Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
Published on: April 7, 2014
Past reproductive events as predictors of physical symptom severity during the menopausal transition
Suzanne E Stone1, Dwight Mazmanian, Kirsten A Oinonen
1Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada.
Objective:
This study aims to determine whether the severity of physical symptoms experienced during perimenopause can be predicted by physical symptoms experienced during past reproductive events (ie, symptoms experienced during pregnancy, the postpartum period, the premenstrual phase, and hormonal contraceptive use).
Methods:
Two hundred ninety perimenopausal and postmenopausal women completed a series of questionnaires pertaining to their menopausal symptoms and the severity of both physical and emotional symptoms experienced during past reproductive events.
Results:
The severity of some physical symptoms experienced during past reproductive events predicted the severity of menopausal physical symptoms. Some symptoms experienced during the premenstrual phase (ie, pain, lack of concentration, and water retention) and physical symptoms experienced during pregnancy were the best unique predictors of menopausal physical symptoms.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that women with a history of more severe physical symptoms during periods of both low (ie, premenstrual phase) and high (ie, pregnancy) hormone exposure are at greatest risk for experiencing severe physical symptoms during the perimenopausal transition.
Related Concept Videos
Menopause
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
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
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...
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Signs of Puberty

