Female Reproductive Tract Flashcards
Origin of Female reproductive disorders
> central
ovarian
end-organ dysfunction
Central: Neuroendocrine feedback axis
> Pituitary
Hypothalamus
CNS -> Hypothalamus
Central: hypothalamic-pituitary function
Change in rate or dose of secretion of Gonadotropin-Releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus
May cause an altered pituitary response
Altered pituitary function ->
results in ovarian dysfunction
Ovarian dysfunction ->
altered target tissue response
Factors affecting GnRH release:
Psychological stress
Body fat content
Change in rate, frequency, intensity of exercise
Amenorrhea ->
altered GnRH release from the hypothalamus in young athletic woman
Disorders of the ovary:
Proper ovarian function dependent upon responsiveness of the ovaries, follicles to gonadotropins
1) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
2) Anovulation
3) Hirsutism
4) Infertility
5) Dyslipedemia
6) Abnormal uterine bleeding
7) Amenorrhea
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) =
result of altered response to gonadotropins
Anovulation =
ovaries do not release an oocyte during a menstrual cycle
Hirsutism =
imbalance of sex hormones resulting in excessive hair growth
Infertility =
inability to reproduce
Dyslipedemia =
unhealthy levels of one or more kinds of lipid in the body
Abnormal uterine bleeding =
dysfunctional uterine bleeding -> atypical timing, rate, and length of bleeding through the menstrual cycle
Amenorrhea =
absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age
Disorders of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina
Normal menstrual bleeding directly related to normal growth state of the uterine endometrium
Disorders of the uterus often present with abnormal vaginal bleeding
Disorders of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina include:
> Hormonal dysfunction
> Fibroids, benign tumors
> Malignant tumors
> Initial presentation -> abdominal and pelvic pain with fever, elevated WBC count, positive endocervical culture
Pelvic Infection =
can produce adhesions and scarring of the endometrium and/or fallopian tubes -> may result in infertility
Common infectious agents:
gonorrhea
anaerobic bacteria chlamydia
Infection symptoms can be minimal or absent
Secondary prevention:
aggressive screening
Tertiary prevention:
Prompt antibiotics
Disorders of pregnancy:
The typical and multiple steps of pregnancy increase the likelihood of localized and systemic disorders
Implantation ->
opportunity for miscarriage
Genetic predisposition to diseases may be manifested during pregnancy
Diabetes = the placenta produces a hormone called human chorionic somatomammotropic (HCS)
Transient gestational diabetes = 2-5% of pregnancies
Correlation with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
human chorionic somatomammotropic (HCS)
> causes an elevation in blood glucose
> Due to insulin resistant features of pregnancy = blood glucose is more difficult to regulate
Pregnancy: blood glucose control
Poor control of blood glucose during pregnancy has an effect of the mother, the pregnancy, and the fetus
Mother ->
> Retinopathy
Nephropathy
Ketoacidosis
Hypoglycemia
Infection
Preeclampsia
Increased rate of cesarean section
Retinopathy:
damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina resulting in vision problems
Nephropathy:
kidney damage and loss of function
Ketoacidosis:
inadequate insulin supply or insulin resistance leads to build up of ketones in the body due to fat as a fuel source
Hypoglycemia:
low blood glucose levels
Infection:
high blood glucose impairs the body’s immune system = decreased ability to respond to pathogens
Preeclampsia/eclampsia:
high blood pressure during pregnancy that can lead to a cascade of significant conditions such as impaired liver function, kidney dysfunction, swelling, fluid on the lungs
Fetus ->
> Death
> Spontaneous abortions
> Congenial Anomalies
> Macrosomia
Macrosomia =
large body size = high maternal blood glucose triggers increased fetal insulin secretion resulting in a larger fetus size
Large fetus size increases the risk of fetopelvic disproportion = traumatic vaginal delivery or increased cesarean section frequency
Neonatal:
> Hypoglycemia
Hypocalcemia
Polycythemia
Hyperbilirubinemia