BIOL121 : Written assessment Scenario: Eshma is a 42-year-old marathon runner, who has presented to her GP clinic after completing a training run. She runs four to five times per week and does yoga or...

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Light Headedness and Significant Muscle Pain
Topic 1: Reproduction: Endometrial tissue contains glandular structures relevant to Eshma’s reproductive function. Explain the role of this glandular tissue in reproductive function, including any likely changes from normal in the secretion and resultant effects for Eshma. Considering Eshma and her current circumstances, describe the role of oestrogen and explain whether you expect her oestrogen levels to be different to normal. Your discussion should include the homeostatic regulation of female reproductive physiology and the relevant glands and hormones.
As Eshma is pregnant her glandular structures exhibit certain variations. Glandular tissue plays an important role in reproductive function. It is a part of the breast that makes up the milk. During pregnancy, Eshma may undergo breast changes due to the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones help in the increase of the amount of glandular tissue that produces and carries breast milk to the ducts. These hormones also increase the fat tissues which result in larger breast size. High oestrogen levels also stimulate pituitary glands to release prolactin hormones which help in milk production. Therefore prolactin, progesterone, and oestrogen are regarded as pregnancy hormones as they bring about changes in glandular tissues during pregnancy (Plante et al., 2022). Oestrogen also plays a vital role in the development and maturation of the fetus. Oestrogen levels slightly increase at the onset of pregnancy and reach their target at the end of pregnancy. In Eshma’s condition pregnancy hormone oestrogen level will be higher than normal levels. Thus, an increase in these oestrogen levels can also result in lower back pain and pelvic discomfort which is due to the hormone relaxin produced during the second trimester. This hormone relaxes Eshma’s muscles, and joints and softens the pelvic area. As the pelvic joints are softened there will be an imbalance and decrease in the stability of Eshma’s body. An increase in these hormones also stimulates the production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone synthesizing melanin which affects her skin causing hyperpigmentation. Thus, Eshma is representing dark circles around her eyes. Also, as Eshma’s oestrogen levels are increased, dilation of blood vessels occurs which makes her feel lightheaded.
Further, in Eshma’s condition, regulation of reproduction is a highly complex process that requires the action of hormones from the pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, and gonads. The anterior pituitary gland stimulates the hypothalamus to synthesize Gonadotropin-releasing hormones which further stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones are regarded as gonadotropins as they inhibit the gonads. FSH aids in the development of ova. LH also aids in the development of ova, induces ovulation, and also stimulates oestradiol and progesterone formation by the ovaries. Both oestradiol and progesterone help the body prepare for pregnancy. Apart from FSH and LH pituitary also produces prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin aids in milk production...