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Endocrinology of Menopause

Menopause is the natural cessation of fertility and menstruation that happens in women at the end of their childbearing years. During menopause, several key changes occur in the hormone-producing endocrine system.

  1. The Facts

    • Prior to menopause, a woman's fertility and menstruation are controlled by the balanced action of four hormones: estrogen (estradiol), progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), reports Lab Tests Online. During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, while FSH and LH levels rise.

    Hormone Decrease

    • The decrease in estrogen and progesterone triggers a decline in egg production and irregularities in ovulation, notes the Mayo Clinic. Significant alterations in menstruation also occur.

    Hormone Fluctuation

    • During menopause, hormone levels may fluctuate from month to month, according to Lab Tests Online. These fluctuations may cause varying monthly symptoms and effects.

    Structural Effects

    • Decreases in hormones during menopause affect the physical structures of the reproductive system, as well. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports changes that include thinning of the vaginal walls, shortening of the vagina and thinning of external tissues (labia atrophy).

    Detecting Changes

    • Doctors can detect menopausal hormone changes with a number of tests, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Commonly, these tests measure levels of LH, FSH and estradiol.

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