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The purpose of this course is to provide nurses with information about the role of hormones in women’s health across the life span. In order to aid in a better understanding of the role of hormones, normal menstrual function as well as disturbances of menstrual function will be discussed.

After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:

• Explain evolutionary and cultural perspectives of menstruation.
• Describe the menstrual cycle at the ovarian and endometrial level.
• Discuss the etiology and treatment of disturbances of menstrual function.
• Discuss hormonal methods of contraception and the efficacy of these methods.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of various methods of contraception.
• Discuss methods and efficacy of emergency contraception.
• Identify changes that occur in the perimenopause.
• Understand the basic physiology of menopause.
• Describe the role of hormones in management of menopause symptoms.
• Describe the role of hormones in osteoporosis.
• Discuss the role of hormones in cardiovascular disease and the implications of several recent studies.