ABSTRACT
Menopause represents the permanent cessation of menstruation due to the loss of ovarian follicular function. The ovaries are the source of gonadal hormones, including estradiol and progesterone. Mean serum concentrations of estradiol begin to decline a year or so before the final menstrual period, and within 2 years levels have fallen to about 10% of values characteristic of the reproductive years1,2. Since natural menopause occurs at a mean age of about 51 years, endogenous estrogen production is quite low well before most women reach age 60. This change in the hormonal milieu affects a variety of reproductive and non-reproductive tissues, including the central nervous system.
