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Pregnancy

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3 views3 pages

Pregnancy

Uploaded by

colleges660
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Comprehensive Summary: Pregnancy, Lactation, Perimenopause, and Menopause

Pregnancy

1. Hormonal Changes:
o Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
▪ Produced by the placenta, it supports early pregnancy.
▪ Peaks at 13 weeks and is the key marker for pregnancy diagnosis.
o Estrogen and Progesterone:
▪ Maintain uterine lining and fetal development.
▪ Suppress the maternal immune response to prevent fetal rejection.
o Human Placental Lactogen (HPL):
▪ Facilitates fetal glucose supply.
▪ Promotes maternal insulin resistance and lipolysis for energy mobilization.
o Prolactin:
▪ Prepares the mammary glands for lactation.
2. Maternal Biochemical Changes:
o Increased blood volume causes hemodilution (lower albumin, calcium levels).
o Rise in binding proteins (e.g., thyroxine-binding globulin).
o Increased plasma alkaline phosphatase due to placental activity.
3. Clinical Monitoring:
o Gestational Diabetes: Diagnosed with glucose tolerance tests.
o Pre-eclampsia:
▪ Hallmark signs: Hypertension, proteinuria, and edema.
▪ Complications include eclampsia (seizures) and renal failure.
4. Fetal Monitoring:
o Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Elevated levels may indicate neural tube defects.
o Amniotic Fluid Analysis: Evaluates genetic conditions and lung maturity
(lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio).

Lactation

1. Hormonal Regulation:
o Prolactin: Stimulates milk production.
o Oxytocin: Induces milk ejection during breastfeeding.
o Estrogen and progesterone levels drop postpartum, enabling lactation.
2. Milk Composition:
o Rich in nutrients, antibodies (IgA), and essential fats for neonatal development.

Perimenopause

1. Definition:
o Transitional phase before menopause, lasting 2–8 years.
o Characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations.
2. Hormonal Changes:
o
FSH increases due to reduced ovarian responsiveness.
o
Estrogen and progesterone levels decline.
3. Symptoms:
o Hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, and reduced fertility.

Menopause

1. Definition:
o Occurs after 12 months of amenorrhea, typically around age 51.
o Characterized by ovarian follicle depletion and estrogen deficiency.
2. Biochemical Markers:
o Persistent elevation of FSH (>30 IU/L) confirms menopause.
o Decreased estradiol levels (<50 pmol/L).
3. Associated Risks:
o Osteoporosis: Estrogen deficiency accelerates bone loss.
o Cardiovascular Diseases: Loss of estrogen's protective effects on lipid profiles and vasculature.
4. Premature Ovarian Failure:
o Menopause occurring before age 40.
o Causes: Genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Hysterectomy

• Removal of the uterus (partial or total).


• Post-surgery, women may experience early menopause due to ovarian blood flow disruption.
• Regular FSH and estradiol monitoring are required.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

1. Uses:
o Alleviates menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal atrophy).
o Prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
2. Components:
o Combination of estrogen and progesterone to reduce endometrial cancer risk.
3. Risks:
o Prolonged use increases risks of breast cancer, thromboembolism, and stroke.

Key Points Likely to Appear in Exams

1. Role of hCG, HPL, prolactin, and oxytocin in pregnancy and lactation.


2. Biochemical changes in pregnancy (e.g., albumin, alkaline phosphatase).
3. Diagnostic markers for fetal health (AFP, lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio).
4. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
5. Benefits, risks, and indications for HRT.
6. Complications of pre-eclampsia and its management.
7. Premature ovarian failure and associated risks.

This revised summary ensures all critical details are covered. Let me know if you'd like more depth on any
specific section!

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