s syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis)
outflow tract obstruction: congenital (complete androgen resistance, imperforate hymen, Mullerian agenesis, transverse vaginal septum), acquired (Asherman syndrome, cervical
stenosis)
Amenorrhea history
HPI
menstruation history: onset of amenorrhea, previous menses if any (primary vs. secondary), previous menstrual cycle (length, pattern, consistency of pattern)
hypothalamus / pituitary tumor symptoms: headache, loss of vision, vomiting, galactorrhea
thyroid symptoms: temperature, heart rate, bowel movement
symptoms of androgen excess: acne, hirsutism, hair thinning, deepening of voice
primary ovarian insufficiency: vasomotor symptoms (hot flush, night sweats)
hyperandrogenism: acne, hirsutism
uterine or outflow tract obstruction symptoms: cyclic or acute pelvic pain
PMH
thyroid disease
surgery, radiation, chemotherapy
OB/GYN History
GTPAL
past sexually transmitted infections
OB/GYN surgery
Medication
contraception
dopamine antagonist including psychiatric medications
FH
age at menarche for mom and sisters
family history of genetic syndrome, autoimmune disease
SH
eating and exercise pattern
change in weight
sexual history
Amenorrhea physical exam
general: height, weight, BMI, inspection for dysmorphic feature (Turner’s syndrome)
Tanner staging
skin: inspect for hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, male pattern hair loss), striae (Cushing’s syndrome)
head & neck: vision test (pituitary tumor), thyroid exam
abdomen: palpation for mass (ovarian or adrenal tumor)
genital: inspection for outflow tract obstruction, missing or malformed organ, thin vaginal mucosa (low estrogen), virilization (clitoral enlargement)
Amenorrhea investigations
blood work: CBC, b-hCG, LH, FSH, prolactin, TSH, serum estrodiol
pelvic ultrasound to rule out abnormal anatomy
Progesterone withdrawal challenge
Other: if estrogen not evidence from physical exam (normal vaginal discharge suggest normal estrogen level), then measure serum estradiol
if chronic disease suspected, CBC and metabolic panel
if history or physical exam suggest hyper-androgen, then serum testosterone
if Turner’s syndrome suspected, chromosome karyotype
if hypothalamus or pituitary cause suspected, then MRI head
Progesterone withdrawal challenge
not routinely done, because it can be substituted with estradiol (E2) to measure estrogen and pelvic ultrasound to measure outflow tract
progesterone for course of 10 days then stop to simulate luteal phase and see if bleeding ensues after withdrawal
withdrawal bleeding confirms adequate estrogen production and functional anatomy (responsive endometrium and patent outflow tract)
failure to bleed on progesterone withdrawal can be due to low estrogen from ovary, hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction, non-reactive endometrium, no uterus or anatomical
abnormality with uterine outflow tract
if failure to bleed, give estrogen then progesterone
failure to bleed with estrogen then progesterone confirms anatomic abnormality
bleeding with estrogen and progesterone confirms low estrogen, which need to be worked up to see if it is due to ovarian insufficiency or hypothalamic or pituitary disorder
Amenorrhea treatment
treatment always should address underlying cause
primary amenorrhea with no internal female reproductive organ usually have no viable treatment
pituitary dysfunction: symptom relief with estrogen and progesterone replacement (e.g. oral contraceptive pill), LH & FSH injection for fertility
hypothalamus dysfunction: if functional hypothalamic suppression, then need to correct underlying cause, otherwise symptom relief with estrogen and progesterone replacement
pituitary or hypothalamus tumor: consider surgical resection, LH & FSH injection for fertility
ovarian dysfunction: symptom relief with estrogen and progesterone replacement (e.g. oral contraceptive pill), egg donor and in-vitro fertilization for fertility
obstructive tract should be treated with surgical repair
other endocrinopathy: address and treat endocrinopathy (e.g. thyroid replacement for hypothyroidism)
Primary amenorrhea top differential diagnoses
Chromosomal abnormalities leading to primary ovarian insufficiency - Turner’s syndrome, Fragile X syndrome
Other genetic conditions - androgen insensitivity, congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Anatomic abnormalities - Mullerian agenesis
Constitutional delay
Primary amenorrhea with normal breast development - androgen insensitivity syndrome, Mullerian agenesis, Mullerian uterine septum
Pathophysiology amenorrhea due to Turner’s syndrome
45 X lacking 1 X chromosome
Pathophysiology amenorrhea due to fragile X syndrome
abnormal X chromosome
Androgen insensitivity
46XY karyotype with androgen receptor defect leading to female external genitalia, no uterus, no cervix, no fallopian tube, little hair growth
Normal functioning testes secreting normal male testosterone
Pathophysiology amenorrhea due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Excessive androgen production leading to anovulation
Pathophysiology amenorrhea due to Mullerian agenesis
46XX karyotype, female phenotype, no uterus, no cervix, no fallopian tube
Normal ovaries
Approach to primary amenorrhea
- History and physical
Growth curve, wrist xray for bone age
If normal growth and delayed wrist xray with normal work up then constitutional delay - TSH - fu with thyroid hormone
Prolactin - MRI of head
bhCG - Further tests depend on presence of uterus on u/s
- No uterus suggests genetic syndrome (fu with karyotype and testosterone)
46XX with female range testosterone is Mullerian agenesis
46XY with male range testosterone is androgen insensitivity
- Normal uterus base diagnosis on FSH level
High FSH suggests primary ovarian insufficiency (repeat in 1 month to diagnose with POI, order karyotype to evaluate Turner or presence of Y chromatin, test for fragile X)
Low FSH can be physiologic (functional amenorrhea, constitutional delay) or pathologic (MRI) hypothalamus pituitary disorder
Normal FSH can be due to ovarian tumour, adrenal tumour or congenital adrenal hyperplasia - High 17-OH-progesterone =CAH
- High testosterone =u/s for ovarian tumour
- High DHEAS = adrenal imaging for tumour
- Normal testosterone and DHEA consider PCOS
How do adrenal tumours cause amenorrhea
Glucocorticoid secreting tumours likely secrete cortisol, which suppresses GnRH production
Secondary amenorrhea top differential
Hypothalamic - eating disorder, stress
Pituitary - prolactinoma
Thyroid - hypothyroidism
Ovary - PCOS, POI
Approach to secondary amenorrhea
- History and physical - review medications including contraceptive and illicit drugs
- TSH (thyroid hormone if abnormal), prolactin (MRI if abnormal)
- Further tests depend on level of FSH
a) high FSH suggests POI
Repeat in 1 month, measure serum estradiol, order karyotype to rule out Turner’s syndrome
b) Normal or low FSH/LH
Functional amenorrhea
MRI head to rule out hypothalamus/pituitary abnormality if h/a, vomiting, vision changes
Hx OB/GYN procedure do withdrawal bleed or hysteroscopy to evaluate for Asherman’s syndrome
Signs of hyperandrogenism (virilization such as hirsutism, acne, hair thinning, enlarged clitoris) - order serum testosterone (high PCOS, very high or rapid onset imaging for adrenal and ovarian tumour), DHEA-S and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (CAH if very high)
Ovarian insufficiency is associated with
other autoimmune diseases
Ovarian insufficiency causes
90% are idiopathic
Chromosomal abnormalities
Environmental insult (chemo, radiation, infection, surgery)
Tumour
Empty sella syndrome
Autoimmune
Infiltrative process
Ovarian insufficiency pathophysiology
Inadequate follicles to sustain menses due to failure to form enough primordial follicles or accelerated loss of follicles or damage to follicle by autoimmunity or toxins
Ovarian insufficiency clinical presentation
Primary or secondary amenorrhea
Menses with cycle interval >90 days
Oligo-menorrhea (<9 cycles per year)
Investigations in ovarian insufficiency
Normal TSH, prolactin
Can have normal anatomy on ultrasound
Consistently high FSH and LH
Consistently low estradiol
Ovarian insufficiency diagnosis
Patient diagnosed with POI if patient meets all of criteria:
- Primary or secondary amenorrhea for 3 months or change from regular menstruation for 3 months
- High FSH>40 on 2 occasions a month apart
- Age <40
POI complications
Leads to low estrogen, resulting in increased risk of osteoporosis as well as atherosclerosis and its consequent cardiovascular diseases
POI lead to infertility
POI management
- Pre-pubertal POI
- slowly increasing estrogen for 2 years or until breakthrough bleeding
- then add progesterone to induce cyclic withdrawal bleed - Post puberty POI
Hormone therapy of estrogen for day 1-26 of menstrual cycle and progesterone for day 14-26 (OCP, patch, ring, copper + hormone replacement therapy, IUS + estrogen replacement therapy)
weight bearing exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplement to prevent osteoposrosis
BP, lipid monitoring to assess cardiovascular disease risk + diet, no smoking, exercise
Psychosocial support for patient to deal with infertility, but recommend contraceptive if not wanting to conceive because there is still 5% chance of spontaneous pregnancy
Consider egg/embryo donor or adoption if patient wants children
What is the purpose of estrogen replacement in post puberty POI
Prevent osteoporosis, CVD, vasomotor symptoms
Normal and abnormal duration menstruation
4-7 days
<2 days and >7 days is abnormal
Normal and abnormal volume menstrual flow
30 mL
>80 mL is abnormal
Normal and abnormal length of menstrual cycle
24-35 days is normal
<24 or >35 days is abnormal
Menorrhagia
regular normal interval with excessive volume >80mL and / or duration of flow (i.e. heavy menstrual bleeding) >7 days
Metrorrhagia
irregular intervals with normal or reduced volume and duration of flow (i.e. irregular menstrual bleeding)
Menometrorrhagia
irregular intervals and excessive volume and duration of flow (i.e. irregular heavy menstrual bleeding)
Polymenorrhea
cyclic length <24 days
Types of AUB
Menorrhagia Metrorrhagia Menometrorrhagia Polymenorrhea Post-menopausal bleeding Amenorrhea Oligomenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Pain with menstruation
What are some conditions that could mimic AUB
Vaginal bleeding
Hematuria
Hematochezia