menstrual cycle Flashcards
what are the phases associated with the menstrual cycle ?
follicular phase
ovulation
luteal phase
why does ovulation occur ?
due to the mid cycle surge
switch from negative feedback to positive fedback
due to an LH surge
what is the basis for ovulation testing ?
urine detection of LH
what is mittelschmerz ?
mid cycle pain associated with follicle enlargement or rupture
usually mild unilateral pain
what is the luteal phase driven by ?
corpus leuteum that releases progesterone
which decreases FSH and LH due to negative feedback
how long after ovulation does ovulation happens ?
14 days
what are the hormonal changes that occur if fertilization happens ?
the corpus leuteum is maintained , progesterone production continues
high levels of progesterone keeps the FSH and LH levels at bay
the embryo starts making hCG
what hormone triggers the menstrual cycle ?
a drop in progesterone
what are the two phases associated with the uterine cycle ?
proliferative phase : follicular phase of the ovary
secretory phase : luteal phase of the ovary
when does the proliferative phase happens and what hormones are associated ?
happens after menstruation
and it is stimulated by estrogen
when does the secretory phase of the uterine cycle happen ?
occurs after ovulation
and happens at the same time as the luteal phase , maintaining the thickened endometrium made by estrogen
prepares the endometrium for implantation
what are the histological changes associated with the secretory phase ?
vessels grow and coil
form spiral arteries
what histological process drives menstruation ?
apoptosis of the endometrial cells
what is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea ?
pregnancy
what are the different results of a progestin challenge and what do they indicate ?
bleeding ? classically PCOS
no bleeding ? menopause
what is mullerian dysgenesis and what are the associated finiding ?
cause of primary amenorrhea
failure of mullerian duct development
everything is normal except there is no uterus or vagina
what is the classic scenario associated with mullerian dysgenesis ?
a normal appearing girl presenting at puberty with no menses
normal breast and pubic hair development
FSH and LH are normal
absent uterus or blind vagina
