REPRODUCTION THROUGH THE AGES

Question 1

what does adolescence mean?

Answer 1

the period following the onset of puberty and associated psychological development

Question 2

what is puberty?

Answer 2

the state of becoming capable of procreation due to production of sperm and eggs

Question 3

what is adrenarche?

Answer 3

adrenal development as part of puberty

Question 4

what is pubarche?

Answer 4

pubic hair development as part of puberty

Question 5

what is menarche?

Answer 5

the time of the first menstrual bleed

Question 6

what is menopause?

Answer 6

the last menstrual bleed (must have been 12 months since)

Question 7

what is climacteric?

Answer 7

the region of life leading up to the last menstrual bleed

Question 8

what is perimenopause?

Answer 8

the period of life prior to and 12 months after menopause

Question 9

what is postmenopause?

Answer 9

life after menopause

Question 10

describe how the number of oocytes change in foetal life?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

what is the adolelescent phase characterised by?

Answer 11

the hypothalamus releasing GnRH so FSH and LH are released from the pituitary gland so testosterone and oestradiol are produced

Question 12

what is the critical body weight for the onset of menarche?

Answer 12

45kg

Question 13

the age of menarche has reduced over the last decade. what is this indicative of?

Answer 13

improved nutrition and general health

Question 14

what factors are thought to affect the age of menarche?

Answer 14

periods of light and dark, blindness, latitude, diet, socioeconomic groups and obesity

Question 15

what is precocious puberty?

Answer 15

menarche before the age of 9

Question 16

what is delayed puberty?

Answer 16

menarche after the age of 16 (often seen in those of a low BMI)

Question 17

what is puberty characterised by?

Answer 17

growth spurt, breast development and pubic hair growth

Question 18

what is the mean age of menarche?

Answer 18

13

Question 19

if you want to get pregnant, what day of the menstrual cycle is prime to have intercourse?

Answer 19

the day prior to ovulation

Question 20

what does subfecund mean?

Answer 20

a waiting time of more than 12 months (or 6 months) to achieve a pregnancy that resulted in a live birth

Question 21

what lifestyle factors can reduce cumulative pregnancy rates?

Answer 21

female age, smoking, certain pathologies, BMI, nutrition, stress, alcohol, caffeine

Question 22

what is the avergae menstrual blood loss?

Answer 22

30 mL

Question 23

what is the average menstrual blood loss phase length?

Answer 23

1-8 days

Question 24

what is the mean menstrual cycle length?

Answer 24

28 days

Question 25

describe how menstrual cycles vary with age?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

what is premature ovarian failure (POF)?

Answer 26

amenorrhea for more than 6 months before the age of 40 with elevated levels of FSH. causes annovulation and hypoestrogenism

Question 27

what is the mean age of menopause?

Answer 27

50

Question 28

what are symptoms of menopause?

Answer 28

hot flushes, menstrual irregularity, mood swings, urogenital atrophy, sleep disturbances, dry skin, tiredness inability to concentrate, forgetfulness depression, hirsutism

Question 29

what is hirsutism?

Answer 29

acquisition of adrogenous features e.g. hair growth

Question 30

how can HRT be given?

Answer 30

pills, patches, implants, vaginal rings, creams, lotions

Question 31

what are the 2 types of HRT?

Answer 31

combined and unopposed oestrogen

Question 32

when can you give unopposed oestrogen? why not all the time?

Answer 32

if the patient has had a hysterectomy

as it can stimulate endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

Question 33

what is a hysterectomy?

Answer 33

when the uterus is removed

Question 34

what are some benefits of HRT?

Answer 34

relief of symptoms
osteoporosis prevention
colon cancer prevention
cardiac disease prevention in younger women

Question 35

what are some risks of HRT?

Answer 35

increased risk of thrombosis, uterine cancer, breast cancer cardiac disease in order women and alzheimers