Week 2 Flashcards
what classes primary amenorrhoea
never had a period
not gone through puberty
what classes secondary amenorrhoea
someone who has had periods but they have stopped for at least 6 months
causes of amenorrhoea at the hypothalamic level
weight loss
stress
drugs
define amenorrhoea
abnormal absence of menstruation
causes of amenorrhoea at the pituitary level
prolactinoma
pituitary tumour
causes of amenorrhoea at the ovarian level
PCOS
Premature ovarian failure
Causes of amenorhhoea at the uterine level
congenital genitourinary absence
asherman’s syndrome
physiological causes of amenorrhoea
pregnancy
lactation
other causes of amenorrhoea
iatrogenic
thyroid dysfunction
hyperandrogenism
define hirsutism
excess hair growth in a male pattern due to increased androgens and increased skin sensitivity to androgens
most common cause of hirsutism
PCOS
classic presentation of PCOS
anovulation (amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhea, irregular cycles)
associated with symptoms of hyperandrogenism
- hirsutism, acne, alopecia
how does abnormal gonadotrophin secretion present in PCOS
Increased LH concentration
- Increased LH receptors in PCOS ovaries
- Support ovarian theca cells
Decreased FSH
- Low constant levels result in continuous stimulation of follicles without ovulation
- Decreased conversion of androgens to oestrogens in granulosa cells
Which androgens, involved in androgen biosynthesis are measured when testing for PCOS
DHEA
Androstenediol
Androstenedione
Testosterone
Dihydrotestosterone
describe androgen biosynthesis and action (PCOS)
Increased androgen production from theca cells under influence of LH
Disordered enzyme action
- Ovarian enzyme expression
- Peripheral conversion
Decreased SHBG
- Produced in liver, binds to testosterone
- Only free testosterone is biologically active
Describe insulin secretion and action (PCOS)
Increased insulin in response to glucose load
Increased insulin resistance
Causes Vs association?
- Insulin stimulated theca cells of the ovaries
- Increased ovarian androgens
Insulin reduces hepatic production of SHBG - increased free testosterone
Two main treatment methods for PCOS
Weight loss
Insulin sensitizers
How does weight loss and insulin sensitizers help to reduce symptoms of PCOS
Insulin sensitisers act on weight loss.
Both of above act to reduce insulin.
This acts on liver to increase SHBG and on the ovary to decrease androgens.
These work to reduce free testosterone which leads to increase in ovulation and a decrease in hirsutism.
Describe metformin
For obese and non-obese
Improves insulin sensitivity
Leads to decrease LH levels and increased SHBG and hence decrease in FAI.
Not useful in infertility
not very effective against hirsutism
May have a place in management of women at high risk of diabetes
Mechanism of COCP on hirsutism
ovarian androgen suppression
mechanism of corticosteroids on hirsutism
adrenal androgen suppression
mechanisms of spironolactone and cyproterone acetate on hisutism
androgen receptor antagonist
mechanism of finasteride on hirsutism
5 alpha reductase inhibition
mechanism of eflornithine on topical inhibitorhisutism
topical inhibitors