In the first year after the final menstrual period (FMP), what hormone is absent?

In the first year after the final menstrual period (FMP), the hormone that is absent is progesterone. This absence is primarily due to the cessation of ovarian activity that accompanies menopause, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Progesterone plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, particularly in the regulation of the second half of the cycle after ovulation. During this phase, if an egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop, leading to menstruation. After menopause, with the ovaries no longer releasing eggs, there is a significant decrease in progesterone production. Consequently, women may experience symptoms commonly associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, as the hormonal landscape shifts dramatically.

Knowledge of the hormonal changes during menopause is key for understanding the biological processes at play, which helps inform therapeutic approaches for managing menopause-related symptoms.