Course Overview

This unit reviews the basic science of the reproductive life cycle, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause, as well as the basic science of contraception and lactation.  Classroom activities include a progressive case conference concerning a woman at different reproductive stages, a contraception case conference, and a conference about drug interations between contraceptives and psychotropics.  The media module covers weight and body image in pregnancy and postpartum.

The recommended order of modules is:

1. Self-Study: Reproductive Life Cycle 101
2. Self-Study: Emergency Contraception, Pregnancy Termination
3. Classroom: Stages of reproductive cycle progressive case conference
4. Classroom: Birth Control Case
5. Classroom: Drug Interactions
6. Media Module

Course Objectives 

1. 1. Describe the stages of the menstrual cycle, the three trimesters of pregnancy and labor and delivery, and perimenopause, including both biological changes and their clinical impact.
   2. Describe the effect psychotropic medication has on the metabolism of certain contraception, in addition to the possible effects of birth control on a woman’s mental health (including emergency contraception).
   3. Identify patient-specific factors that could influence a patient’s decision to choose hormonal or non-hormonal contraception.