Reproductive Endocrinology Practice Questions

Q: Fertilized ovum reaches the uterus at what day of menstrual cycle?

20th. ***20th*** - **Fertilization** occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle in the ampulla of the fallopian tube. - The fertilized ovum (zygote) takes approximately **3-4 days** to travel through the fallopian tube, reaching the uterine cavity around **day 17-18**. - By day 20-21, the blastocyst begins **implantation** into the endometrium. - Note: Some references cite day 20 as it marks the transition period when the blastocyst is fully in the uterus and beginning implantation. *6th* - This is far too early, as ovulation typically hasn't occurred yet by day 6. - On day 6, a woman is in the **follicular phase** with developing ovarian follicles. - Fertilization cannot occur before ovulation (around day 14). *14th* - Day 14 is typically the day of **ovulation** and fertilization in a 28-day cycle. - At this point, the egg has just been released from the ovary and is in the **fallopian tube**. - The fertilized ovum requires 3-4 days of transport to reach the uterine cavity. *25th* - By day 25, implantation would have already been completed (implantation occurs around day 20-21). - The embryo would be producing **hCG** and establishing placental connections. - If no pregnancy occurred, the corpus luteum would be regressing and the endometrium preparing for **menstruation**.

Q: A 17-year-old girl is seen for primary amenorrhea. There is no development of breasts or hair in the pubic or axillary region. Her height is 155 cm, and her weight is 48 kg. She has bilateral inguinal masses. The uterus, fallopian tube, and Ovary are absent on ultrasound examination. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. ***Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome*** - This syndrome presents with **primary amenorrhea**, **absent secondary sexual characteristics** (no breast or pubic/axillary hair development), and **inguinal masses** representing undescended testes. - Despite being genetically male (XY), individuals with complete androgen insensitivity develop a female external phenotype due to the **inability of target tissues to respond to androgens**, while Müllerian inhibiting factor from the testes causes the absence of a uterus and fallopian tubes. *Turner syndrome* - Characterized by **short stature** and primary amenorrhea, but typically involves **gonadal dysgenesis** (streaky ovaries), leading to the absence of ovarian function and estrogen production. - Individuals with Turner syndrome are genotypically female (XO) and usually present with distinct physical features like a **webbed neck** and **coarctation of the aorta**, which are not mentioned. *Polycystic ovary syndrome* - Typically presents with primary or secondary amenorrhea, often accompanied by **hirsutism**, acne, and obesity, none of which are consistent with the described lack of secondary sexual characteristics in this case. - While it can cause menstrual irregularities, it does not involve the absence of a uterus or fallopian tubes, nor does it typically present with inguinal masses. *Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism* - This refers to conditions where the gonads fail to respond to pituitary gonadotropins, leading to low sex hormones and high FSH/LH levels (e.g., **premature ovarian failure** or **Turner syndrome**). - While it causes primary amenorrhea and lack of secondary sexual development, it does not explain the presence of inguinal masses or the complete absence of Mullerian structures (uterus, fallopian tubes) as seen in androgen insensitivity syndrome.

Q: Which serum level is increased in premature ovarian failure?

Serum FSH. ***Serum FSH*** - In **premature ovarian failure**, the ovaries fail to produce sufficient estrogen and inhibin, leading to a loss of negative feedback on the pituitary gland. - This lack of negative feedback results in continuously **elevated levels of FSH** as the pituitary tries to stimulate the non-responsive ovaries. *Serum Inhibin* - **Inhibin** is a hormone produced by ovarian granulosa cells, which normally inhibits FSH secretion. - In premature ovarian failure, due to ovarian dysfunction, **inhibin levels are typically decreased**, not increased. *Serum Estradiol* - **Estradiol** is the primary estrogen produced by the ovaries. - In premature ovarian failure, the ovaries are failing, resulting in **decreased production of estrogen/estradiol**. *Serum Progesterone* - **Progesterone** is primarily produced after ovulation by the corpus luteum. - In premature ovarian failure, ovulation is impaired or absent, leading to **low or undetectable progesterone levels**.

Q: Which condition is associated with HAIR-AN syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). ***Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)*** - **HAIR-AN syndrome** is a specific, severe form of **PCOS**, characterized by **HyperAndrogenism**, **Insulin Resistance**, and severe **Acanthosis Nigricans**. - It represents the most pronounced metabolic and endocrine abnormalities associated with PCOS, often with significant hyperinsulinemia. *Endometriosis* - Endometriosis involves the growth of **endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus**, causing pain and infertility. - It is not directly linked to the metabolic and hormonal disturbances seen in HAIR-AN syndrome. *CA ovary* - **Ovarian cancer** is a malignant proliferation of ovarian cells, which is not associated with the unique features of **hyperandrogenism**, **insulin resistance**, or **acanthosis nigricans** that define HAIR-AN syndrome. - Ovarian tumors can be hormone-producing, but this is distinct from the syndrome's chronic metabolic dysregulation. *Adrenal tumours* - **Adrenal tumors** can cause **hyperandrogenism** in some cases, leading to symptoms like hirsutism, but they typically do not present with the constellation of **insulin resistance** and severe **acanthosis nigricans** that define HAIR-AN syndrome. - The primary defect in HAIR-AN is ovarian and metabolic, rather than adrenal.

Q: In Stein-Leventhal syndrome, which hormone is raised?

LH. ***LH*** - In **Stein-Leventhal syndrome** (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, PCOS), there is an elevated **LH (Luteinizing Hormone)** level. - This high LH-to-FSH ratio contributes to increased **androgen production** by the ovarian theca cells, leading to symptoms like hirsutism and anovulation. *FSH* - **FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)** levels are typically normal or even low in PCOS, contributing to the elevated LH:FSH ratio. - Low FSH levels impair proper follicle maturation, leading to **anovulation** and the characteristic polycystic appearance of the ovaries. *GnRH* - **GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)** secretion can be altered in PCOS, often showing increased pulse frequency, which preferentially stimulates LH release over FSH. - However, **GnRH levels themselves are not directly measured** as "raised" in the clinical diagnostic criteria for PCOS. *Progesterone* - **Progesterone** levels are often low or absent in PCOS, particularly in the luteal phase, due to **anovulation**. - The lack of regular ovulation means no corpus luteum forms, which is responsible for progesterone production after ovulation.

Q: Which hormone is known to be elevated in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH). ***Luteinizing Hormone (LH)*** - In **Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)**, there is often an elevated **Luteinizing Hormone (LH)** level, leading to an increased **LH:FSH ratio**. - This high LH level contributes to **increased androgen production** by the ovaries, a key feature of PCOS. *FSH* - **Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)** levels are typically normal or even low in PCOS, contributing to the **imbalance with LH**. - This relative deficiency of FSH impairs proper **follicle maturation**, leading to anovulation and cyst formation. *Estrogen* - While **estrogen** levels can be normal or slightly elevated due to peripheral conversion of androgens, they are not primarily responsible for the characteristic hormonal imbalance in PCOS. - The elevated **androgens** in PCOS are converted to estrogen in adipose tissue, but this is a secondary effect. *TSH* - **Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)** is involved in thyroid function and is generally unrelated to the **pathophysiology of PCOS**, although thyroid disorders can co-exist with PCOS. - Elevated TSH suggests **hypothyroidism**, a distinct endocrine condition that would present with different symptoms.

Q: Which of the following statements about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is false?

Elevated FSH/LH ratio. ***Elevated FSH/LH ratio*** - In PCOS, there is typically a **decreased FSH/LH ratio** (or increased LH/FSH ratio) due to elevated LH levels and relatively normal or suppressed FSH. This is a key diagnostic feature. - An elevated FSH/LH ratio is more commonly seen in conditions like **premature ovarian insufficiency**. *Increased DHEA levels* - **Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)**, specifically DHEA-S, can be elevated in PCOS as it is an adrenal androgen often increased in this condition. - This contributes to the **hyperandrogenism** seen in PCOS. *Elevated LH levels* - High LH levels are a hallmark of PCOS, leading to increased **androgen production** by the ovarian theca cells. - This contributes to the characteristic **anovulation** and follicular arrest in the ovaries. *Increased testosterone levels* - Elevated **testosterone** (and other androgens) is a central feature of PCOS, causing symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern baldness. - This increase is primarily due to enhanced ovarian androgen production stimulated by high LH and insulin resistance.

Q: A 35-year-old woman presents with 4 months of amenorrhea, increased FSH, LH, and decreased estrogen. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Premature ovarian insufficiency. ***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.

Q: Vaginal pH before puberty is?

Neutral (around 7). ***Neutral (around 7)*** - Before puberty, the vagina lacks the influence of **estrogen**, which is essential for the colonization of **Lactobacillus** bacteria. - Without Lactobacillus, there is no significant production of lactic acid, resulting in a **neutral pH** environment. *Approximately 6* - A pH of approximately 6 is still slightly acidic but less so than a mature vagina. - This value is not typical for the prepubertal stage, which generally represents an environment without significant acidic production. *Approximately 4.5* - A pH of approximately 4.5 is characteristic of a **healthy, estrogenized adult vagina** where **Lactobacillus** bacteria produce lactic acid. - This acidic environment is crucial for protecting against pathogenic infections and is not found in prepubertal individuals. *Approximately 5* - A pH of approximately 5 is acidic, though less so than the optimal adult vaginal pH. - This value indicates some lactic acid production, which is minimal or absent before the onset of puberty.

Q: What is thelarche?

Hormone-related breast development in girls. ***Hormone-related breast enlargement in girls*** - **Thelarche** specifically refers to the first sign of puberty in girls, which is the **onset of breast development**. - This development is primarily driven by the action of **estrogen** on breast tissue. *Breast development in boys during puberty* - This condition is known as **gynecomastia**, which is distinguishable from thelarche observed in girls. - While also hormone-related, **gynecomastia** often involves an imbalance between estrogen and androgens. *Breast enlargement during pregnancy* - Breast enlargement during pregnancy is a normal physiological change in preparation for lactation, driven by a surge in various hormones like **estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin**. - It is distinct from the initial, puberty-related breast development in girls. *Breast enlargement due to hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women* - This is an induced effect of **exogenous hormones** (e.g., hormone replacement therapy) and not a natural developmental stage like thelarche. - It is a side effect of medication, not the start of puberty.

Question 1

Fertilized ovum reaches the uterus at what day of menstrual cycle?

Accepted Answer

20th

Answer

6th

Answer

14th

Answer

25th

Question 2

A 17-year-old girl is seen for primary amenorrhea. There is no development of breasts or hair in the pubic or axillary region. Her height is 155 cm, and her weight is 48 kg. She has bilateral inguinal masses. The uterus, fallopian tube, and Ovary are absent on ultrasound examination. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

Answer

Turner syndrome

Answer

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Answer

Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism

Question 3

Which serum level is increased in premature ovarian failure?

Accepted Answer

Serum FSH

Answer

Serum Inhibin

Answer

Serum Estradiol

Answer

Serum Progesterone

Question 4

Which condition is associated with HAIR-AN syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Answer

CA ovary

Answer

Adrenal tumours

Answer

Endometriosis

Question 5

In Stein-Leventhal syndrome, which hormone is raised?

Accepted Answer

LH

Answer

FSH

Answer

GnRH

Answer

Progesterone

Question 6

Which hormone is known to be elevated in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Answer

FSH

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

TSH

Question 7

Which of the following statements about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is false?

Accepted Answer

Elevated FSH/LH ratio

Answer

Increased DHEA levels

Answer

Elevated LH levels

Answer

Increased testosterone levels

Question 8

A 35-year-old woman presents with 4 months of amenorrhea, increased FSH, LH, and decreased estrogen. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Premature ovarian insufficiency

Answer

Menopause

Answer

Late menopause

Answer

Perimenopause

Question 9

Vaginal pH before puberty is?

Accepted Answer

Neutral (around 7)

Answer

Approximately 6

Answer

Approximately 4.5

Answer

Approximately 5

Question 10

What is thelarche?

Accepted Answer

Hormone-related breast development in girls

Answer

Breast development in boys during puberty

Answer

Breast enlargement during pregnancy

Answer

Breast enlargement due to hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women

Reproductive Endocrinology — MCQs

Reproductive Endocrinology — MCQs

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