Reproductive Hormones and Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to reproductive hormone production and associated disorders, as outlined in the lecture notes.

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, stimulates pituitary gland to secrete FSH and LH.

FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone, involved in the growth of follicles in ovaries and spermatogenesis in testes.

LH

Luteinizing Hormone, triggers ovulation and stimulates testosterone production in males.

Estradiol

A principal estrogen; involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and maintenance of pregnancy.

Progesterone

Hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains the endometrium.

Inhibin

Hormone produced by Sertoli cells that inhibits FSH production from the pituitary.

Sertoli cells

Cells in the testes that support and nourish developing sperm cells.

Leydig cells

Cells in the testes responsible for producing testosterone.

Hypogonadism

A condition characterized by low hormone levels, may be primary (gonadal failure) or secondary (pituitary failure).

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation; can be classified as primary or secondary.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, hormonal disorder causing irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

Menstrual cycle phases

Includes follicular phase (growth of follicles) and luteal phase (post-ovulation).

Androgen insensitivity syndrome

Genetic condition where individuals have XY chromosomes but develop female physical traits.

Precocious puberty

Early onset of secondary sexual characteristics before age 8 in females and 9.5 in males.

Testicular maldescent

Condition where the testes do not descend properly during fetal development.

Ectopic pregnancy

Pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

hCG

Human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy that stimulates progesterone production.

Klinefelter syndrome

A genetic condition in males characterized by an extra X chromosome, which can result in hypogonadism.

Trisomy 21

Also known as Down's syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.

Dihydrotestosterone

An androgen derived from testosterone, critical for male development.