University of Central Florida NGR 5141 - Module 9

1. What are the positive and negative consequences of estrogen replacement therapy? Positive effects of estrogen replacement therapy include prevention of bone loss and osteoporosis, a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and they also help to diminish the effects of menopause itself such as hot flashes and mood swings. Negative consequences of estrogen replacement therapy include an increased risk of breast cancer. This is more prevalent in slender women. This is thought to occur due to the fact that slender women may be more vulnerable to the excess exogenous estrogen because endogenously they may have lower serum levels of estrogen than heavier women. Other negative consequences include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, migraine headaches, weight gain, the return of menstrual bleeding, and breast tenderness. 2. Why is androgen replacement not used as frequently as estrogen replacement? Androgens are male sex hormones. In men, sex hormone production remains relatively constant. Androgen replacement in not used as often because men maintain reproductive capacity longer than women. Men do not go through a specific event equivalent to menopause although andropause has sometimes been used to describe the hypogonadism associated with male aging. Because of increased chronic illnesses and diseases with increased age, androgen replacement is not used as often because the benefits do not outweigh the risks. There is hesitancy to treat because few clinical trials have shown effectiveness. Cunningham, G.R., & Toma, S.M., (2011). Clinical review: Why is androgen replacement in males controversial? Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(1), 38-52. 3. What is the role of cervical mucus in the female reproductive tract? Cervical mucus evaluates the presence of ovulation from estrogenic effects at ovulation. The mucus can be examined for pH, glucose, or proteins. It can also be cultured for presence of infection. Normal cervical mucus appears with a fern pattern on slides. The mucus appears clear, watery, and elastic with no inflammatory cells. It becomes abundant and more elastic as estrogen levels peak just before ovulation. In the presence of estrogen, small channels develop in the mucu