Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Menopause01:28

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 Cycle01:22

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.
The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

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...
Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Associations Between Antral Ovarian Follicle Dynamics and Hormone Production Throughout the Menstrual Cycle as Women Age.

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism·2015
Same author

Genomic basis of aromatase excess syndrome: recombination- and replication-mediated rearrangements leading to CYP19A1 overexpression.

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism·2013
Same author

Testosterone concentrations in ovarian insufficiency: a review.

Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society·2012
Same author

Hormonal therapies for new onset and relapsed depression during perimenopause.

Maturitas·2012
Same author

Exploring the hormone replacement therapy debate.

Australian nursing journal (July 1993)·2011
Same author

Estrogens and men with schizophrenia: is there a case for adjunctive therapy?

Schizophrenia research·2010
Same journal

Vagina-sparing metoidioplasty: technique and outcomes.

The journal of sexual medicine·2026
Same journal

Testosterone prescription rates in gay and bisexual men with erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study.

The journal of sexual medicine·2026
Same journal

Inaccurate and inadequate ICD-10 coding related to female sexual health threatens patient care, research, and billing.

The journal of sexual medicine·2026
Same journal

Suppression of Ephx2 in endothelial cells of penile cavernouse tissue improves SHR erectile function.

The journal of sexual medicine·2026
Same journal

Concordance between self-assessment using watercolor illustrations and clinical examination: implementing a visual tool to improve recognition and communication on female genital mutilation/cutting.

The journal of sexual medicine·2026
Same journal

Recurrent self-amputation after successful penile replantation in a psychiatric patient.

The journal of sexual medicine·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

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

Published on: August 13, 2019

The menopausal transition--endocrinology.

Henry Burger1

  • 1Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. henry.burger@princehenrys.org

The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|July 16, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The Melbourne Women's MidLife Health Project reveals key endocrine changes during menopause. A fall in inhibin B signals irregular cycles, with estradiol and FSH declining around the final menstrual period.

More Related Videos

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
14:26

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice

Published on: April 7, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
06:18

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

Published on: August 13, 2019

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
14:26

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice

Published on: April 7, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Women's Health
  • Menopause Studies

Background:

  • The Melbourne Women's MidLife Health Project (MWMHP) has provided significant insights into the endocrine shifts during the menopausal transition.
  • This review synthesizes findings from MWMHP and related studies on these hormonal changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the endocrinology of the menopause transition.
  • To describe the hormonal fluctuations experienced by women during midlife.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of hormone levels including inhibin A, inhibin B, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone.
  • Utilized well-characterized immunoassays for hormone measurements in women aged 20-55.
  • Collected menstrual cycle data and detailed questionnaires over 6 years of follow-up for 438 subjects.

Main Results:

  • In women over 40, inhibin B is a key determinant of FSH levels.
  • A decline in follicular phase inhibin B concentrations marks the onset of menstrual irregularity.
  • Estradiol and FSH levels begin to change approximately 2 years before the final menstrual period (FMP), with significant declines by FMP.
  • Testosterone levels did not significantly decline, and sexual function decline correlated with estradiol, not testosterone.
  • Ovulatory cycles can occur even with prior cycle irregularity or amenorrhea.

Conclusions:

  • The MWMHP has generated a comprehensive database on the endocrinology of the menopause transition.
  • This data includes both cross-sectional and longitudinal hormonal profiles.
  • The findings enhance understanding of the hormonal dynamics during midlife and menopause.