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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...
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 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.
Menses Phase01:18

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...
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...
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...

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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

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

The normal menopause transition.

Sonja M McKinlay1, Donald J Brambilla, Jennifer G Posner

  • 1New England Research Institute, 9 Galen Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02172, USA.

Maturitas
|May 13, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Smoking significantly impacts menopause, leading to earlier and shorter transitions. Longer perimenopause correlates with increased physician visits, while symptoms fluctuate across menopause stages.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Epidemiology
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • The Massachusetts Women's Health Study (MWHS) is a large prospective cohort study examining mid-aged women.
  • Understanding natural menopause transitions and associated factors is crucial for women's health research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define natural menopause transitions and their timing.
  • To identify factors influencing these transitions.
  • To characterize accompanying signs and symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 2570 women aged 45-55 at baseline.
  • Follow-up over 5 years with 6 telephone contacts at 9-month intervals.
  • Analysis of a subset of 1178 premenopausal women at baseline.

Main Results:

  • Median age at natural menopause was 51.3 years.
  • Smokers experienced significantly earlier (1.8 years difference) and shorter perimenopause.
  • Perimenopause length averaged nearly 4 years, with longer durations linked to more physician consultations.
  • Symptom reporting peaked during perimenopause and decreased in postmenopause.

Conclusions:

  • Smoking is a major factor influencing menopause timing and duration.
  • The length of perimenopause is a significant factor for healthcare utilization.
  • Menopause symptom reporting is dynamic and varies across transition phases.