ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Menopause is defined in the literature as the one year following cessation of menstrual periods. The premenopausal period precedes menopause by several years, as the hormonal changes begin 7 to 10 years before clinical menopause. During this period, there is a decrease in estradiol and inhibin with an increase in folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). There is a shift in circulation from estradiol to estrone (1), predominantly by conversion of extraglandular androstenidione, with minimal decrease in the production of testosterone.
