Chapter 43 and 45

Key vocabulary terms and definitions covering female and male reproductive anatomy, hormonal cycles, contraceptive drug classes, menopause, osteoporosis therapies, and BPH/ED pharmacology.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A gonadotropic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that regulates sperm and egg production.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A gonadotropic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that triggers the release of the egg and promotes the secretion of estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogens

Hormones secreted by the ovarian follicle that are essential for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system, primary and secondary sex characteristics, thinning of cervical mucus, and conservation of calcium and phosphorus.

Progestins

Hormones secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta that are necessary for the development of the placenta and function to inhibit maturation of the ovarian follicle and ovulation.

Follicular phase

The phase of the female reproductive cycle where the anterior pituitary secretes FSH and the maturing egg follicle secretes estrogen, causing the endometrium to thicken and triggering LH release while suppressing FSH.

Luteal phase

The phase of the female reproductive cycle beginning on the day of egg release due to an LH surge, during which LH converts the ruptured follicle into the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone.

ACHES

An acronym for symptoms of dangerous cardiovascular adverse reactions to hormonal contraceptives: Abdominal pain, Chest pain/SOB, Headaches, Eye disorders, and Severe leg pain.

Monophasic pills

Oral contraceptives that supply a constant amount of hormone for the first 21 days of the menstrual cycle, such as ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel or ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.

Biphasic pills

Oral contraceptives that provide a constant dose of estrogen but two different doses of progestin during the monthly cycle to allow normal endometrial development.

Triphasic pills

Oral contraceptives containing varying amounts of estrogen and progestin in three different strengths throughout the monthly cycle.

Mini pill

A progestin-only oral contraceptive pill taken continuously without a break for withdrawal bleeding that alters cervical mucus, thins the endometrial lining, decreases fallopian tube peristalsis, and inhibits the LH surge.

Contraceptive implant

A small single-rod plastic device containing etonogestrel placed in the upper arm that prevents ovulation, inhibits sperm from reaching the uterus, and prevents egg implantation for up to 3 years.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system

A progestin-containing intrauterine device placed in the uterus by a physician that creates an environment hostile to sperm and hinders egg implantation, effective for up to 5 years.

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate

A long-acting injectable progestin administered every 11 to 13 weeks that thickens cervical mucus, thins uterine endometrium, decreases fallopian tube motility, and inhibits FSH and LH.

Perimenopause

The transitional stage of menopause where ovarian follicles become depleted and estrogen diminishes, causing irregular cycles, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood variations, and joint aches.

Menopause

The permanent end of spontaneous menstruation caused by cessation of ovarian function, formally defined when a woman has stopped menstruating for 1 year.

Postmenopause

The stage following menopause where the body adapts to a new hormonal environment with decreased estrogen and progesterone, and surges of LH can trigger hot flashes, tachycardia, and sleep disruption.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Therapy used for menopausal vasomotor symptoms that replaces non-produced hormones; requires estrogen combined with progestin if the uterus is intact to prevent endometrial cancer.

Bisphosphonates

Medications (ending in -dronate, such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate) that slow down osteoclasts to reduce bone loss; must be taken in the morning with 6-8 ounces of water before eating, remaining upright for 30 minutes.

Interstitial cell-stimulating hormone

The male equivalent of LH that regulates testosterone production in the testes.

Androgens

Male sex hormones responsible for adolescent reproductive maturation, maintenance of secondary sex characteristics, growth of sex organs, and tissue-building processes (anabolism).

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

A condition in aging men where glandular units in the prostate undergo tissue hyperplasia resulting in prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms like bladder fullness, frequency, nocturia, and hesitancy.

Androgen hormone inhibitors

Medications (ending in -steride, such as dutasteride and finasteride) used to decrease prostate size in patients with BPH.

Alpha adrenergic blockers

Medications (ending in -zosin, plus tamsulosin) that promote vasodilation and reduce smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck and prostate to improve urinary flow in BPH.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

Medications (ending in -afil, such as sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil) that treat erectile dysfunction by dilating penile arteries and constricting veins, taken 30 to 60 minutes prior to sexual activity.

Internal Female Anatomy

The reproductive structures located inside the female body, including the vagina, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Female Reproductive Cycle

The hormonal and anatomical changes encompassing both the ovarian cycle (follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase) and uterine cycle (menstruation, proliferative phase, secretory phase).

Male Reproductive Anatomy

The system comprising external structures (penis, scrotum), internal structures (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct), and accessory glands (seminal vesicles, prostate gland, bulbourethral glands).

Urinary System

The body system consisting of the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra, responsible for blood filtration and waste product removal.