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Menopause Watch *
This simple saliva test measures, LH, FSH, and estradiol
hormones provides an accurate picture of ovulatory regulation.
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Reasons
to take this test:
Perimenopausal Symptoms, Menstrual Irregularity, Hot Flashes in
Females age 40-50
Overview
Menopause is marked by the end of ovulation. Although this event
can occur at a wide range of ages, it is characterized by uniform
hormonal events: increases in LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH
(Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and reduced estradiol levels. Measuring
these hormones provides an accurate picture of ovulatory regulation.
During the reproductive years the ovarian cycle proceeds in a
well-ordered series of events. However, as menopause approaches,
the number of follicles and eggs in a woman's body declines. This
reduced number of follicles limits the amount of ovarian estrogen,
which is produced. The lowered estrogen levels are not sufficient
to signal the brain to stop producing FSH or to induce the LH surge
necessary for ovulation. As ovulation ceases completely, the levels
of both FSH and LH rise significantly.
Menopause is
associated with increased risks
- Menopause
is associated with many symptoms including, fatigue, menstrual
irregularity, hot flashes, and night sweats.
- Consistently
elevated FSH and LH and low estradiol indicate the onset of
menopause.
- Natural
Hormonal therapy reduces the risk of osteoporosis associated
with menopause and relieves menopausal symptoms.
Summary
As menopause approaches follicle numbers decrease and cause hormonal
changes which can be measured to identify its onset. These changes
increase a woman's risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
and cause menopausal symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy reduces
these risks and symptoms.
References
- Rannevik G, Jeppsson S, Johnell O, Bjerre B, Laurell-Borulf Y,
Svanberg L. A longitudinal study of the perimenopausal transition:
altered profiles of steroid and pituitary hormones, SHBG and bone
mineral density. Maturitas 1995 Feb;21(2):103-13
- Overlie
I, Moen MH, Morkrid L, Skjaeraasen JS, Holte A. The endocrine
transition around menopause-a five years prospective
study with
profiles of gonadotropines, estrogens, androgens and SHBG
among healthy women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1999 Aug;78(7):642-7
- Ushiroyama
T, Ikeda A, Ueki M. Evidence for attenuation of gonadotropin
pulse frequency in hypergonadotropic women with
estradiol secretion
in the menopausal transition. Psychoneuroendocrinology
1999 Jan;24(1):85-97
- Chabbert
Buffet N, Djakoure C, Maitre SC, Bouchard P. Regulation of
the human menstrual cycle. Front
Neuroendocrinol 1998
Jul;19(3):151-86
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