Question

During menopause, when estrogen and progesterone production declines, the absence of these hormones results in a lack of signals to the uterus to maintain its lining, leading to the shedding of the endometrium, which marks the onset of the menstrual cycle's cessation.

Answer 1

Menopause occurs when women's ovaries become less sensitive to FSH and LH, leading to the end of menstrual cycles and reproductive capacity.

The decrease in progesterone and estrogen levels causes the endometrium to shed, and the menstrual cycle to restart. Peri-menopause can lead to irregular cycles and symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Menopause and the Menstrual Cycle

During menopause, a period typically occurring in women's mid-40s to mid-50s, the ovaries lose their responsiveness to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). As a result, menstrual periods become infrequent and eventually cease, marking the loss of reproductive capacity.

When no fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus, the corpus luteum degenerates, and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease. This hormonal decline leads to the shedding of the endometrium, and the menstrual cycle restarts with the release of FSH and LH by the hypothalamus stimulating GnRH.

During the menopausal transition, known as peri-menopause, women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, but they do not stop completely. The decreased production of progesterone by the corpus luteum can cause abnormal endometrial growth or hyperplasia, which is concerning due to the increased risk of endometrial cancer.

However, common harmless conditions such as uterine fibroids may also develop. Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep troubles, vaginal dryness, mood swings, difficulty focusing, and changes in hair growth, vary significantly among individuals.