Menstrual cycle and menopause. Part 3.

 

When one (or two) of the follicles are mature, estrogen levels peak, signaling the pituitary to preferentially release LH. Therefore, the greatest importance for ovulation is the sudden increase in LH concentration, which is the result of a change in the nature of estrogen's action on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis before ovulation - estrogens begin to act on the principle of positive feedback. This increases LH concentration 6-10 times and FSH approximately 2 times. The LH hormone triggers ovulation and the release of a mature egg, and also triggers the production of progesterone in the follicles (specifically by the corpus luteum). Progesterone concentration reaches its peak in the middle of the luteal phase. It should also be remembered that small amounts of progesterone are produced by the ovarian follicles and adrenal glands in the follicular phase, which ensures its presence in low concentrations in this first phase. The egg is released from the follicle in the ovary into the fallopian tube and begins its journey towards the uterus. The next phase is the luteal phase, which usually lasts 14 days.

 

As you approach menopause, it is in the luteal phase that disruptions occur, the quantity and quality of eggs decreases, and ovulation may not occur at all. In the first phase of menopause, the secretion of progesterone is impaired, while the secretion of estrogen is normal. This is manifested by fertility disorders, irregular menstruation and severe symptoms of premenstrual tension: swelling and severe breast pain, pain in the lower abdomen and back, swelling and pain in the lower limbs, increased blood pressure, headaches, hot flashes, dizziness.