Menstruation Flashcards
What are the phases of a cycle
Menstruation
Follicular / proliferative phase
Ovulation
Secretory / luteal phase
What occurs in the menstruation phase
Hormones are at their lowest levels and the endometrium sheds
What occurs in the follicular stage
Rising FSH levels, which stimulate development of follicle. The follicle secretes increasing amounts of oestrogen and there is an increase in endometrial thickness
What occurs in the ovulatory phase
Ovulation is stimulated by a sharp sudden surge in LH lasting for around 36-48 hours where an egg is released. The vaginal pH becomes less acidic, copious less viscous cervical mucus
What occurs in the luteal phase
Lasting 14 days where there is a rise in progesterone levels from the corpus luteum, peak levels 7 days after ovulation and there are secretory changes in the endometrium
What do high levels of prolactin do
Inhibit ovulation by inhibiting FSH and LH production
What is anti-Mullerian hormone
Substance produced by granulosa cells in ovarian follicles
What is premenstrual syndrome
Psychological, emotional and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, particularly prior to onset of menstruation
Cause of PMS
Fluctuation in oestrogen and progesterone hormones during the menstrual cycle. Exact mechanism is unknwon but may be due to increased sensitivity to progesterone or an interaction between sex hormones and NT GABA and serotonin
Presentation of PMS
Low mood, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, bloating, fatigue, headaches, breast pain, reduced confidence, cognitive impairment, clumsiness, reduced libido
Management of PMS
General healthy lifestyle changes
COCP, SSRIs, CBT, continuous transdermal progesterone, GnRH analoques, spironolactone, tamoxifen, danazole
