Do I need to take estrogen supplements after menopause?

Women generally no longer have vaginal bleeding after menopause because their ovaries have atrophied and no longer secrete estrogen. There is no periodic exfoliation bleeding of the endometrium. This means that real aging has already occurred, so at this time you should pay more attention to diet and lifestyle maintenance. Let’s take a look at the question of whether estrogen supplementation is still necessary after menopause!

1. The earliest sign of estrogen ovarian dysfunction is decreased sensitivity of follicles to FSH and increased FSH levels. Estrogen levels fluctuate greatly during the early stages of the menopausal transition and may even be higher than normal follicular phase levels. It is caused by excessive secretion of estradiol due to excessive stimulation of follicles by increased FSH. Estrogen levels do not decrease gradually throughout the menopausal transition, but only drop rapidly when the follicles stop growing and developing. After menopause, the ovaries no longer secrete estrogen, but women still have low levels of estrogen in their circulation, mainly from the adrenal cortex and estrone converted from androstenedione in the ovaries by aromatase in peripheral tissues. In menopausal women, circulating levels of estrogen (E1) are higher than those of estradiol (E2).

2. Progesterone During the menopausal transition period, the ovaries still have the function of ovulation and progesterone is still secreted. However, due to the prolonged follicular phase and poor luteal function, progesterone secretion is reduced. There is no progesterone secretion after menopause.

3. Androgen After menopause, androgens are derived from ovarian interstitial cells and adrenal glands, and the overall androgen level decreases. Androstenedione is mainly derived from the adrenal glands, and the amount is about half of that before menopause. The ovaries mainly produce testosterone. Due to the increased stimulation of ovarian interstitial cells by elevated LH, testosterone levels increase compared to premenopause.

4. During the menopausal transition period, FSH levels increase and fluctuate, LH remains within the normal range, and FSH/LH remains LH>1. Follicular atresia leads to decreased estrogen and inhibin levels and increased FSH levels, which is the main sign of menopause.

The above introduces some questions about whether estrogen supplementation is necessary after menopause. Therefore, female friends should ensure adequate nutrition and sleep time in daily life, and eat more grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid excessive fatigue and emotional excitement, as these negative emotions will affect the endocrine system. So we need to pay attention to all aspects.