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The female menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology - Question 24 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 24
The female menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones. As women get older, they go through a stage called menopause when their periods stop. Doctors can determine if ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The female menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology - Question 24 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the bar chart for the remaining values from the table.
Answer
To complete the bar chart, you need to plot the FSH values for the months of January, February, March, April, and May. For June, as per the information given in the question, it must be filled in where FSH level for the month is not provided.
The FSH values are as follows:
- January: 31
- February: 28
- March: 30
- April: 32
- May: 30
- June: [data not provided]
Make sure to adjust the height of the bars to accurately represent the FSH levels indicated in the data.
Step 2
What evidence is there to suggest this patient may have started menopause?
Answer
The evidential indicator that suggests the patient may have started menopause is that her FSH levels have increased. Specifically, FSH level in January is 31 mIU/mL, which is above the threshold of 30 mIU/mL. This level indicates that the hormonal changes associated with menopause may be occurring.
Step 3
Suggest what further evidence the doctor should collect.
Answer
The doctor should consider collecting a history of the patient's menstrual cycles to assess any irregularity in periods. Additionally, obtaining details of any symptoms commonly associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes, would be valuable. Blood tests to check for estrogen levels and other relevant hormonal balances could also provide further confirmatory information.
Step 4
Discuss what factors the patient should consider when trying to decide whether to take HRT.
Answer
When deciding whether to take HRT, the patient should consider several key factors:
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Health Risks: The patient should weigh the increased risks of blood clots, heart disease, and potential breast cancer associated with HRT, especially given her weight.
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Symptoms Management: Evaluate the severity and impact of her menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings, to consider if the benefits of HRT in alleviating these symptoms outweigh the risks.
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Duration of Use: Consider the recommendation for short-term use of HRT to minimize risks while managing symptoms effectively.
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Alternative Treatments: Explore non-hormonal alternatives that might help alleviate symptoms, such as lifestyle changes or herbal treatments.
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Personal Medical History: Consultation with healthcare providers to discuss personal and family medical histories that may influence the decision.
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Consultation with a Specialist: Seeking advice from a gynecologist or endocrinologist for tailored information on HRT's benefits and risks specific to her health profile.