Menstruation & Uterine Pathology Flashcards
Name four hormones involved in the menstrual system
- oestrogen
- progesterone
- LH
- FSH
When is the primary follicle formed?
Day 5
What is produced by the primary follicle at day 5?
Inhibin - causes FSH to fall and oestrogen to rise
What does the oestrogen rise at day 5 stimulate?
Proliferative phase in the uterus
Describe the events leading up to ovulation
Oestrogen reaches threshold and changes to positive feedback leading to an LH surge and rise in FSH
What does the LH surge cause?
Ovulation, oocyte released into the uterine tubes and secretory phase in the uterus
What is left of the follicle after the oocyte has been released?
Corpus luteum - produces progesterone causing a progesterone and oestrogen to rise
What happens if implantation occurs?
Placenta produces HCG - this maintains the corpus luteum
What happens if no implantation occurs?
Corpus luteum will breakdown causing a fall in oestrogen and progesterone
What is the result of the oestrogen and progesterone fall?
Menstruation in the uterus
Describe the proliferative phase
Stratum basalis proliferates and increases the thickness of the endometrium - pseudostratified columnar epithelium is relatively straight
Describe the secretory phase
Glands become coiled with corkscrew appearance and secrete glycogen
Describe the menstrual phase
Arterioles in SF constrict causing ischaemia, tissue breakdown and bleeding
What are the two methods of uterine sampling?
Pipette
Dilatation and curettage
How thick should the endometrium be?
Premenopausal <16mm
Postmenopausal <4mm
What are the indications for uterine sampling?
Abnormal uterine bleeding Infertility investigation Pregnancy loss Endometrial ablation Prior to hysterectomy Incidental finding of thickening Cancer screening in high risk cases
Define menorrhagia
Prolonged and increased menstrual flow
State the local causes of menorrhagia
Fibroids Adenomyosis Polyps Cervical eversion Endometrial hyperplasia IUCD Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (Chlamydia) Endometriosis Malignancy Hormone producing tumours Endometrial carcinoma
State the systemic causes of menorrhagia
Endocrine - thyroid, diabetes mellitus, adrenal disease
Disorders of homeostasis
Liver/renal disorders
Drugs - anticoagulants
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Oligomenorrhoea/amenorrhoea
Weight gain
Facial hirsutism/acne
Hair loss/thinning
What diseases are associated with PCOS?
T2DM (insulin resistance), hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, sleep apnoea (obesity), higher risk of endometrial carcinoma due to high oestrogen