Reproductive Hormones and IVF Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts related to reproductive hormones, the menstrual cycle, infertility, and IVF treatments based on the lecture notes.

What hormone maintains the thick endometrium and suppresses ovulation during pregnancy?

Progesterone

Which hormone causes the maturation of an egg and stimulates the production of oestrogen?

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

What hormone is responsible for the release of an egg?

LH (Luteinising Hormone)

Which hormone is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in males?

Testosterone

What hormone causes the thickening of the endometrium?

Oestrogen

Which hormones may be given to infertile women to stimulate their production of eggs?

FSH and LH

What hormones are found in the contraceptive pill and why are they used?

Progesterone and oestrogen; they suppress FSH production preventing the maturation of eggs.

Where is FSH produced?

Pituitary gland

What is the main target organ for LH?

Ovaries

What role do negative feedback mechanisms play in hormone regulation?

They serve to reverse changes in hormone levels, such as oestrogen inhibiting FSH production.

What is one common cause of infertility in males?

Low sperm count.

What is the first stage of IVF treatment?

Suppression of the natural menstrual cycle.

What is the maximum number of embryos allowed to be transferred during IVF?

Two.

What factor determines the number of embryos transferred in IVF?

Age, quality of embryos, and the IVF cycle number.

What is endometriosis and how common is it?

A condition found in roughly 10% of reproductive age women, characterized by endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

What are some treatments for endometriosis?

Pain relief medication, hormone-based treatment, surgery (laparoscopy or hysterectomy).

What is laparoscopy?

A minimally invasive keyhole surgery using a laparoscope to remove endometrial tissue.

What is a hysterectomy?

Major surgery to remove all or part of the uterus and associated tissues.