WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Menopause Health Center

Select a topic to explore more.
Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Menopause Causes

Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries run out of functioning eggs. At the time of birth, most females have about 1-3 million eggs, which are gradually lost throughout a woman's life. By the time of a girl's first menstrual period, she has an average of about 400,000 eggs. By the time of menopause, a woman may have fewer than 10,000 eggs. A small percentage of these eggs are lost through normal ovulation (the monthly cycle). Most eggs die off through a process called atresia.

  • Normally, FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone (a reproductive hormone), is the substance responsible for the growth of ovarian follicles (eggs) during the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle. As menopause approaches, the remaining eggs become more resistant to FSH, and the ovaries dramatically reduce their production of a hormone called estrogen.

  • Estrogen affects many parts of the body, including the blood vessels, heart, bone, breasts, uterus, urinary system, skin, and brain. Loss of estrogen is believed to be the cause of many of the symptoms associated with menopause. At the time of menopause, the ovaries also decrease their production of testosterone—a hormone involved in the libido, or sexual drive.

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

Reviewed on August 10, 2005
Next Article:

Which menopause symptom drives you the craziest?


Most Popular Stories

WebMD Special Sections

webMD Video

click to expand/contract  Menopause Myths

A generation ago, no one talked about menopause. Today it's openly discussed. But some common menopause myths persist.

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  Acupuncture for Menopause

click to expand/contract  Rethinking HRT

click to expand/contract  Loss of Libido

click to expand/contract  Exercise and Your Brain