HRR: female repro physiology II Flashcards
What are the key players in the follicular phase?
LH and estradiol
What are the key players in the luteal phase?
Progesterone
What is the binding protein for progesterone?
CBG
What is the binding protein for androgens and estradiol?
SSBG
How can hormones be excreted?
By the kidney
What is needed for optimal progesterone receptor expression?
Estrogen priming
What happens to plasma estradiol concentration in the luteal phase?
Estrogen priming increases progesterone, which will then turn around and decrease estrogen receptors. This results in lower serum estradiol
What does the PR-A receptor do (progesterone)?
Inhibit proliferation of endometrium
What does the PR-B receptor do (progesterone)?
Promote differentiation of endometrium
Which estrogen receptor is stimulatory?
The alpha receptor
What is the primary hormone for the uterus?
Estrogen
Describe the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle.
It is driven by estrogen and involves increasing the thickness from 1-2 mm to 6-12 mm at the time of ovulation
Describe the glands in the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle.
They are straight and tubular
Describe the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.
It is driven by progesterone and is all about differentiation and increased secretory activity
Describe the glands in the secretory phase of the uterine cycle.
They are widely separated and tortuous
What causes the shedding of the uterine lining in menstruation?
A sudden decrease in estrogen and progesterone
Describe the impact of estrogen on cervical mucus
Results in large amounts of thin, watery mucus in the follicular phase and near the time of ovulation
Describe the impact of progesterone on cervical mucus.
Causes scant, thick mucus with poor crystallization in the luteal and very early follicular phases
How does estrogen impact bone?
They decrease osteoclast formation and activity, as well as cause epiphyseal plate closure
What can temperature indicate about ovulation? Why?
A slight increase in basal temperature may indicate that ovulation has occurred. This is due to a post-ovulatory rise in progesterone.
What secretes androgens?
Ovaries and adrenal cortex during puberty
What are effects of excessive androgens?
Amenorrhea, hirsutism, anovulation
What causes the beginning of puberty?
Disinhibition of the GnRH system; this causes kiss-1 to have its effects and amplify GnRH pulses and upregulation of receptors
Describe the effects of oral contraceptives to reduce conception.
A combined estrogen and progestin that drops LH and FSH secretion, inhibiting follicular development and ovulation. The cervical mucus becomes thicker, muscle contraction is suppressed in the uterus, and the overall likelihood of fertilization and implantation is reduced.
What is menopause?
A decline in follicular function that leads to the cessation of menses
What happens to various hormone levels during menopause?
Estrogen and progesterone drop, LH and FSH increase
What can be measured to determine if someone is perimenopausal?
FSH; it skyrockets, so it’s a good measure
What are some changes occurring in menopause?
Atrophy of reproductive target tissues, bone loss, increased androgen actions
What causes the rise in LH and FSH in menopause?
A loss of steroid feedback from falling estrogen and progesterone levels
