Week 2- pathology Flashcards
What are the three phases of the ovarian cycle?
Follicular phase
Ovulation
Luteal phase
What are the three stages of the menstrual cycle?
Menstrual phase
Proliferative phase
Secretory phase- just after ovulation. Glands stop proliferating and start to produce secretion.
What occurs in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle?
The endometrium is exposed to an increase in oestrogen levels by FSH and LH stimulating the ovaries. This causes repair and growth of the functional endometrium layer.
What occurs in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle?
This begins once ovulation has occurred. This phase is driven by progesterone released from the corpus luteum. It results in the endometrial glands releasing certain substances. These secretions make the uterus more friendly to an egg.
What occurs in the menstrual phase of the menstrual/uterine cycle?
The loss of the corpus luteum results in less progesterone. The decreasing levels of progesterone cause the spiral arteries in the functional endometrium to constrict. The loss of blood supply causes the endometrium to become ischaemic and die. It is then shed.
What hormone controls the proliferative stage?
Oestrogen
What hormone controls the secretory phase?
Progesterone
Which cells in the ovary produce oestrogen and progesterone?
Granulosa cells.
On gram stain, how does the proliferative stage of menstruation look?
Small round glands set in stroma. Can see mitotic figures (looks like the cell has just split into two).
On gram stain, what does the secretory stage of menstruation look like?
No mitoses. Glands look tortuous and show little secretions under their nuclei. As the phase continues they become saw tooth and more irregular in shape.
When is endometrial sampling indicated?
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Investigation for infertility
Spontaneous and therapeutic abortion
Assessment of response to hormonal therapy
Endometrial ablation
Work up prior to hysterectomy for benign indications
Incidental finding of thickened endometrium on scan
Endometrial cancer screening in high risk patients
Menorrhagia
Prolonged and increased menstrual flow
Metrorrhagia
Intermenstrual bleeding
Polymenorrhea
Cycle less than 21 days.
Polymenorrhagia
Increased bleeding and frequent cycle
Menometrorrhagia
Prolonged menses and intermenstrual bleeding.
Amenorrhoea
Absence of periods >6 months
Oligomenorrhoea
Menses at greater than 35 day intervals.
What is dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
Abnormal uterine bleeding with no organic cause.
What general things can cause abnormal uterine bleeding?
Endometriosis
Anovulatory cycles
Pregnancy/miscarraige
Bleeding disorders
What is adenomyosis?
Endometrium in the myometrial layer (muscle layer).