Hormonal Relations of Menopausal Symptoms

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Abstract
With the cessation of menstruation at the menopause, 2 important changes occur in the hormones concerned with reproduction. Atrophy of the ovaries results in a disappearance of estrogenic substances from blood and urine in most, but not all, instances. There must consequently be some extra-gonadal source, possibly the adrenals, for these hormones. The loss of gonadal function leads to an increased gonadotrophic hormone content of the ant. hypophysis, and a marked increase of the gonadotrophins in the blood and urine. These hormonal changes have each been suggested as the direct cause of climacteric symptoms. There are, however, distinct objections to accepting either the disappearance or diminution of estrogen or the increase of gonadotrophins as the immediate factor concerned. The adm. of large dosages of estrogen may result in a diminished gonadotrophic hormone content of the ant. lobe as well as a disappearance of excessive quantities from the blood and urine. However, symptoms may be ameliorated by small dosages of estrogen, by sedatives or by x-irradiation of the hypophysial area without affecting the amt. of gonadotrophin present.