Endocrine Weight Loss Sex Hormones and Body Composition 3

Question 1

Which statement best describes the relationship between estrogen and lipid metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen lowers LDL, raises HDL, and reduces cardiovascular risk

Answer

Estrogen favorably modifies lipid profiles by increasing HDL ('good') cholesterol, lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol, and reducing total cardiovascular risk, which is why premenopausal women have lower CVD rates than men.

Question 2

Hormone therapy (HT) in postmenopausal women using estrogen plus progestin has what general effect on body weight and composition?

Accepted Answer

Reduces visceral fat accumulation compared to no treatment

Answer

Estrogen-containing hormone therapy in postmenopausal women reduces the accumulation of visceral fat compared to untreated menopause, though it does not typically produce significant total body weight loss.

Question 3

In women, the menstrual cycle's luteal phase (days 14–28) is often associated with weight fluctuations of 2–5 lbs. The primary cause is:

Accepted Answer

Fluid retention mediated by progesterone and aldosterone interactions

Answer

Progesterone has weak mineralocorticoid activity and interacts with aldosterone pathways, causing transient fluid retention during the luteal phase that accounts for the observed weight fluctuation.

Question 4

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in hypogonadal men typically produces which body composition changes over 6–12 months?

Accepted Answer

Increased lean muscle mass and decreased fat mass

Answer

TRT in hypogonadal men consistently produces increases in lean muscle mass and reductions in total and visceral fat mass over 6–12 months, improving body composition and metabolic health.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why women generally have a higher percentage of body fat than men at the same BMI?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen promotes greater fat storage while testosterone promotes greater lean mass

Answer

The sex hormone milieu drives fundamental differences in body composition: estrogen promotes lipogenesis and fat storage while testosterone promotes muscle protein synthesis, resulting in women having approximately 10% more body fat than men.

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test

Endocrine Weight Loss Sex Hormones and Body Composition 3