What does the luteal out of phase event (LOOP) explain regarding perimenopausal women?

The luteal out of phase event (LOOP) refers to a phenomenon observed in perimenopausal women where there are sporadic surges in estrogen levels. During perimenopause, the hormonal balance can become erratic, leading to fluctuations in hormone production. This can result in episodes where estrogen levels can momentarily elevate even amidst the overall trend of declining hormone production. These elevated estrogen levels can influence symptoms and are part of the hormonal changes that characterize the perimenopausal transition.

Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing the variances in hormone levels and their potential impact on women's health during this transitional phase. While it's true that ovarian function is declining, this does not preclude the possibility of sudden increases in estrogen, which is a critical aspect of the LOOP phenomenon.