Nursing 209

N209: Reproductive Health Study Guide

Chapter Seven: Reproductive Disorders

7.1 Normal Reproductive Function in a Female Menses • Begins with menses: The shedding of the uterine lining approximately every 28 days, beginning at about age 8-15 • Hormones involved in menstrual cycle: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone • Three phases: o Follicular: FSH, LH, and estrogen stimulate egg production; one dominant egg within follicle remains to go on to ovulation o Ovulatory: Mid-point of cycle; egg is released from ovary o Luteal: Follicle, now empty, forms corpus luteum  Corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone to prepare for implantation  If no fertilization occurs, the lining is shed and the menstrual period begins • At birth, one million eggs are present (no new eggs are produced thereafter) • At puberty, 300,000 remain but only 300-400 will be released during ovulation in a lifetime Menopause • Cessation of menses marking the end of the reproductive years • Ovulation ceases and there is a decrease in estrogen • Diagnosed when there has been no period for 12 consecutive months • Begins naturally in late 40s to early 50s, but can be brought on by surgical removal of the ovaries • Three stages of menopause: o Perimenopause:  Begins 8-10 years before menopause with a gradual decrease in estrogen; average length is four years  In the last 1-2 years, signs and symptoms begin, such as hot flashes due to estrogen loss  Menses persist and pregnancy can occur o Menopause:  Periods stop, ovaries no longer produce estrogen, and there is no ovulation  Confirmed after 12 consecutive months with no period o Postmenopausal:  Signs and symptoms decrease or resolve; prone to osteoporosis and heart disease due to decrease in estrogen

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