Female Reproductive Endocrinology Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle?

Variations in the length of the menstrual cycle are mainly attributed to changes in the duration of the follicular phase. (correct)

The luteal phase primarily dictates the length of the menstrual cycle, while the follicular phase remains constant.

The length of the follicular phase is inversely proportional to the length of the luteal phase, maintaining a consistent total cycle length.

Both the follicular and luteal phases exhibit similar degrees of variability in duration across different menstrual cycles.

During the early follicular phase, what is the specific role of the thecal cells in the ovaries, and how does this relate to estrogen production?

Thecal cells produce progesterone, which then stimulates the granulosa cells to produce estrogen.

Thecal cells directly convert androgens into estrogen, leading to a rapid increase in estrogen levels.

Thecal cells secrete FSH, which in turn stimulates the granulosa cells to produce androgens and subsequently estrogen.

Thecal cells produce androgens under the influence of LH, which are then converted to estrogen by granulosa cells. (correct)

What distinguishes the dominant follicle from other developing follicles during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?

The dominant follicle is less sensitive to FSH, allowing other follicles to catch up in development.

The dominant follicle is the only follicle that produces androgens, suppressing estrogen production.

The dominant follicle is the first to undergo atresia, ensuring only one ovum is released.

The dominant follicle secretes more estradiol than androgens, leading to a positive feedback effect. (correct)

Following ovulation, what is the primary function of the corpus luteum, and how does this contribute to the regulation of the menstrual cycle?

The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estradiol, resulting in a negative feedback loop that prepares the uterus for potential implantation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of the granulosa cells within a mature follicle?

Increased FSH receptors due to local estrogen action, enhancing aromatase levels and estrogen production. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating a new drug that aims to prolong the luteal phase in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages. Which hormonal effect of the drug would be most indicative of its success?

Elevated levels of progesterone during the luteal phase. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A woman experiencing irregular menstrual cycles visits a clinic. Blood tests reveal consistently low levels of LH and FSH, but normal levels of estradiol. Which of the following ovarian processes is most likely to be impaired?

Maturation of primordial follicles into dominant follicles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a hypothetical scenario, a drug is developed that selectively inhibits the aromatase enzyme in granulosa cells. What direct effect would this drug have on the menstrual cycle?

Decreased estrogen production in developing follicles. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What key characteristic distinguishes the dominant follicle from other developing follicles during the follicular phase?

The highest capacity to convert androgens into estrogen, leading to elevated estrogen levels. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the hormonal environment in the early follicular phase contribute to the selection of a dominant follicle?

Elevated estradiol levels from developing follicles suppress FSH, causing smaller follicles to regress and allowing the most responsive follicle to dominate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of LH during the luteal phase, and how does this affect hormone production?

LH stimulates both cell types in the corpus luteum to produce progesterone and estrogen, maintaining the uterine lining. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the shift from estradiol dominance in the follicular phase to progesterone dominance in the luteal phase affect LH pulse patterns, and what is the significance of this change?

Estradiol causes rapid, high-amplitude LH pulses, stimulating ovulation. Progesterone leads to slower LH pulses, supporting the corpus luteum. (D) Signup and view all the answers

During the transition from the luteal phase to the early follicular phase, what hormonal changes initiate a new menstrual cycle?

Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels reduce negative feedback, allowing FSH and LH to increase and stimulate new follicular growth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the positive feedback mechanism of estradiol contribute to ovulation?

High levels of estradiol from the dominant follicle trigger a surge in LH and FSH, leading to ovulation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the early follicular phase, how does the interplay between FSH, estradiol, and the developing follicles determine which follicle will become dominant?

FSH stimulates multiple follicles, which produce estradiol; the resulting high estradiol levels cause negative feedback, suppressing FSH and leading to regression of smaller follicles, allowing the most responsive follicle to dominate. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of granulosa cells in the follicular phase, and how do they contribute to the selection of the dominant follicle?

Granulosa cells produce estrogen, which stimulates FSH receptors; the follicle with the most granulosa cells becomes highly sensitive to FSH and dominant. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do hormone treatments stimulate the development of multiple follicles, contrasting with the natural menstrual cycle?

Hormone treatments provide sustained high levels of FSH, preventing the decrease in FSH that normally causes smaller follicles to regress. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of pulsatile hormone secretion during the menstrual cycle, and how does progesterone influence LH pulse patterns?

Pulsatile hormone secretion prevents receptor desensitization; progesterone slows LH pulse frequency, which enhances the negative feedback effect and stabilizes hormonal balance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Menstrual Cycle

The periodic biological changes in female reproductive system, typically lasting 28 days.

Follicular Phase

The first half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation, marked by follicle growth.

Luteal Phase

The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation, characterized by the presence of the corpus luteum.