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Ovarian-pituitary hormone interactions during the perimenopause
S E Shideler1, G W DeVane, P S Kalra
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
Maturitas
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Perimenopause hormone changes can cause irregular cycles. Low early follicular phase estrogen may lead to fluctuating hormone levels and menstrual variability.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Perimenopause is a transitional phase characterized by hormonal fluctuations.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the specific hormone changes occurring at the onset of perimenopause.
- To investigate the relationship between hormone levels and menstrual cycle variability during this phase.
Main Methods:
- Collected daily urine and blood samples from 5 women over 3-4 menstrual cycles.
- Measured urinary estrone conjugates and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide.
- Assessed serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, estradiol, and estrone.
Main Results:
- Two women experienced irregular menstrual intervals.
- One subject with irregular cycles showed low early follicular phase estrogen, followed by elevated gonadotropins and estrogen.
- This hormonal surge led to suppressed gonadotropins, low progesterone, and vaginal bleeding, suggesting hypo- and hyperestrogenism oscillations.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual variability in perimenopause can be linked to reduced early follicular phase estrogen levels.
- This may trigger a cycle of reduced negative feedback, increased gonadotropins, estrogen overproduction, and subsequent gonadotropin suppression.
- These hormonal oscillations contribute to the observed menstrual irregularities during perimenopause.