Endo - Reproductive Treatments Flashcards
(73 cards)
What is testosterone replacement given for?
not looking for fertility
but wants to improve symptoms
What symptoms does T replacement treat?
→ loss of early morning erections
→ low libido
→ decreased energy
→ reduced shaving frequency
Why is testosterone not given to people wanting fertility, even if they have low T?
→ testosterone leads to negative feedback on LH + FSH
→ reduces FSH and LH
→ reduces spermatogenesis
What levels of testosterone are required for T replacement to be given?
→ at least 2 low measurements of serum T before 11 am
→ low measurements < 9 mol/L
What forms of T replacement are available?
→ daily gel (e.g. Tostran)
→ 3 weekly intramuscular injections (e.g. Sustanon)
→ 3 monthly intramuscular injections (e.g. Nebido)
→ implants + oral prep (less common)
Why do you have to be careful with daily gel T replacement?
have to be careful and not contaminate partner
What factors need to be monitored when taking T replacement? Why?
→ increased haematocrit (ratio of RBC to blood vol) : could lead to hyperviscosity and stroke
→ PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) : overstimulation of prostate could cause cancer
What is primary hypogonadism?
→ high LH + FSH
→ but problems with gonads themselves
→ so low T produced from gonads
How hard is it to treat?
difficult to treat
What is secondary hypogonadism?
→ low LH and FSH produced
→ so low T
How is secondary hypogonadism treated induce spermatogenesis?
treat with LH + FSH
How do LH and FSH induce + promote spermatogenesis?
→ LH stimulates Leydig cells to increase intratesticular testosterone (to x100 the levels than in circulation)
→ FSH stimulates seminiferous tubule development + spermatogenesis
How is low T in secondary hypogonadism treated in those who want fertility?
→ hCG injections (acts on LH-receptors
→ if no response after 6 months, add FSH injections
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
2/3 of these qualify for PCOS:
→ hyperandrogenism (clinical or biochemical
→ PCOS morphology on ultrasound
→ irregular periods
What are the features of hyperandrogenism?
→ hirutism
→ acne
What are the signs or features of hypothalamic amenorrhoea?
→ low body weight → excessive exercise → stress → genetic susceptibility → irregular periods
What is hypothalamic amenorrhoea?
stress on the body causes hypothalamus to stop releasing GnRH, stopping release of LH and FSH
What is ovulation induction?
→ aim to develop one ovarian follicle
→ methods aim for small increase in FSH
Why is only one ovarian follicle the aim for ovulation induction?
→ if more than 1 develops, has risks of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
→ multiple pregnancies = many risks for mother + baby during preganancy
What are the 4 methods in which ovulation can be induced?
→ lifestyle / weight loss / metformin
→ letrozole
→ clomiphene
→ FSH stimulation
How does letrozole induce ovulation?
→ aromatase inhibitor
→ aromatase = converts T to Oestradiol
→ inhibiting aromatase = low oestradiol
→ low oestradiol = reduced negative feedback on pituitary and hypothalamus
→ this increases GnRH + LH + FSH
→ stimulates follicle growth + egg release
How does clomiphene induce ovulation?
→ oestradiol receptor antagonist
→ reduces the amount of oestradiol produced
→ reduces negative feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary
→ increases GnRH + LH + FSH
→ stimulates follicle growth + egg release
What are the different steps of IVF?
→ oocyte retrieval
→ fertilisation in vitro
→ embryo incubation
→ embryo transfer
What is oocyte retrieval?
→ high doses of FSH to stimulate follicle growth
→ eggs collected outside of utero