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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.

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...

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...

Bone Disorders

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 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

Androgen in postmenopausal women.

Toshiyuki Yasui¹, Sumika Matsui, Anna Tani

¹Department of Reproductive Technology, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.

The Journal of Medical Investigation : JMI

|March 28, 2012

Summary

Estrogen decline causes menopausal symptoms. Androgens like testosterone and DHEA-S also change, impacting women's health, mood, and bone density differently.

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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: April 7, 2023

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Women's Health
Menopause Research

Background:

Menopause is characterized by estrogen decline, leading to known symptoms like bone loss and insulin resistance.
The role of androgens, such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), in women's health is less understood.
Androgen levels decrease with age in postmenopausal women, with potential transient increases during menopause.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the effects of androgens on women's health.
To differentiate the roles of testosterone and DHEA-S in postmenopausal women.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on androgen levels and their association with health outcomes in postmenopausal women.
Analysis of the impact of androgen insufficiency on sexual function, mood, and physical well-being.

Main Results:

High testosterone levels are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk, triglycerides, insulin resistance, and breast cancer risk.
DHEA-S levels do not appear to affect cardiovascular disease risk, mortality, or lipid profiles.
Female androgen insufficiency is associated with reduced libido, mood disturbances, decreased muscle mass, and lower bone density.

Conclusions:

Androgens play significant roles in metabolic, psychological, and sexual functions in women.
The specific health impacts of testosterone and DHEA-S in women may differ.
Further research is needed to fully understand androgen's complex role in female health during and after menopause.