Week 7

Question 1

What might amenorrhea indicate?

Answer 1

lack of period for a long period of time could indicate an eating disorder, low body weight, excessive exercise, maybe an endocrine problem.

Question 2

Why does it concern us that Caroline is the coxswain on her crew team?

Answer 2

They are supposed to be super teeny & have a forceful personality…
This is concerning b/c of her amennorhea…starting to look like she might not be eating enough as she has outside pressure to stay thin.

Question 3

What type of neurological symptoms might be consistent w/ an eating disorder? integument?

Answer 3

dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating

hair loss

Question 4

Broken clavicle after biking accident…is this significant in Caroline’s case?

Answer 4

Could be…could mean brittle bones as a result of an eating disorder or could just be a bad fall on her bike.

Question 5

Why is it concerning that Caroline had a BP of 98/60 sitting & 80/50 standing?

Answer 5

This is orthostatic hypotension. Concerning b/c indicates probably low blood volume–>high HR trying to compensate.

Question 6

What is the significance of a scaphoid abdomen?

Answer 6

this is a sunken-looking abdomen. Significant as a sign of her low BMI.

Question 7

What might be causing Caroline’s fatigue & dizziness?

Answer 7

low weight

hypotension

Question 8

What is the significance of finding ketones in Caroline’s urine?

Answer 8

b/c Caroline is so underweight–>her body is going into starvation mode.

Question 9

What is the difference b/w primary & secondary amenorrhea?

Answer 9

Primary: never get your period, genetic problem, lack of uterus, ovaries etc.
Secondary: get your period, but then it randomly stops…excessive exercise, hormonal imbalance,

Question 10

What is the purpose of a progesterone challenge test? What were the significance of Caroline’s results?

Answer 10

This questions whether the amenorrhea is due to anatomical or hormonal issues.
b/c Caroline didn’t bleed—>probably a lack of estrogen.

Question 11

What are the problems of persistent amenorrhea at a young age?

Answer 11

could lead to infertility
could lead to early menopause
if the woman loses her source of estrogen–>could cause calcium loss–>osteoporosis
Also if testosterone dominates in her body, could cause hair growth on the body…
ALso….can get ovarian cysts

Question 12

What are some of the health consequences of a low body weight at an early age?

Answer 12

infertility
atherosclerosis
heart problems
reduced immunity
anemia
osteoporosis
depression