REPRODUCTION THROUGH THE AGES Flashcards
what does adolescence mean?
the period following the onset of puberty and associated psychological development
what is puberty?
the state of becoming capable of procreation due to production of sperm and eggs
what is adrenarche?
adrenal development as part of puberty
what is pubarche?
pubic hair development as part of puberty
what is menarche?
the time of the first menstrual bleed
what is menopause?
the last menstrual bleed (must have been 12 months since)
what is climacteric?
the region of life leading up to the last menstrual bleed
what is perimenopause?
the period of life prior to and 12 months after menopause
what is postmenopause?
life after menopause
describe how the number of oocytes change in foetal life?
as the foetus develops we see a rapid proliferation and then a loss which then remains at a fixed number- the gematogenic potential is fixed at birth
what is the adolelescent phase characterised by?
the hypothalamus releasing GnRH so FSH and LH are released from the pituitary gland so testosterone and oestradiol are produced
what is the critical body weight for the onset of menarche?
45kg
the age of menarche has reduced over the last decade. what is this indicative of?
improved nutrition and general health
what factors are thought to affect the age of menarche?
periods of light and dark, blindness, latitude, diet, socioeconomic groups and obesity
what is precocious puberty?
menarche before the age of 9
what is delayed puberty?
menarche after the age of 16 (often seen in those of a low BMI)
what is puberty characterised by?
growth spurt, breast development and pubic hair growth
what is the mean age of menarche?
13
if you want to get pregnant, what day of the menstrual cycle is prime to have intercourse?
the day prior to ovulation
what does subfecund mean?
a waiting time of more than 12 months (or 6 months) to achieve a pregnancy that resulted in a live birth
what lifestyle factors can reduce cumulative pregnancy rates?
female age, smoking, certain pathologies, BMI, nutrition, stress, alcohol, caffeine
what is the avergae menstrual blood loss?
30 mL
what is the average menstrual blood loss phase length?
1-8 days
what is the mean menstrual cycle length?
28 days
describe how menstrual cycles vary with age?
as age increases, iregular menstrual cycles are more likely, oocytes are less likely to fertilise, embryos are less likely to implant, woman is more likely to miscarry or result in chromosomally abnormal child
what is premature ovarian failure (POF)?
amenorrhea for more than 6 months before the age of 40 with elevated levels of FSH. causes annovulation and hypoestrogenism
what is the mean age of menopause?
50
what are symptoms of menopause?
hot flushes, menstrual irregularity, mood swings, urogenital atrophy, sleep disturbances, dry skin, tiredness inability to concentrate, forgetfulness depression, hirsutism
what is hirsutism?
acquisition of adrogenous features e.g. hair growth
how can HRT be given?
pills, patches, implants, vaginal rings, creams, lotions
what are the 2 types of HRT?
combined and unopposed oestrogen
when can you give unopposed oestrogen? why not all the time?
if the patient has had a hysterectomy
as it can stimulate endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma
what is a hysterectomy?
when the uterus is removed
what are some benefits of HRT?
relief of symptoms
osteoporosis prevention
colon cancer prevention
cardiac disease prevention in younger women
what are some risks of HRT?
increased risk of thrombosis, uterine cancer, breast cancer cardiac disease in order women and alzheimers
