What is the Origin of Ovarian Hormone Decline?

The concept is foundational to female reproductive endocrinology, arising from the clear clinical correlation between the cessation of menses, the onset of climacteric symptoms, and the measured depletion of ovarian follicular reserve. The biological clock of the ovary dictates this predictable hormonal shift.

What is the Mechanism of Ovarian Hormone Decline?

The decline is mechanistically driven by the continuous depletion of the finite pool of primordial follicles, leading to fewer ovulatory cycles and, consequently, diminished production of progesterone and estrogen. As the negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is reduced, the pituitary gland compensates by increasing the secretion of gonadotropins, specifically FSH and LH. This hormonal imbalance is directly responsible for the vasomotor symptoms, bone density loss, and metabolic changes characteristic of menopause.

Ovarian Hormone Decline ∞ Area

Ovarian Hormone Decline

Meaning

Ovarian hormone decline describes the inevitable, age-related reduction in the production and secretion of key sex steroid hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, by the ovaries. This progressive physiological process is the endocrine hallmark of the menopausal transition, leading to systemic consequences across multiple organ systems. The decline is a natural, yet clinically significant, aspect of the female life cycle that necessitates proactive management for symptom relief and long-term health preservation.