BIOS 256 Week 6 Case Study

Grace J.
August 6, 2025August 6, 2025
BIOS-256, CU BSN

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-256: Anatomy & Physiology IV with Lab

Prof. Name

Date

Week 6 Case Study: Reproductive System

Required Resources
Please refer to the following materials to complete this assignment:

Assigned textbook
Weekly lecture concepts
A minimum of one peer-reviewed scholarly source

Scenario Summary

Patient History:
A 26-year-old female reports the absence of menstruation for the past three months. She is not using any form of contraception.

Physical Examination:

Body Mass Index (BMI): 28 (classified as overweight)
Moderate facial acne observed
Increased presence of dark, coarse hair above the upper lip and on the chest (hirsutism)

Laboratory Results:

Negative pregnancy test
Normal prolactin, FSH, and thyroid levels
Mildly elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels

Diagnosis:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) resulting in:

Hirsutism
Anovulation (absence of ovulation)
Oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods)

1. Describe 3 effects of estrogen on the body.

Estrogen is a vital hormone in the female body, influencing a variety of physiological systems. Beyond its role in regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen contributes to the development and maintenance of the reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries. In the ovaries, it promotes the maturation of ovarian follicles, which are essential for ovulation. In the uterus, estrogen supports the thickening of the endometrial lining, preparing it for potential embryo implantation. Additionally, it maintains the health of the urinary tract, cardiovascular system, bones, skin, and brain. Estrogen also plays a key role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast tissue, and regulates lactation by suppressing milk production after breastfeeding cessation (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021).

2. Describe 3 effects of testosterone on the body.

Testosterone is commonly recognized as a male hormone, but it also exists in females in smaller amounts and plays several crucial roles. Firstly, it is essential for the development and maintenance of muscle mass due to its anabolic effects, promoting protein synthesis and reducing muscle degradation. Secondly, testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells by enhancing erythropoietin (EPO) activity, which helps regulate hemoglobin levels. Lastly, in conjunction with LH and FSH produced by the pituitary gland, testosterone plays a vital role in sperm production and libido. When balanced properly with FSH, it supports the process of spermatogenesis, which is crucial for male fertility.

3. Predict the consequences of not having a menses due to anovulation. Include the effect on the endometrial lining.

When ovulation does not occur (anovulation), it can lead to irregular or absent menstrual periods and subfertility or infertility. The most significant impact is the lack of progesterone production, which normally follows ovulation. Without progesterone, the endometrial lining continues to thicken under the influence of unopposed estrogen. This persistent stimulation may result in an abnormally thickened endometrium, which can eventually lead to irregular or heavy uterine bleeding. Over time, this can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and even endometrial cancer if left untreated (England, 2021).

4. Why was a prolactin level checked? Name 2 symptoms a patient with a high prolactin level may have.

A prolactin test was conducted to investigate potential causes of menstrual irregularity and infertility. Elevated prolactin levels can indicate the presence of a prolactinoma, a benign pituitary tumor, or other endocrine disorders. In women, high prolactin levels may suppress the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to anovulation and menstrual disturbances.

BIOS 256 Week 6 Case Study

Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia in women include:

Symptom	Description
Irregular or absent menstruation	Disruption in menstrual cycles or complete cessation
Galactorrhea	Milky discharge from the breasts unrelated to childbirth

In men, elevated prolactin levels can cause symptoms such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021).

5. Research to discover, and list, 2 other problems a person with polycystic ovarian syndrome may have.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder affecting various systems in the body. In addition to menstrual irregularities and hirsutism, individuals with PCOS may also experience metabolic and dermatological complications.

Two additional complications associated with PCOS include:

Problem	Description
Insulin resistance	Many women with PCOS have difficulty using insulin effectively, increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Skin pigmentation changes	Acanthosis nigricans, or darkened skin patches, may appear on the neck, groin, or under the breasts.

These symptoms may compound weight gain challenges and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease over time. Addressing these metabolic risks is crucial in the management of PCOS (Office of Women’s Health, 2019).

References

England, C. N. (2021). Anovulation. Women & Infants. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://fertility.womenandinfants.org/services/women/anovulation

Estrogen’s Effects on the Female Body. (2021). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-body