(PM3A) Reproductive Health Flashcards
What is reproductive health?
Branch of medicine
Morphology/ physiology/ pathology/ biochemistry
Of reproduction
What is the difference between a male and a female sex hormone?
Ketone -> Alcohol
Additional methyl group
What is the most important and abundant steroid in the human body?
Cholesterol
What are steroids considered to have evolved to be?
Key signalling format
What is the role of steroids in signalling?
Cell to cell signalling
Transmits a message to nucleus of cells
How is the fused ring system of a steroid labeled?
A/B/C/D
What are the minimum number of carbon in a steroid?
18/ 19
How are carbons numbered?
Anticlockwise
Beginning at A
Ending at D
Beginning at 12 o’clock of A ring
How are different steroids characterised?
Based on number of carbons
Estrane - 18
Androstane - 19
Pregnant - 21
Cholane - 24
What is estrone (E1)?
Weak form of oestrogen (low potency)
Only type found in women following menopause
Small amounts present in most tissues of the body
Primarily found in muscle + fat
What is estradiol (E2)?
Strongest form of oestrogen
Produced by the ovaries
NOT present following menopause
What is estriol (E3)?
Weakest form of oestrogen (lowest potency)
Waste product made after the body has use estradiol
What is the role of natural oestrogens? MH EH
(1) Development of female secondary sexual characteristics
(2) Stimulate myometrial hypertrophy with endometrial hyperplasia
Which type of oestrogens are more appropriate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Natural oestrogens more so than synthetic oestrogens
What is estradiol used for clinically? 3
M Op VE
(1) Menopausal symptoms
(2) Osteoporosis prophylaxis
(3) Improvement of vaginal epithelium
