Ovulation Disorders Flashcards
How long do regular menstrual cycles last?
28-35 days
What is day one of the menstrual cycle?
When bleeding starts = bleeding typically lasts 3-8 days
What are the phases of the menstrual cycle?
Follicular and luteal phases = defined by ovulation
What are ovulatory disorders associated with?
Oligomenorrhoea = cycle >35 days Amenorrhoea = absent menstruation
What produces GnRH?
Synthesised by neurons in the hypothalamus
How is GnRH released?
Pulsatile release = low frequency pulses stimulate FSH release, high frequency pulses stimulate LH release
Where are FSH and LH secreted from?
The anterior pituitary
What are the functions of FSH?
Stimulates follicular development and thickens endometrium
What triggers ovulation?
LH surge (peak LH levels)
What are the functions of LH?
Stimulates corpus luteum development and thickens endometrium
What do ovulation predictor kits detect?
The LH surge = 36hrs before ovulation, successful in 97%
When does oestradiol peak?
Before ovulation
When does progesterone peak?
Following ovulation
Where is progesterone produced?
By the corpus luteum to maintain early pregnancy (also by placenta during pregnancy)
Where is oestrogen secreted from?
Primarily by the ovaries (follicles) and adrenal cortex (and the placenta during pregnancy)
What is the function of oestrogen?
Stimulates the thickening of the endometrium and is responsible for the fertile cervical mucus
What do high oestrogen levels cause?
Inhibits secretion of FSH and prolactin (by negative feedback)
What are the functions of progesterone?
Inhibits secretion of LH, responsible for infertile (thick) cervical mucus, maintains thickness of endometrium and relaxes smooth muscle
How does progesterone have a thermogenic effect?
Increases basal body temperature
What are regular cycles very suggestive of?
ovulation = confirm by midluteal (D21) serum progesterone (>30nmol/L) x 2 samples
What are some methods not recommended for assessing ovulation?
BBT, cervical mucus and ovulation predictors
What are irregular cycles suggestive of?
Anovulatory cycles = needs further hormone evaluation
What is the WHO classification of ovulatory disorders?
Group 1 = hypothalamic pituitary failure
Group 2 = hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction
Group 3 = ovarian failure
How common is hypothalamic pituitary failure
Account for 10% of ovulatory disorders = often hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
What are some features of hypothalamic pituitary failure?
Low levels of FSH/LH, normal prolactin, oestrogen deficiency (negative progesterone challenge test), amenorrhoea
What are some causes of hypothalamic pituitary failure?
Stress, excessive exercise, anorexia/low BMI, brain/pituitary tumours, head trauma, Kallman’s syndrome, steroids/opiates
What is used to treat hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism?
Pulsatile GnRH = SC or IV, pump worn continuously, pulsatile administration every 90mins, 90% ovulation rate
How should hypothalamic pituitary failure be treated?
Stabilise weight (BMI >18.5) Gonadotrophin (FSH/LH) daily injections = higher multiple pregnancy rates