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Menopause

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

Menses Phase

Menses Phase

The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators

Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators

Vasodilators, primarily affecting the smooth muscles within arterial and venous walls, are commonly used for hypertension treatment. Medications such as minoxidil and hydralazine primarily target arteries and arterioles, while sodium nitroprusside acts on arterioles and venules. Minoxidil, functioning as a prodrug, is metabolized by hepatic sulfotransferase into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, after oral administration. This metabolite binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) component of...

Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

Published on: August 13, 2019

Phytoestrogens for vasomotor menopausal symptoms.

A E Lethaby¹, J Brown, J Marjoribanks

¹University of Auckland, O&G FMHS, Grafton Rd, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand, 1142. a.lethaby@auckland.ac.nz

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

|October 19, 2007

Summary

Phytoestrogen foods and supplements do not effectively alleviate menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. Studies showed no significant difference compared to placebo, with a strong placebo effect observed in many trials.

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An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

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Published on: August 13, 2019

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Published on: August 23, 2024

Area of Science:

Menopause Research
Phytotherapy
Women's Health

Background:

Vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes are common during menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy is effective but carries risks, increasing interest in alternatives.
Phytoestrogens, plant compounds with estrogenic action, are popular alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of phytoestrogen-rich foods and supplements for reducing menopausal hot flushes and night sweats.

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, etc.) and grey literature.
Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of peri- or postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms, lasting at least 12 weeks.
Excluded trials involving women with breast cancer history; data extraction and quality assessment by at least two authors.

Main Results:

Thirty trials met inclusion criteria; few were suitable for meta-analysis.
A meta-analysis of red clover extract (Promensil) showed no significant difference in hot flush frequency or reduction compared to placebo.
Individual trials yielded mixed results, with many being low quality and underpowered; a significant placebo effect was noted.

Conclusions:

Current evidence does not support the effectiveness of phytoestrogen treatments for alleviating menopausal symptoms.
No evidence of estrogenic stimulation of the endometrium was observed with up to two years of use.