Menarche, Puberty And Menstrual Disorders Flashcards
Decreasing levels of estradiol and progesterone from the regressing CL fo the preceding menstrual cycle initiate what?
An increase in FSH by negative feedback mechanism which stimulates follicular growth and estradiol secretion
What is the two cell theory of ovarian follicular development and estrogen production?
Separate cellular functions in the ovarian follicles
LH stimulates the theca cells to produce androgens (andresteniodone and testosterone)
FSH stimulates the granulosa cells to convert these androgens into estrogen (E1 and 2)
Describe the luteal phase
Both the LH and FSH are significantly suppressed through the neg feedback effect of the elevated circulating estradiol and progesterone
If conception does not occur progesterone and estradiol level decline near the end of the luteal phase as a result of CL regression
FSH will then rise which initiates new follicular growth for the next cycle
Describe GnRH
Decapeptide synthesized in the arcuate nucleus
Responsible for the synthesis and release of LH and FSH (both are present in different forms wihtin the pituitary gonadtrophs)
Reaches the ant pit and stimulates the synthesis and release of FSH and LH into the circulation
Estradiol enhances the hypothalamic release of GnRH and induces the LH surge
When are estrogen levels low?
During early follicular development
1 week before ovulation levels begin to increase
Reach max 1 day before LH surge - after the peak and before ovulation there is a fall
During the luteal phase estradiol rises to a max 5-7 days after ovulation and returns to baseline before menstruation
Describe progestins during the ovarian cycle
During follicular development the ovary secretes only a small amount of progesterone
Bulk of progesterone comes from the peripheral conversion of adrenal pregnenolone and pregnenolone sulfate
Prior to ovulation there is an increase
Secretion by CL reaches a max 5-7 days after ovulation and returns to baseline before menstruation
Describe the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle
Only portion of the cycle that is visualized externally
The first day of menstruation is known as cycle day 1
During this phase there is disruption and disintegration of the endometrial glands and stroma, leukocyte infiltration, RBC extravasation
Sloughing of the functionalis layer and compression of basalis layer
Describe the proliferative phase of uterine cycle
Characterized by endometrial growth/proliferation secondary to estrogenic stimulation
Increase in the length of the spiral A and numerous mitosis can be seen in these tissues
Describe the secretory phase
Following ovulation progesterone secretion by the CL stimulates the glandular cells to secrete mucus, glycogen and other substances
Glands become tortuous and lumens are dilated and filled with these substances
Stroma become edematous; mitosis is rare
Spiral arteries continue to extend into superficial layer of the endometrium and become convoluted
If conception does not occur by day 23 what occurs?
The CL begins to regress, secretion of progesterone and estradiol declines and the endometrium undergoes involution
What is important in regulating menstruation?
Intact coagulation pathway
Menstruation disrupts blood vessels but with normal hemostasis the injured vessels are repaired
Restoration of blood vessels require successful interaction of platelets and clotting factors
Meds such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel can impair this system and be associated with heavy bleeding
What is the primary goal of the initial reproductive health visit?
Should occur between ages 13-15
Provide preventative health care services including educational information and guidance rather than problem focused
Describe the human papillomavirus vaccine
One series for those who are not previously immunized between the ages of 9-45
Offers protection against cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia, vulvar or vaginal dysplasia and genital warts associated with Gardasil covers genotypes 9, 11, 16. 18. 31. 33. 45, 53 and 58
When does menarche occur?
Median age is 12 years of age
Occurs within 2-3 years after thelarche (breast budding) at tanner stage IV, rare before tanner stage III
What is primary amenorrhea?
Absence of menarche by age 13 years without secondary sexual development or by the age of 15 with secondary sexual development
What is the average menstrual cycle length?
21-45 days in adolescents
21-35 days in adults (32 days is the mean in the first gynecological year)
What is secondary amenorrhea?
Defined as the absence of menstruation for 6 months
It is rare for girls and adolescents to remain amenorrheic for more than 3 months
If more than 90 days further work up is indicated (check urine or serum B-hCG to rule out pregnancy)
What are some causes for menstrual irregularity?
Pregnancy, endocrine causes, acquired conditions, tumors
What is dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)?
Abnormal uterine bleeding that cannot be attributed to medications, blood dyscrasias, systemic disease, trauma, organic conditions
Usually caused by aberrations in the HPA axis resulting in anovulation
What is polymenorrhea?
Abnormally frequent menses at intervals at <21 days
What is menorrhagia (hypermenorrhea)?
Excessive and/or prolonged menses (>80mL and >7 days) occurring at regular intervals