title: Endocrinology of the Menopause.
abstract: In women, age-related changes in ovarian function begin in the mid-30s with decreased fertility and compensatory hormonal changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis that maintain follicle development and estrogen secretion in the face of a waning pool of ovarian follicles. The menopause transition is characterized by marked variability in follicle development, ovulation, bleeding patterns, and symptoms of hyper- and hypoestrogenism. The menopause, which is clinically defined by the last menstrual period, is followed by the consistent absence of ovarian secretion of estradiol.
authors: Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02460, USA; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. Electronic address: hall.janet@mgh.harvard.edu.
authors: Janet E
authors: JE
authors: Hall
mesh_terms: D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood; D008593:Menopause / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000378:metabolism; D010060:Ovulation / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C422364:inhibin B; D007265:Inhibins; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone
keywords: Estradiol; Follicle-stimulating hormone; Hypothalamus; Menopause; Ovary; Pituitary