What is the Origin of Postmenopausal Hormones?

The concept is deeply rooted in reproductive endocrinology, recognizing the profound and predictable shift in the hormonal milieu that marks the transition into menopause. The therapeutic use of exogenous hormones originated in the mid-20th century, based on the understanding that replacing the diminished ovarian steroids could restore physiological balance. The term describes the chemical messengers that characterize this distinct phase of a woman's hormonal life cycle.

What is the Mechanism of Postmenopausal Hormones?

Following menopause, the ovaries' production of the potent estrogen estradiol dramatically declines. The adrenal glands continue to produce androgens, which are then aromatized into the weaker estrogen estrone primarily within adipose tissue. Exogenous MHT works by supplying bioidentical or synthetic estrogens, often combined with progestogens to protect the endometrium, which bind to and activate estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) in target tissues. This activation restores critical estrogenic signaling, which stabilizes the vasomotor center and inhibits the accelerated osteoclast activity that leads to bone loss.

Postmenopausal Hormones

Meaning

Postmenopausal Hormones refer to the various endocrine agents, both naturally occurring and therapeutically administered, that define the hormonal environment in women after the permanent cessation of ovarian function and menstruation. Endogenously, the production of estradiol plummets, and the body’s primary circulating estrogen becomes estrone, derived from the peripheral conversion of adrenal androgens. Exogenous postmenopausal hormones, typically known as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), are clinically prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms and to mitigate the accelerated bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.