Answer Happy

1. You are the nurse on call examining a 12-year old female patient. Her parents are concerned about her excessive facial hair and deepening of her voice. Further conversation with her parents revealed that the girl started developing pubic hair at age 7. Examination of the girl confirmed her parent's observations and showed that she was well above average height for her age. She has unusually large amounts of acne on her back of neck and face. A vaginal tract examination indicates swelling of her external genitals. The girl started losing weight rapidly the previous year and leg and thigh muscles became well developed. Her parents assumed this was due to her intensive gymnastic practice. Everything else about the girl appeared normal. a) What is this girl suffering from? b) What part of her endocrine system is affected? c) What is causing this abnormality? Explain your reasoning. d) Is there a problem with the hormone feedback system? How would you find out? Hint: Review the endocrine glands and the hormones they produce. Can one or more than one gland produce the hormones? Review the conditions that result upon over or under production of hormones.