Reproductive Endocrinology Flashcards
what are the two distinct phases in the menstrual cycle?
- follicular phase
2. luteal phase
what happens in the follicular phase in general?
ovum develops inside a follicle
what happens in the luteal phase in general?
ovum has exited and is now called the corpus luteum
how long is the luteal phase?
14 days
does the follicular phase encompass the HPG axis?
yes
describe the HPG axis
hypothalamus > GnRH
anterior pituitary > FSH and LH
ovaries > oestrogen and progesterone OR testes > testosterone
what does FSH cause in the female?
stimulates follicles to develop and granulosa cells around them to secrete oestrogen
what does LH cause in the female?
stimulates ovulation
role of oestrogen in the follicular phase
promotes endometrium development
thin cervical mucous
what happens in the luteal phase?
released follicle becomes the corpus luteum which produces progesterone and oestrogen
role of progesterone in the luteal phase
thickened cervical mucous
thickened endometrium
high BT
if fertilisation occurs production is taken over by the placenta at 5 weeks
what happens if the corpus luteum is not fertilised?
it degenerates and there is a drop in oestrogen and progesterone causing FSH and LH to rise and the cycle restarts
what cells do LH act on in females?
theca cells
role of theca cells in females
make androgens from cholesterol
what cells do FSH act on in females?
granulosa cells
