Postmenopause is the phase of a woman’s life that commences one full year after her final menstrual period, marking the permanent cessation of ovarian function and reproductive capacity. Clinically, this phase is characterized by chronically low levels of circulating estrogen and progesterone, reflecting the end of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The shift in hormonal milieu has significant long-term implications for bone density, cardiovascular health, and genitourinary tissue integrity.
Origin
The term is derived from the Greek prefix post-, meaning “after,” and menopausis, meaning “cessation of monthly cycles.” This medical term is essential for staging a woman’s reproductive life and guiding appropriate clinical management. It clearly delineates the period following the perimenopausal transition.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism is the irreversible depletion of ovarian follicles, which are the source of estrogen and progesterone production. The lack of ovarian feedback to the pituitary gland results in persistently elevated levels of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). The resulting estrogen deficiency drives physiological changes, including increased bone turnover and alterations in lipid metabolism, which necessitate a proactive approach to preventative health.
Optimal hormonal balance, especially testosterone and estrogen, profoundly influences metabolic markers, shaping energy, body composition, and overall vitality.
Testosterone supports female bone density by directly stimulating bone-building cells and by converting to estrogen within bone to prevent its breakdown.
Testosterone therapy in women supports cardiovascular health by improving vascular function, metabolic markers, and body composition through careful, physiological dosing.
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