Reproductive & Post-reproductive Health Flashcards
What are sex steroid hormones made from?
Cholesterol
What receptors do sex steroid hormones act on?
Intracellular/nuclear receptors.
State the main actions of oestrogen on the body.
- stimulates growth of the endometrium and breast
- decreases bone resorption
- raises HDL
What are the side effects of oestrogen?
- thromboembolic disease
- endometrial, breast and ovarian cancer
- breast tenderness
What are the main actions of progesterone on the body?
- stimulates growth of endometrium and breast
- maintains pregnancy
What are some side effects of progesterone?
- PMS
- depression
- weight gain
- acne
What is the main action of testosterone on the body?
Stimulates the male secondary sexual characteristics.
What are the side effects of testosterone?
- acne
- aggression
- increased risk of atherosclerosis
How is COCP metabolised.
Metabolised by liver enzyme CYP450.
Which anti-epileptic can induce CYP450?
Carbamazepine
What does HRT contain?
Oestrogen and progesterone.
Why should you never give unopposed oestrogen to someone?
Increases the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
What are the side effects of HRT?
- slight increased risk of breast cancer
- increased risk of thromboembolism
- increased HDL - can reduce risk of CVD
What is mifepristone used for?
Termination of pregnancy.
Is a progesterone receptor antagonist. Loss of progesterone effects allows prostaglandin-induced contractions.
What is a SERM?
Selective oestrogen receptor modulator - binds to oestrogen receptors and has an agonist effect in one tissue but an antagonist effect in another.
