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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.

The Menstrual Cycle

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 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...

Infertility in Females

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

Proliferative Phase

Proliferative Phase

The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model

Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model

Published on: August 11, 2023

Changing focus: women's perimenopausal journey.

Cynthia Ricci McCloskey¹

¹Wegman's School of Nursing, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York 14618, USA. cmccloskey@sjfc.edu

Health Care for Women International

|May 15, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Women navigate perimenopause by "changing focus," a five-part process involving self-awareness and integrating wisdom. This framework offers guidance for women and healthcare providers managing menopausal health.

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Area of Science:

Women's Health
Menopause Research
Social Processes

Background:

Perimenopause presents unique challenges for women.
Mid-1990s research identified a social process called "changing focus."
This process involves women navigating perimenopausal transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

To revisit and update research on the "changing focus" process.
To provide guidance for women and healthcare providers.
To explore the relevance of this process in light of new symptom management discoveries.

Main Methods:

Revisiting mid-1990s research findings.
Incorporating updated input from women.
Analyzing the five-part "changing focus" social process.

Main Results:

The "changing focus" process involves: monitoring inner voice, listening to others, integrating wisdom, self-nourishment, and becoming a wise woman.
This process remains relevant for understanding women's perimenopausal experiences.
The process offers a framework for guiding women and providers.

Conclusions:

The "changing focus" process is a valuable framework for women during perimenopause.
Continued research on symptom management should consider this social process.
This framework supports women and healthcare providers in navigating perimenopausal health.