Women's Health

Question 1

Hormone that inhibits FSH production

Answer 1

Inhibin

Question 2

Hormone that stimulates anterior pituitary to produce and release LH and FSH

Answer 2

GnRH

Question 3

Function of FSH

Function of LH

Answer 3

FSH:
- Follicle development
- Oestrogen production
- Inhibin B
LH:
- Ovulation
- Corpus Luteum Maintenance
- Progesterone production

Question 4

Which hormone is synthesised from cholesterol in steroidogenic tissues such as the adrenal gland, gonads, and brain?

Answer 4

Pregnenolone

Question 5

describes ‘oestrobolome’?

Answer 5

A collection of microbes capable of metabolising oestrogens

Question 6

What is the most common and prominent mediator in the majority of PCOS cases?

Answer 6

Insulin resistance

Question 7

What neurotransmitter is thought to be implicated in the pathogenesis of PMS and PMS-D?

Answer 7

Serotonin

Question 8

Complete the statement: “High _____________ drives inflammation and angiogenesis, and hence endometriosis proliferation”

Answer 8

histamine

Question 9

Laura is concerned about vaginal dryness as she enters menopause. Which herbal reproductive tonic and adaptogen might you recommend?

Answer 9

Shatavari

Question 10

Carol has been diagnosed with endometriosis. Give 3 elements of a nutritional therapy approach?

Answer 10

a.
Promote optimal transit time and optimal intestinal microflora
b.
Normalise the immune response
c.
Optimise liver function

Question 11

Which vitamin helps regulate aldosterone, and may reduce fluid retention in PMS?

Answer 11

B6

Question 12

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived dietary compounds with structural similarity to what female sex hormone?

Answer 12

17-β-oestradiol (E2)

Question 13

How does chronic stress contribute to oestrogen dominance?

Answer 13

It downregulates LH and FSH

Question 14

What hormone levels are often raised in stress and PMS and what symptoms is it associated with?

Answer 14

Prolactin

• Breast pain
• Vaginal dryness
• Long or irregular cycles

Question 15

3 things testosterone is downregulated by

2 things testosterone is upregulated by

Answer 15

Downregulated by
1. Nettle
2. Saw Palmetto
3. Lycopene
4. Green tea

Upregulated by
1. Insulin
2. Obesity
3. Inflammation

Question 16

1. What can cause increased conversion of 4-OH-E to quinones?
2. What are the health implications of this?

Answer 16

1. Poor methylation
2. Quinones can increase oxidative damage to DNA and increase cancer risk

Question 17

1. Where is sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) synthesised?
2. What is the function of SHBG?

Answer 17

1. In the liver
2. Transports sex hormones in blood (sex hormones are not water soluble)

Question 18

Why are astringent herbs useful to clients with fibroids?

Answer 18

They help to constrict blood vessels and control blood flow

Question 19

What is the daily amount of evening primrose oil recommended to support fibrocystic breasts?

Answer 19

1000 mg 3 x a day

Question 20

Methylation can be increased by supplementing what vitamins?

Answer 20

B12
Folate
B6

Question 21

What is the name of exogenous agents that interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action or elimination of bodily hormones?

Answer 21

Endocrine disrupting chemicals

Question 22

Fatima is being investigated for PCOS, list 4 markers you would expect to see on her results if she has PCOS.

Answer 22

1. Elevated serum testosterone with DHT (because of reduced SHBG due to I.R.)
2. Raised LH (LH hypersecretion)
3. Low FSH
4. Elevated serum prolactin
5. Elevated HbA1c
6. Raised fasting glucose
7. Low sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)