Hot Flashes
At approximately age 45 to 50 estrogen levels begin to fall.
When they fall below the levels necessary to signal the uterine lining to thicken and
gather blood, the menstrual flow becomes less and/or irregular, eventually stopping
altogether.
Take a closer look at Hot Flashes, one of the primary symptoms associated with
menopause in industrialized countries. Although there is no empirical proof of
the cause for hot flashes the following explanation may have merit.
An area in the brain's hypothalamus (the GnRH center) monitors estrogen and
progesterone levels.
When levels of these hormones decline, this triggers the GnRH which, in turn,
stimulates the pituitary to make the hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn result in the ovarian production of estrogen and
progesterone. The rise in these hormones inhibits further production of GnRH.
At menopause, estrogen levels fall and progesterone levels are usually already low. The
ovaries, therefore, no longer respond to the FSH and LH prompt.
In addition to hot flashes, the heightened activity of the hypothalamus can cause mood
swings, fatigue, feelings of being cold, and inappropriate responses to other stressors.
Many women will have symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal thyroid hormone levels.
Summary
The GnRH center effectively signals to increase estrogen and progesterone levels.
Elevated estrogen and progesterone inhibit GnRH release.
After menopause the ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone.
Lack of estrogen and progesterone response results in increased activity of the GnRH center.
Heightened GnRH activity activates the vasomotor center, causing hot flashes and perspiration.
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