Lecture & Quiz 3

Describe menopause and its symptoms

-In a woman's 40s, estrogen production declines -Symptoms of early menopause (perimenopause) appear and may last for 5 years -Eventually estrogen production stops, menstrual cycle stops and woman enters menopause (Usually between 45 to 55 yrs of age) Symptoms: Hot flashes • Dry skin • Brittle hair • Insomnia • Vaginal dryness • Mood swings • Skipped periods

On average, when does ovulation occur during a woman's menstrual cycle?

14 days

uterus

the portion of the female reproductive system found in most mammals that houses and nourishes a developing embryo. In humans, the uterus is sometimes referred to as a "womb."

oviduct (Fallopian tube)

Also referred to as Fallopian tubes or uterine tubes, the oviducts in most animals are a set of paired tubes that collect eggs from the ovaries and direct them toward the uterus. Each ovary has its own oviduct which leads to the uterus.

Describe the current recommendations for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For women without a history of cancer, blood clots or heart disease, most professional medical societies concerned with women's health now recommend treatment for menopausal symptoms for up to five years using therapy that combines estrogen and progesterone.

Describe the function of the hormones, LH, FSH, estrogen, and progesterone

LH & FSH= released from the pituitary gland, triggers the ovaries to release an oocyte (after 14 days of menstrual cycle) Estrogen & Progesterone= thicken endometrium to prepare for implantation of fertilized egg and suppress production of FSH and LH

ovaries

One of a pair of organs located internally above a woman's uterus that is responsible for ovulating (releasing) oocytes (eggs) and making female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

cervix

The opening to the uterus. The cervix separates the vagina from the uterus.

urethra

The tube that carries urine from your bladder out your body through an opening just above the vagina in women, or through the penis in men. In men, the urethra also carries semen during ejaculation.

vagina

The tubular portion of the female reproductive system in female mammals that connects the external opening to the interior uterus. The labia cover the opening to the vagina.

New research suggests that short-term hormone treatment to control life-disrupting menopausal symptoms is not worth the potential risk to a woman's overall health.

false

The Women's Health Initiative has led to millions of women being spared serious health problems as a result of hormone replacement therapy

false

On average, menopause begins for women around age 41

false (answer is 51)

Describe the process of ovulation and the pathway that the egg follows once ovulated.

follicle of ovary produces egg --> egg passes down oviduct --> egg passes thru uterus --> egg passes thru vagina

Describe the findings of the Women's Health Initiative and explain their significance.

found that, among the women treated with the hormones, there was an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and, most frightening of all to many women, a slightly higher risk of breast cancer among those randomized to take the leading H.R.T. regimen of conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin) and a synthetic progesterone (Provera) recommended for women who still had a uterus. (caused a panic, said risks outweighed benefits but that is not true, caused people to not receive HRT who needed it, study is not relevant for women in 50s) (avoiding HRT RESULTED IN in the premature deaths of 18,601 to 91,610 women in the decade after the study's release)

The Women's Health Initiative found that women treated with hormones had an increased risk of heart attacks and blood clots.

true