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Endocrine aspects of menopause.
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Rion Patras, Greece.
Clinical Rheumatology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Ovarian aging involves follicle depletion, leading to hormonal shifts like decreased inhibin and increased FSH. These changes cause reproductive issues and long-term health risks including osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Oocyte depletion and ovarian aging trigger significant biological alterations.
- Follicular reduction impacts hormone levels, including inhibin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the biological and hormonal changes during ovarian aging and their consequences.
- To describe the progression of ovarian failure through distinct phases.
Main Methods:
- The study describes the physiological and hormonal cascade of ovarian aging.
- It analyzes the effects of declining ovarian hormones on reproductive and systemic health.
Main Results:
- Premenopausal changes include luteal deficiency, reduced progesterone, and relative hyperestrogenemia.
- Later stages show irregular cycles, increased FSH/LH, decreased progesterone/estradiol ratio, and eventual loss of follicular sensitivity to gonadotropins.
- Estrogen decline below 20 pg/ml leads to tissue atrophy, bone loss, osteoporosis, and adverse lipid profiles favoring atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Ovarian aging progresses through distinct phases characterized by specific hormonal imbalances and physiological consequences.
- These changes contribute to reproductive dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, and increased risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.