T2 L6 Disorders of ovulation Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the supra-chiasmic nuclei

A

Master circadian clock which interacts with kisspeptin neurons and KNDy neurons

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2
Q

Where are kisspeptin neurons located?

A

In arcuate nucleus and ateroventral peri ventricular area

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3
Q

What does LH trigger?

A

Ovulation
Resumption of oocyte meiosis
Changes granulosa cells into luteal cells

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4
Q

Why do some women get mid cycle pain during ovulation?

A

Due to leakage of follicle fluid at the time of ovulation irritating the peritoneum

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5
Q

What shouldn’t be used to diagnose ovulation?

A

Basal body temperature
Cervical mucus change
Vaginal epithelium changes
Endometrial biopsies

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6
Q

What are some hypothalamic causes of ovulation problems?

A

Kiss1 gene deficiency
GnRH gene deficiency
Weight loss / stress related / excessive exercise
Anorexia / bulimia

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7
Q

What are some pituitary causes of ovulation problems?

A

Pituitary tumours - prolactinoma / other tumours

Post pituitary surgery / radiotherapy

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8
Q

What are some ovarian causes of ovulation problems?

A

Premature ovarian syndrome

  • developmental or genetic causes e.g. Turner’s syndrome
  • autoimmune damage and destruction of ovaries
  • cytotoxic and radiotherapy
  • surgery
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9
Q

What is the commonest cause of ovulation problems?

A

PCOS

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10
Q

What is amenorrhoea?

A

Lack of a period for > 6 months

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11
Q

What is primary amenorrhoea?

A

Never had a period (never went through menarche)

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12
Q

What is secondary amenorrhoea?

A

Has menstruated before but hasn’t had a period for 6 months

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13
Q

What is polymenorrhea?

A

Periods occurring less than 3 weeks apart

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14
Q

What is androgen-dependent hirsutism?

A

Excess body hair in a male distribution

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15
Q

What is hypertrichosis?

A

Excess hair growth that doesn’t follow the male pattern

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16
Q

What are the 3 clinical features of PCOS?

A

Hyperandrogenism

  • hirsutism
  • acne

Chronic oligomenorrhoea / amenorrhoea

  • ≤9 periods a year
  • subfertility

Obesity
-25% are lean

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17
Q

When is PCOS diagnosed?

A

When 2 of these 3 symptoms are met:

  • polycystic ovaries
  • androgen excess
  • oligo/anovulation
18
Q

Describe the link between metabolic syndrome and PCOS

A

Insulin resistance with increasing insulin
- increase in androgen production by ovarian theca cells
- decrease in SHBG production by liver
Impaired glucose tolerance
Dyslipidaemia
Vascular dysfunction
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

19
Q

Describe the ultrasound appearance of PCOS

A

≥ 10 subcapsular follicles, 2-8mm diameter
Arranged around thickened ovarian storm
Not all women with PCOS will have ultrasound appearance

20
Q

Describe the hormone levels in PCOS

A

Raised baseline LH and normal FSH levels
Raised androgens and free testosterone
Reduced sex hormone binding globulin
Oestrogen is usually low but it can be normal

21
Q

What are the reproductive effects of PCOS?

A

Associated with varying degrees of infertility
Associated with increased miscarriages
Increased risk of gestational diabetes

22
Q

What is the link between PCOS and endometrial cancer?

A

Increased endometrial hyperplasia and cancer
Lack of progesterone on the endometrium
Endometrial cancer is associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity

23
Q

What are the treatment options for PCOS?

A
Lifestyle modifications
Combined oral contraceptives
Anti-androgens
Metformin
Hair removal
24
Q

What lifestyle modifications are advised in PCOS?

A

Diet and exercise
Stop smoking
High frequency eating disorders

25
Q

What are the effects of making lifestyle modifications?

A

Decreases insulin resistance
Increases SHBG concentration
Improved fertility / pregnancy outcomes
Improved metabolic syndrome risk factors

26
Q

Describe how COCP can help with PCOS?

A

Increase SHBG to decrease free testosterone
Decrease FSH and LH to stimulate ovaries
Regulates cycle to decrease endometrial hyperplasia

27
Q

Describe the use of anti-androgens for PCOS

A

Taken with COCP / other form of secure contraception
Cyproterone acetate inhibits binding of testosterone and 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors
Spironolactone has anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgen properties

28
Q

How does metformin help with PCOS?

A

Decrease insulin resistance and insulin levels
Decrease ovarian androgen production
May help with weight loss / diabetes prevention
Increase ovulation
Less helpful for hirsutism and oligomenorrhoea

29
Q

What are the options for hair removal?

A

Photoepilation / electrolysis

Eflomithine cream

30
Q

What are the differential diagnoses for hirsutism?

A

95% is PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism
1% of non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
<1% Cushing’s syndrome
<1% adrenal / ovarian tumour

31
Q

What is primary ovarian insufficiency?

A

Premature ovarian failure / premature menopause

Loss of normal function of ovaries

32
Q

What is the aetiology of primary ovarian insufficiency?

A

Autoimmunity
X chromosomal abnormalities - Turner syndrome, fragile X
Genetic predisposition - premature menopause
Iatrogenic - surgery, radiation, chemo

33
Q

What investigations should be done when considering primary ovarian insufficiency?

A
History / examination
Increased LH and FSH
Possible karyotype
Consider pelvic ultrasound
Consider screening for other autoimmune endocrine disease
34
Q

What is the management for primary ovarian insufficiency?

A

Psychological support
HRT
Monitor bone density
Fertility - IVF with donor egg

35
Q

What is Turner’s syndrome?

A

Complete / partial X monosomy in some / all cells

36
Q

What are some problems associated with Turner’s syndrome?

A
Short stature
CV system
- coarctation of aorta
- bicuspid aortic valve
- aortic dissection
- hypertension
Renal
Metabolic syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Ears / hearing problems
Osteoporosis
37
Q

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

A

Disorders of cortisol biosynthesis

Defect in cortisol biosynthesis –> raised CRH / ACTH –> excess adrenal androgen production

38
Q

How is congenital adrenal hyperplasia diagnosed?

A

High concentration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone

Can confirm with synacthen test

39
Q

What is the presentation of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in adulthood?

A

Hirsutism
Oligo/amenorrhoea
Acne
Subfertility

40
Q

What is the treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

A

Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement
Supraphysioloical glucocorticoid doses may be needed to suppress adrenal androgen production
Surgical management for ambiguous genitalia
Can treat in the same was as PCOS