Reproductive Endocrinology — MCQs
A 35-year-old woman presents with 4 months of amenorrhea, increased FSH, LH, and decreased estrogen. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A major causal factor in some cases of hypogonadism is:
Which hormone surge indicates the fertile period in females?
A 16-year-old girl comes to you with primary amenorrhea; on evaluation there is absent breast development, she has a normal stature, her FSH and LH levels are found to be high and she has a karyotype of 46XX. What is the probable diagnosis?
In a woman complaining of AUB following image was seen in endoscopic examination of uterus. What will be the diagnosis?
Which of the following CNS tumor shows increased growth during pregnancy?
Young male presents with delayed puberty with decreased FSH, LH, and testosterone. Which of the following is NOT possible?
A physician is evaluating a patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. What condition is most likely suspected in this scenario?
A 32-year-old female who underwent whole-brain irradiation therapy following tumor growth in the brain is most likely to experience which hormone deficiency? (Select one correct answer)
A 36 year old female is found to have a large pituitary mass on MRI imaging. She underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Postop replacement of which of the following hormone is not needed?
Reproductive Endocrinology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A 35-year-old woman presents with 4 months of amenorrhea, increased FSH, LH, and decreased estrogen. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Premature ovarian insufficiency (Correct Answer)
- B. Menopause
- C. Late menopause
- D. Perimenopause
Explanation: ***Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)*** - The patient's age (35 years) combined with 4 months of **amenorrhea**, increased **FSH** and **LH**, and decreased **estrogen** is characteristic of premature ovarian insufficiency (also called premature ovarian failure). - The hormonal profile (**hypergonadotropic hypogonadism**) indicates ovarian failure occurring before the age of **40 years**, which defines POI. - POI affects approximately **1% of women under 40** and can present with amenorrhea, infertility, and symptoms of estrogen deficiency. *Menopause* - Menopause is diagnosed after **12 consecutive months of amenorrhea** in a woman, typically occurring around age **51 years** (natural menopause). - While the hormonal profile of elevated FSH/LH and low estrogen is consistent with menopause, the patient's **age of 35 years** and **only 4 months of amenorrhea** do not meet the criteria for natural menopause. *Late menopause* - Late menopause refers to menopause occurring at a later age than average, typically after age **55 years**. - This diagnosis is completely inconsistent with the patient's age of 35 years. *Perimenopause* - Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by **irregular menstrual cycles** and **fluctuating hormone levels**. - While FSH levels may be elevated at times, perimenopause typically shows **variable hormone levels** rather than the sustained pattern of high FSH/LH with low estrogen seen in this case. - The **sustained amenorrhea** and pronounced hormonal shifts indicate ovarian failure (POI) rather than perimenopausal transition.
Question 2: A major causal factor in some cases of hypogonadism is:
- A. Reduced secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (Correct Answer)
- B. Excess secretion of testicular activin by Sertoli cells
- C. Hypersecretion of pituitary LH and FSH as the result of increased GnRH
- D. Failure of the hypothalamus to respond to testosterone
Explanation: ***Reduced secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)*** - **Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism** is characterized by low levels of LH and FSH due to inadequate GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus, leading to decreased testosterone production. - This can be caused by various factors, including genetic conditions, hypothalamic tumors, or functional suppression from stress or severe illness. *Excess secretion of testicular activin by Sertoli cells* - **Activin** promotes FSH synthesis and secretion from the pituitary but is not a primary cause of hypogonadism. - While disruptions in activin/inhibin balance can affect spermatogenesis, it doesn't directly cause a systemic hypogonadal state through its direct effect on GnRH or gonadal function. *Hypersecretion of pituitary LH and FSH as the result of increased GnRH* - **Hypersecretion of LH and FSH** in response to increased GnRH would lead to **hypergonadism**, or at least eugonadism, not hypogonadism. - This scenario would stimulate excessive testosterone production, the opposite of hypogonadism. *Failure of the hypothalamus to respond to testosterone* - The hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary, are sensitive to **negative feedback from testosterone** to regulate GnRH and gonadotropin release. - A failure to respond to testosterone would typically lead to **increased GnRH and gonadotropin secretion** (as the feedback loop is broken), resulting in higher testosterone levels, which contradicts hypogonadism.
Question 3: Which hormone surge indicates the fertile period in females?
- A. LH (Correct Answer)
- B. FSH
- C. Estrogen
- D. Oxytocin
Explanation: ***LH*** - The **luteinizing hormone (LH) surge** triggers **ovulation**, releasing a mature egg from the follicle. - This surge is a key indicator of the **fertile window** in a woman's menstrual cycle. *FSH* - **Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)** primarily stimulates the growth and development of **ovarian follicles** early in the menstrual cycle, prior to the fertile period. - While essential for follicle maturation, it does not directly signal the immediate fertile window or ovulation. *Estrogen* - **Estrogen levels peak** just before the LH surge, playing a role in triggering the surge itself through positive feedback. - However, estrogen itself does not directly indicate the onset of the fertile period; rather, the subsequent LH surge does. *Oxytocin* - **Oxytocin** is largely involved in processes like **uterine contractions during childbirth** and **milk ejection during lactation**. - It has no direct role in indicating a female's fertile period or timing of ovulation.
Question 4: A 16-year-old girl comes to you with primary amenorrhea; on evaluation there is absent breast development, she has a normal stature, her FSH and LH levels are found to be high and she has a karyotype of 46XX. What is the probable diagnosis?
- A. Testicular feminizing syndrome
- B. Turner syndrome
- C. Kallmann syndrome
- D. Gonadal dysgenesis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Gonadal dysgenesis*** - **Primary amenorrhea** with **absent breast development** and **high FSH/LH** (hypergonadotropic hypogonadism) in a **46,XX individual** with **normal stature** points to **46,XX gonadal dysgenesis** (pure gonadal dysgenesis). - In this condition, the gonads fail to develop properly despite a normal female karyotype, leading to non-functional streak ovaries that fail to produce estrogen, hence the lack of secondary sexual characteristics and elevated gonadotropins due to lack of negative feedback. - Unlike Turner syndrome, patients have normal stature and a normal 46,XX karyotype. *Testicular feminizing syndrome* - Individuals with **complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS)**, formerly called testicular feminizing syndrome, have a **46,XY karyotype** and develop external female characteristics due to complete androgen resistance. - They present with **primary amenorrhea** but typically have **well-developed breasts** (from peripheral aromatization of testosterone to estrogen) and a blind-ending vagina, which contradicts the absent breast development in this case. *Turner syndrome* - Characterized by a **45,X karyotype** (or variants with mosaicism) and typically presents with **short stature**, primary amenorrhea, and gonadal dysgenesis. - While it causes **primary amenorrhea** and **absent breast development** with high FSH/LH, the **normal stature** and **46,XX karyotype** in this patient rule out Turner syndrome. *Kallmann syndrome* - This condition is characterized by **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism** associated with **anosmia or hyposmia** due to defective GnRH secretion. - Patients present with **low FSH and LH levels**, which contradicts the **high gonadotropin levels** seen in this case.
Question 5: In a woman complaining of AUB following image was seen in endoscopic examination of uterus. What will be the diagnosis?
- A. Leiomyoma (Correct Answer)
- B. Adenomyosis
- C. Ovarian neoplasm
- D. Carcinoma of uterus
Explanation: ***Leiomyoma*** - The image shows **well-circumscribed, smooth, rounded masses protruding into the uterine cavity**, which are characteristic of **submucous (intracavitary) leiomyomas (fibroids)** seen on hysteroscopy. - Submucous leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle tumors that project into the endometrial cavity and commonly cause **abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)** due to increased endometrial surface area, distortion of the endometrial cavity, ulceration of overlying endometrium, and interference with normal uterine contractility. - On **hysteroscopic examination**, they appear as firm, pale, smooth-surfaced masses with overlying endometrium. *Adenomyosis* - Adenomyosis involves the presence of **endometrial tissue within the myometrium**, leading to diffuse uterine enlargement. - On hysteroscopy, it may show a **globally irregular endometrial surface** with small endometrial openings or cystic spaces, but not the discrete, well-circumscribed protruding masses seen in the image. - While it can cause AUB and dysmenorrhea, the appearance is distinctly different from submucous leiomyomas. *Ovarian neoplasm* - Ovarian neoplasms originate in the **ovaries**, which are separate from the uterus. - **Hysteroscopic examination** visualizes only the **endometrial cavity** and cannot directly visualize ovarian pathology. - Ovarian masses do not protrude into the uterine cavity. *Carcinoma of uterus* - Endometrial carcinoma typically presents on hysteroscopy as **irregular, friable, ulcerative, or fungating lesions** with abnormal vascularity and易出血 (easy bleeding). - The **smooth, well-defined, and rounded appearance** with intact overlying mucosa in the image is characteristic of benign leiomyomas, not malignant growths. - Uterine sarcomas are rare and would show more irregular, infiltrative features rather than well-circumscribed masses.
Question 6: Which of the following CNS tumor shows increased growth during pregnancy?
- A. Oligodendroglioma
- B. Meningioma (Correct Answer)
- C. Craniopharyngioma
- D. Glioblastoma Multiforme
Explanation: ***Meningioma*** - **Meningiomas** often express receptors for **estrogen** and **progesterone**, leading to increased growth rates during the **estrogen-rich environment of pregnancy**. - This tumor's growth during pregnancy can exacerbate neurological symptoms or lead to the discovery of previously asymptomatic meningiomas. *Oligodendroglioma* - **Oligodendrogliomas** are a type of glioma that do not typically show an increased growth rate in response to hormonal changes during pregnancy. - Their growth is generally independent of **sex hormones**, and their progression is determined by other genetic and molecular factors. *Craniopharyngioma* - **Craniopharyngiomas** are benign epithelial tumors that arise from Rathke's pouch remnants and primarily affect children, though they can occur in adults. - Their growth is not significantly influenced by **hormonal changes** related to pregnancy. *Glioblastoma Multiforme* - **Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)** is a highly aggressive and fast-growing primary brain tumor, but its growth is not directly stimulated by the hormonal changes of pregnancy. - While GBM can rapidly progress during pregnancy, this is due to its inherent aggressive nature rather than hormonal effects on tumor cells.
Question 7: Young male presents with delayed puberty with decreased FSH, LH, and testosterone. Which of the following is NOT possible?
- A. Kallmann syndrome
- B. Klinefelter's syndrome (Correct Answer)
- C. Constitutional delay
- D. DAX-1 gene mutation
Explanation: ***Klinefelter's syndrome*** - Klinefelter's syndrome is characterized by **primary hypogonadism**, meaning the testes themselves fail to produce testosterone [3]. This leads to **high FSH and LH** levels due to the lack of negative feedback from testosterone [2],[3]. - The presenting clinical picture of **low FSH, LH, and testosterone** indicates **central hypogonadism**, where the pituitary or hypothalamus is at fault, not the testes directly [2]. *Kallmann syndrome* - Kallmann syndrome is a form of **congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism** characterized by a failure of GnRH-producing neurons to migrate to the hypothalamus, leading to **low FSH, LH, and testosterone**. - It is often associated with **anosmia (loss of smell)**, which is a key diagnostic feature. *Constitutional delay* - **Constitutional delay of growth and puberty** is a common cause of delayed puberty, characterized by a temporary suppression of the GnRH pulse generator [1]. - This results in **low FSH, LH, and testosterone** that eventually normalize, and often has a family history of delayed puberty [1]. *DAX-1 gene mutation* - Mutations in the **DAX-1 gene (NR0B1)** are associated with **X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC)**, which often presents with central or **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism**. - This condition leads to **low FSH, LH, and testosterone** due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in addition to adrenal insufficiency.
Question 8: A physician is evaluating a patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. What condition is most likely suspected in this scenario?
- A. Asherman's syndrome
- B. Stein-Leventhal syndrome
- C. Sheehan's syndrome
- D. Kallmann syndrome (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Kallmann syndrome*** - This syndrome is characterized by **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism** (due to GnRH deficiency) combined with **anosmia** (impaired sense of smell) or hyposmia [1]. - The anosmia results from the **agenesis or hypoplasia of the olfactory bulbs and tracts**, which is a key diagnostic feature. *Asherman's syndrome* - This condition is characterized by **intrauterine adhesions** or synechiae, usually occurring after uterine surgery or infection. - It primarily causes **secondary amenorrhea** and infertility but does not involve hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or anosmia. *Stein-Leventhal syndrome* - This is an older term for **Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)**, characterized by **anovulation**, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries [1]. - It is associated with **insulin resistance** and metabolic dysfunction but not anosmia or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. *Sheehan's syndrome* - This is a form of **hypopituitarism** caused by **ischemic necrosis of the pituitary gland** following severe postpartum hemorrhage [1]. - It leads to deficiencies in various pituitary hormones, including gonadotropins, but it is typically acute postpartum and does not present with anosmia.
Question 9: A 32-year-old female who underwent whole-brain irradiation therapy following tumor growth in the brain is most likely to experience which hormone deficiency? (Select one correct answer)
- A. Gonadotropin deficiency (Correct Answer)
- B. Prolactin deficiency
- C. ACTH deficiency
- D. Growth hormone deficiency
Explanation: A 32-year-old female who underwent whole-brain irradiation therapy following tumor growth in the brain is most likely to experience which hormone deficiency? ***Gonadotropin deficiency*** - The **gonadotrophs** (producing **LH and FSH**) are among the most sensitive pituitary cells to radiation damage, often leading to early and significant deficiency [1]. - This is particularly common after **whole-brain irradiation** due to the pituitary's location within the radiation field [1]. *Prolactin deficiency* - **Lactotrophs** (producing **prolactin**) are generally considered to be among the *most resistant* cells to radiation-induced damage. - **Prolactin deficiency** is rare even after high doses of radiation and is usually only seen with extensive pituitary damage. *ACTH deficiency* - **Corticotrophs** (producing **ACTH**) are moderately sensitive to radiation, but usually less so than gonadotrophs [1]. - While possible, **ACTH deficiency** typically develops later than gonadotropin deficiency or requires higher doses of radiation [1]. *Growth hormone deficiency* - **Somatotrophs** (producing **GH**) are often the second most sensitive cells to radiation damage after gonadotrophs [1]. - While common after cranial irradiation, **gonadotropin deficiency** typically manifests earlier or with lower doses than GH deficiency [1].
Question 10: A 36 year old female is found to have a large pituitary mass on MRI imaging. She underwent transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Postop replacement of which of the following hormone is not needed?
- A. Estradiol
- B. Glucocorticoids
- C. L-Thyroxine
- D. Mineralocorticoids (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Mineralocorticoids*** - **Mineralocorticoid** production (primarily aldosterone) is regulated by the **renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system** (RAAS) in the kidneys, not directly by the pituitary gland [1]. - Therefore, pituitary surgery generally does not affect **aldosterone secretion**, and replacement is typically not required unless the adrenal glands themselves are compromised [1][2]. *Estradiol* - **Estradiol** production by the ovaries is stimulated by **follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)** and **luteinizing hormone (LH)**, which are pituitary hormones. - Pituitary surgery can disrupt the production of FSH and LH, leading to **secondary hypogonadism** and requiring estrogen replacement, especially in pre-menopausal women [2]. *Glucocorticoids* - The adrenal glands produce **glucocorticoids** (e.g., cortisol) under the stimulation of **adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)** from the pituitary [1]. - Damage to the pituitary during surgery can reduce ACTH secretion, leading to **secondary adrenal insufficiency** and necessitating **glucocorticoid replacement** [1]. *L-Thyroxine* - The thyroid gland produces **thyroid hormones** (T3 and T4) under the influence of **thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)**, a pituitary hormone [1]. - Post-hypophysectomy, a patient may develop **secondary hypothyroidism** due to impaired TSH production, requiring **L-thyroxine replacement** [1].
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free