Follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol trajectories from menopausal transition to late postmenopause in indigenous Chinese women. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Y.; Tang, R.; Luo, M.; Sun, X.; Li, J.; Yue, Y.; Liu, G.; Lin, S.; Chen, R.
• Is Part Of: Climacteric. Volume 24:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Follicle stimulating hormone -- estradiol -- menopause -- obesity -- Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10; Menopause -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Hormone therapy -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Estrogen Replacement Therapy -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 612.665
• DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1775807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-7137

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to examine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) trajectories in indigenous Chinese women through the ovarian aging process from 10 years before the final menstrual period (FMP) to 20 years after. Methods: A prospective community-based longitudinal cohort study of 362 Chinese middle-aged women with a clearly determined FMP was performed. Results: FSH and E2 trajectories were identified according to years from FMP and the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10 (STRAW + 10), and further classified by body mass index. E2 decreases relatively steadily from Stage −2 to +1c, while FSH stabilizes quickly from Stage −2 to +1a. Obese women have higher E2 levels and lower FSH levels during menopausal transition, which last for decades after the FMP. There was no obvious decline in FSH levels for at least 20 years after the FMP. Conclusions: The FSH and E2 trajectories in this indigenous Chinese cohort appear similar to those discussed in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, with ethnic differences. STRAW + 10 criteria may be used to ascertain the ovarian aging process in Chinese women. Obese women may experience different levels of hormonal fluctuations during the menopause transition, while FSH levels in all women appear to remain high even at late postmenopause.