What is the Origin of Postmenopausal Estrogen?

This term is rooted in the clinical definition of menopause, which marks the permanent end of menstruation due to the loss of ovarian endocrine activity. The realization that estrogen did not vanish entirely, but rather shifted its primary source and form, led to this specific nomenclature. It acknowledges the persistence of hormone synthesis in extragonadal tissues, a crucial detail for understanding hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer in older women.

What is the Mechanism of Postmenopausal Estrogen?

The mechanism of postmenopausal estrogen production is characterized by the peripheral conversion of adrenal androgens, specifically androstenedione and testosterone, into estrogens. This conversion is catalyzed by the aromatase enzyme, which is highly expressed in adipose (fat) tissue, muscle, and skin. Consequently, a woman's body fat percentage directly influences her circulating estrone levels after menopause, demonstrating a metabolic link to her hormonal milieu and overall health risk profile.

Postmenopausal Estrogen ∞ Area

Postmenopausal Estrogen

Meaning

Postmenopausal Estrogen refers to the various forms of the estrogen hormone that continue to circulate in a woman’s body after the cessation of ovarian follicular function and the resulting drop in ovarian estradiol production. The primary form of estrogen during this life stage is estrone, a less potent metabolite compared to the premenopausal estradiol. These residual hormones are vital for maintaining certain physiological functions, although their lower concentration contributes to many of the common symptoms and long-term health risks associated with menopause.