Gonadal Hormones and Reproductive Health Flashcards

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to male and female gonadal hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and related clinical disorders as discussed in the lecture notes.

Testosterone

The principal androgen in the blood and the primary hormone secreted by the testes.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - Male Action

Directly stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Male Action

Activates Sertoli cells to synthesize inhibin and androgen binding protein (ABP).

Pregnenolone

Often called the mother of all hormones, it is the direct product of the first limiting step in testosterone synthesis (conversion from cholesterol).

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

A transport protein that binds approximately $45\%$ of testosterone in blood circulation.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

The activated form of testosterone, converted by the enzyme $5\text{-alpha-reductase}$.

Tanner Staging

A grading system for physical development during puberty based on genital and pubic hair development.

Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism

A condition characterized by low testosterone, elevated FSH and LH, and impaired sperm production, indicating primary gonadal failure.

Klinefelter's Syndrome

The most common sex chromosome abnormality (typically $47\,XXY$) characterized by small testes, gynecomastia, and azoospermia.

Gynecomastia

The development of a breast lump or breast tissue in males.

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

A condition where low testosterone is accompanied by low to normal FSH and LH, indicating a problem in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Kallmann's Syndrome

A condition caused by $KAL1$ gene mutation resulting in impaired GnRH secretion and migration, often presenting with small genitalia and abdominal testicles.

hCG Stimulation Test

A diagnostic test used when LH/FSH are normal but testosterone is low; a lack of testosterone increase indicates a problem with the testes.

GnRH Stimulation Test

A test used to differentiate between hypothalamic failure and pituitary failure.

Estradiol

The main estrogen produced in the ovaries, primarily active during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

A $21\text{-carbon}$ pregnancy hormone produced by the corpus luteum that prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation.

Follicular Phase

The phase of the menstrual cycle involving follicle development in the ovary, maintained by estrogen.

Luteal Phase

The phase after the $14^{th}$ day of the menstrual cycle maintained by progesterone and the presence of the corpus luteum.

Primary Amenorrhea

The condition of having no menstruation by the age of $16$ years.

Secondary Amenorrhea

The absence of menstrual cycles for $3$ to $6$ months in a woman who has previously had at least one cycle.

Oligomenorrhea

Infrequent or irregular menstrual bleeding where the cycle length exceeds $35$ to $40$ days.

Menorrhagia

Excessive menstrual bleeding lasting more than $7$ days.

Athlete's Triad

A clinical combination of amenorrhea, eating disorders, and osteoporosis.

Menopause

The physiologic ovarian failure characterized by the depletion of oocytes and follicles, typically occurring between ages $45$ and $55$.

Hirsutism

The presence of male characteristics, such as a moustache or excess body hair, in females.