Menstrual Cycle Flashcards
What axis controls the menstrual cycle?
H-P-O
= hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian
What does the Hypothalamus release for the HPO axis?
GnRH from the arcuate nucleus
Once the hypothalamus releases GnRH, what does that go to stimulate?
Anterior pituitary to synthesize and release LH and FSH
Once the Anterior pituitary synthesizes and releases LH and FSH what does that stimulate?
Ovarian follicle to release Estrogen and Progesterone
What cells does LH stimulate and what do they release?
Theca cells
–> Androgens (testosterone)
What cells does FSH stimulate and what does that do?
Granulosa cells
–> converts the androgens from theca cells into Estrogens
What are the 2 phases of the ovarian cycle?
- Follicular phase (onset of menses to LH surge)
2. Luteal phase (LH surge to onset of menses)
Describe the levels of Estradiol (estrogen) during the menstrual cycle
Peaks before LH surge
- -> falls right before ovulation
- -> rises after ovulation and then falls as menses begin
Describe the levels of Progesterone during the menstrual cycle
Low and then rises after the LH surge
–> will fall before menses begin
What layer of the endometrium is sloughed off and what arteries does it contain?
Functionalis
– spiral arteires
What layer of the endometrium remains unchanged and contains basal arteries?
Basalis
– provides stem cells to the functionalis layer
What marks Day 1 of the menstrual cycle?
Menses begin
When does Menarche usually occur?
12 years old
Menarche will occur within ____ years of Thelarche
2-3 years
Primary Amenorrhea
- NO menstruation by 13 WITHOUT secondary sexual characteristics
OR - NO menstruation by 15 WITH secondary sexual characteristics
Primary Amenorrhea
- No menstruation by 13 WITHOUT secondary sexual characteristics
OR - No menstruation by 15 WITH secondary sexual characteristics
What is the average time length for menstrual cycles?
21-35 days
More than 80cc, changing pads every 1-2 hours constitutes?
Excessive menstrual flow
Secondary Amenorrhea
Patient with prior menses has ABSENT menses for longer than 6 months
Secondary Amenorrhea
Patient with prior menses has ABSENT menses for longer than 6 months
Polymenorrhea
Abnormally frequent menses at intervals < 21 days
Abnormally frequent menses at intervals < 21 days
Polymenorrhea
Menorrhagia
Excessive or prolonged bleeding at normal intervals
> 80ml and > 7 days
Excessive or prolonged bleeding at normal intervals
Menorrhagia
