Key findings:

• Levels of key reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, and estrone) followed patterns seen in earlier studies.
• Testosterone and androstenedione (both related to male and female hormone balance) dropped slightly (about 16–18%) around menopause and continued to decline, reaching a 30% decrease after three years.
• Another hormone, DHEA, and its sulfate form (DHEA(S)), did not change significantly at menopause but slowly declined by about 20% over the study period. However, there was a temporary rise in DHEA(S) just before menopause.
• A year after menopause, there was a strong connection between levels of estrone and androstenedione, suggesting a shift in how hormones interact post-menopause.

The implications of this study are important for understanding hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, which can influence both experiences and long-term wellness. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Confirmation of Hormonal Shifts

The study reinforces that FSH and LH levels rise, while estrogen levels drop as menopause approaches — consistent with past research. However, it also provides new insights into other hormone changes.

2. Decline in Testosterone & Androstenedione

• These hormones, which contribute to muscle mass, libido, and overall energy, decline significantly around menopause and continue to drop over time.
• This may explain why some women notice changes in sex drive, energy levels, or body composition after menopause.

3. Gradual Decline in DHEA & DHEA(S)

• Since DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, its slow decline over time may contribute to reduced hormone production in postmenopausal women.
• The temporary increase in DHEA(S) before menopause suggests the body may attempt to compensate for declining estrogen levels before ultimately decreasing over time.

4. The Link Between Estrone & Androstenedione

• Estrone (a weaker form of estrogen) is the dominant estrogen after menopause. Its correlation with androstenedione suggests that, even after menopause, the body continues working to maintain some level of hormone balance.
• This highlights how the body shifts its reliance on different hormones after menopause — an important consideration for anyone navigating this transition with a healthcare provider.

5. Practical Implications for Women's Health

• Understanding these hormonal changes can help women and healthcare providers anticipate experiences like fatigue, mood shifts, and changes in metabolism.
• Many women choose to work with their provider to explore what wellness support looks like for them during this transition — individual needs vary, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
• Staying active and nourishing your body well are important parts of supporting overall wellness during hormonal transitions. Long-term shifts in hormones are worth discussing with a knowledgeable provider who can look at your full picture.

This study helps refine our understanding of how hormones shift over time, rather than in a sudden drop — which can guide better conversations between women and their healthcare teams about perimenopause and postmenopause.

View the study: A prospective long-term study in women from pre-menopause to post-menopause: changing profiles of gonadotrophins, oestrogens and androgens — ScienceDirect