Menstrual cycle

Testosterone promotes muscle growth deepening of the voice the growth of body hair and other male secondary sex characteristics Testosterone is formed from cholesterol and IS the biosynthetic precursor of estradiol the principal female sex hormone or estrogen Estradiol is a key substance m the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the reproductive process It is the hormone most responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics... 

Taking the contraceptive hormones provides health benefits not related to contraception, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and decreased blood loss, and incidence of iron deficiency anemia, and dysmenorrhea Health benefits related to the inhibition of ovulation include a decrease in ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies. hi addition, there is a decrease in fibrocyctic breast disease, acute pelvic inflammatory disease endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, maintenance of bone density, and symptoms related to endometriosis in women taking contraceptive hormones. Newer combination contraceptives such as norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol... 

These drugs can be used anytime during the menstrual cycle. 

Consider the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the possibility of pregnancy before beginning treatment. 

Beginning treatment First day start (apply first patch on the first day of the menstrual cycle) or Sjnday start (apply first patch on the first Sjnday after the menstrual period begins). 

A healthy adult human body contains about 3 g of iron, mostly as hemoglobin. Because about 1 mg is lost daily (in sweat, feces, and hair), and women lose about 20 mg in each menstrual cycle, iron must be ingested daily to maintain the balance. Iron deficiency, or anemia, results in reduced transport of oxygen to the brain and muscles, and an early symptom is chronic tiredness. 

CASSIDY A, BINGHAM s and SETCHELL K D R (1994) Biological effects of a diet of soy protein rich in isoflavones on the menstrual cycle of premenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr 60, 333-40. 

Reilly J., Vowels B., Leyden J., Sondheimer S., et al. (1996). Quantitative comparison of female axillary secretions as a function of the menstrual cycle phase. Chem Senses 21, 661-662. 

Wilson H. (1987). Female axillary secretions influence womens menstrual cycles a critique. Horm Behav 21, 536-546. 

Bromocriptine directly binds to the D2 receptors on the lac-totroph cells to exert its effect. Bromocriptine normalizes prolactin level, restores menstrual cycles, and reduces tumor size in approximately 90% of patients.49 Adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension often limit 5% to 10% of patients from continuing treatment. Thus, start bromocriptine at a low dose (e.g., 0.625-1.25 mg) at bedtime... 

Evaluate the patient for symptoms, such as headache, visual disturbances, menstrual cycles in women, and sexual function in men, to assess clinical response to therapy. 

The female menstrual cycle is divided into four functional phases follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual.6 The follicular phase starts the cycle, and ovulation generally occurs on day 14. The luteal phase then begins and continues until menstruation occurs.6 The menstrual cycle is regulated by a negative-feedback hormone loop between the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, and ovaries6 (Fig. 45-1). 

As to be expected, the most common goal of contraception is the prevention of pregnancy. However, some patients may use contraceptive methods for other benefits, such as menstrual cycle regulation, reduction of premenstrual symptoms, or treatment of acne. 

FIGURE 45-1. Menstrual cycle events.6 (Reprinted, with permission, from Hatcher RA, Namnoum AB. 

The menstrual cycle. In Hatcher RA, Trussel J, Stewart F, et al, (eds.) Contraceptive Technology. 18th revised ed. New York Ardent Media 2004 63-72.)... 

Women who take oral contraceptives typically experience more regular menstrual cycles. In general, oral contraceptive use is associated with less cramping and dysmenorrhea.1,8 Also, women who take oral contraceptives experience fewer days of menstruation each month and as a result experience less blood loss with each menstrual period.1,13 Some studies suggest that oral contraceptive use decreases overall monthly menstrual flow by 60% or more, which may be particularly beneficial in women who are anemic.1... 

The NuvaRing is a unique transvaginal delivery system that provides 15 meg ethinyl estradiol and 120 meg etonogestrel for the prevention of ovulation. The NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina on or before day 5 of the menstrual cycle and is removed... 

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