Neuroendocrine modulation of the 'menopause': Insights into the aging brain

Phyllis M. Wise

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The menopause marks the permanent end of fertility in women. It was once thought that this dramatic physiological change could be explained simply by the exhaustion of the reservoir of ovarian follicles. New data from studies performed in women and animal models make us reassess this assumption. An increasing body of evidence suggests that there are multiple pacemakers that contribute to the transition to irregular cycles, decreasing fertility, and the timing of the menopause. We will present evidence that lends credence to the possibility that a dampening and desynchronization of the precisely orchestrated neural signals lead to miscommunication between the brain and the pituitary-ovarian axis, and that this constellation of hypothalamic- pituitary-ovarian events leads to the deterioration of regular cyclicity and heralds menopausal transition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E965-E970
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume277
Issue number6 40-6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Circadian rhythm
  • Estrogen
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
  • Luteinizing hormone
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Neuroprotection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Physiology
  • Physiology (medical)

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