Which hormone levels typically decline during menopause?

During menopause, estrogen levels typically decline significantly. Estrogen is a key hormone produced by the ovaries, and as a woman approaches menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease their production of this hormone. This decline is primarily responsible for many of the symptoms women experience during menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

As ovarian function diminishes and menstrual cycles become irregular, the levels of estrogen fall, leading to the end of menstruation and the various physiological changes associated with this transition. The decrease in estrogen also has implications for bone health and cardiovascular health, contributing to the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease in postmenopausal women.

While progesterone, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone also undergo changes during menopause, the marked decline in estrogen is particularly notable and relevant to the symptoms and health considerations associated with this stage of a woman's life.