Steroids and Hormones Flashcards
What is a hormone?
- A substance that is released from one type of cell and exerts its’ influence on another type of cell
- Releasable into the blood stream
What must a hormone do to be considered a hormone?
travel some distance to the target site (is a messenger)
What hormone(s) does the hypothalamus release?
gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnFR) hormone
What hormone(s) does the pituitary gland release?
- follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- lutenizing hormone (LH)
What do the ovaries release?
estrogen and progesterone
What does HPG (axis) stand for?
hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
In which order do the phases of the menstrual cycle occr?
Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal, Menstruation
How long is the menstrual cycle?
monthly cycle around 28 days
What happens to hormones during the follicular phase?
estrogen levels peak
What happens to hormones during the ovulation phase?
estrogen decreases
What happens to hormones during the luteal phase?
high progesterone
What happens to hormones during menstruation?
estrogen and progesterone low
What does taking birth control (contraceptives) do to the menstrual cycle?
changes hormonal fluctuations
What were oral contraceptives from the 60s like?
- Excessive amounts of estrogen (100-150mg) and progestin
What is progestin?
synthetic progesterone
What happened in the 90s with oral contraceptives?
- the optimal balance was acheived (30-35 mg)
What is the optimal amount of estrogen in an oral contraceptive?
30-35 mg
How do oral contraceptives work?
- fixed combos of estrogen and progesterone
- blocks release of FSH and LH
- no ovulation
What is in oral contraceptives to block the release of FSH?
estrogen
What is in oral contraceptives to block the release of LH?
progesterone
What is in multiphasic oral contraceptives?
constanct amount of estrogen with variable amounts of progesterone
What is unique about multiphasic birth control?
reduces total hormone content
What is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription pills?
birth control
What percent of high school students report using birth control pills at most recent intercourse?
around 20% (slightly more women than men)
What is contraception?
act of preventing pregnancy
Other types of contraception
Mini pills
- constant p amount
- thickens cervix mucus
Other types of contraception
Seasonale
- estrogen and progesterone
- taken consistently for 3 months followed by one week of inactive pills