Question

Intensely lactating mothers do not generally conceive due to the:

• A. Suppression of gonadotropins
• B. Suppression of fertilisation
• C. Suppression of gametic transp
• D. Hyper secretion of gonadotropins

Answer 1

The correct option is A Suppression of gonadotropins

Lactational amenorrhea:

Lactational amenorrhea is a natural contraceptive method. In this method, the level of gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus decreases for six months after parturition, when a mother intensively breastfeeds a child.


Gonadotropins:

Gonadotropins are hormones synthesised and released by the anterior pituitary. They include FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) which act on the gonads (testes and ovaries) to increase the production of sex hormones and production of either sperm or ova.


Hormone levels during lactational amenorrhea:

The decrease in GnRH results in the decrease in the levels of gonadotropins released by the pituitary. This does not lead to ovulation. Hence, the menstrual cycle will not occur for six months of intense lactation. Thus, the intensively lactating mother will not conceive for this time period due to absence of ovulation.


Final answer: a. Suppression of gonadotropins