Reproductive Endocrinology Practice Questions

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 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 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: 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: 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: All are causes of anovulatory amenorrhea except which of the following?

Gonadal dysgenesis. ***Gonadal dysgenesis*** - This condition is a cause of **primary ovarian insufficiency**, leading to amenorrhea but not primarily due to anovulation in a previously cycling individual. - In gonadal dysgenesis, the **ovaries are malformed or absent**, resulting in a lack of follicles and thus no ovulation or estrogen production from the start. *PCOD* - **Polycystic Ovarian Disease** (PCOD/PCOS) is a common cause of anovulatory amenorrhea, characterized by **oligo- or anovulation**, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. - The hormonal imbalance (e.g., elevated **androgens**, high **LH/FSH ratio**) disrupts normal follicular development and ovulation. *Hyperprolactinemia* - **Elevated prolactin levels** inhibit the pulsatile secretion of **GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)** from the hypothalamus, which in turn reduces FSH and LH release from the pituitary. - This suppression of gonadotropins leads to impaired follicular development and **anovulation**, resulting in amenorrhea. *Drugs* - Various medications can cause anovulatory amenorrhea by interfering with the **hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis**. - Examples include antipsychotics (which can increase **prolactin levels**), certain antidepressants, opioids, and chemotherapy agents that can damage ovarian function.

Q: Spinnbarkeit is maximum shown at which phase?

Ovulatory. ***Ovulatory*** - **Spinnbarkeit** refers to the stringy, stretchy quality of cervical mucus, which is maximal during the ovulatory phase due to high **estrogen levels**. - This highly elastic mucus facilitates **sperm transport** to the uterus and fallopian tubes for fertilization. *Menstrual phase* - During the menstrual phase, **cervical mucus** is typically minimal and sticky, making it unfavorable for sperm survival. - This phase is characterized by low estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to the **shedding of the uterine lining**. *Post ovulatory* - After ovulation, under the influence of **progesterone**, cervical mucus becomes thick, sticky, and opaque, decreasing **spinnbarkeit**. - This change in mucus consistency forms a **barrier to sperm penetration** into the uterus. *Follicular phase* - In the early follicular phase, **estrogen levels** are low, resulting in thick, scanty, and opaque cervical mucus with low **spinnbarkeit**. - As the follicular phase progresses and estrogen levels rise, the mucus gradually becomes more **watery and elastic**, but it doesn't reach its peak stretchiness until ovulation.

Q: What is the most reliable test to confirm ovulation after it has occurred?

Serum progesterone. ***Serum progesterone*** - A **serum progesterone level** of greater than **3 ng/mL (or 10 nmol/L)** in the mid-luteal phase (approximately 7 days after the presumed ovulation) reliably indicates that ovulation has occurred. - After ovulation, the **corpus luteum** forms and produces progesterone, causing a characteristic rise in its serum level. *Serum estrogen* - Estrogen levels **peak before ovulation** to trigger the LH surge and also rise during the luteal phase, but a single measurement is not a reliable indicator that ovulation has successfully occurred. - Estrogen levels can fluctuate due to various factors and do not directly confirm the **formation and function of a corpus luteum** as progesterone does. *Both serum estrogen and progesterone* - While both hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle, relying on both simultaneously for confirming *occurred* ovulation is not the most precise method. - A significant rise in **progesterone** *after* the presumed ovulatory event is the key reliable biomarker. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **serum progesterone** is a well-established and reliable test for confirming ovulation.

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: 35 yr old with 4 months amenorrhea with increased FSH, decreased estrogen. What is the diagnosis?

Premature ovarian failure. ***Premature ovarian failure*** - The combination of **amenorrhea** for 4 months in a 35-year-old, with **increased FSH** and **decreased estrogen**, is characteristic of premature ovarian failure, indicating the ovaries are no longer responding to FSH stimulation. - This condition signifies the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40, leading to menopausal symptoms and infertility. *Pituitary dysfunction* - Pituitary dysfunction might lead to **decreased FSH** (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) due to insufficient stimulation of the ovaries, not increased FSH. - In cases of pituitary adenomas, increased prolactin can cause amenorrhea, but FSH would not be elevated in the manner described. *Hypothalamic dysfunction* - Hypothalamic dysfunction, such as **functional hypothalamic amenorrhea**, typically presents with **low or normal FSH and LH levels** (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) due to reduced GnRH pulsatility. - This condition is often associated with stress, excessive exercise, or low body weight, and would not cause elevated FSH as seen here. *Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* - **Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)** is characterized by **anovulation**, resulting in amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, but typically involves **elevated androgens** and a **high LH-to-FSH ratio**, with FSH levels generally normal or low, and estrogen levels often normal or slightly elevated. - It would not present with simultaneously high FSH and low estrogen, which points to ovarian failure rather than anovulation with intact ovarian reserve.

Question 1

Which serum level is increased in premature ovarian failure?

Accepted Answer

Serum FSH

Answer

Serum Inhibin

Answer

Serum Estradiol

Answer

Serum Progesterone

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Answer

FSH

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

TSH

Question 3

Which condition is associated with HAIR-AN syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Answer

CA ovary

Answer

Adrenal tumours

Answer

Endometriosis

Question 4

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 5

In Stein-Leventhal syndrome, which hormone is raised?

Accepted Answer

LH

Answer

FSH

Answer

GnRH

Answer

Progesterone

Question 6

All are causes of anovulatory amenorrhea except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Gonadal dysgenesis

Answer

Hyperprolactinemia

Answer

Drugs

Answer

PCOD

Question 7

Spinnbarkeit is maximum shown at which phase?

Accepted Answer

Ovulatory

Answer

Menstrual phase

Answer

Post ovulatory

Answer

Follicular phase

Question 8

What is the most reliable test to confirm ovulation after it has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Serum progesterone

Answer

Serum estrogen

Answer

Both serum estrogen and progesterone

Answer

None of the options

Question 9

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 10

35 yr old with 4 months amenorrhea with increased FSH, decreased estrogen. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Premature ovarian failure

Answer

Pituitary dysfunction

Answer

Hypothalamic dysfunction

Answer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Reproductive Endocrinology — MCQs

Reproductive Endocrinology — MCQs

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