Prospectively measured levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and the dimeric inhibins during the menopausal transition in a population-based cohort of women

Abstract

The aims of this study were: 1) to describe, in relation to the date of final menses, the average hormone levels of women in the years before and after this date and to determine the extent to which these average levels were dependent on age and body mass index (BMI); and 2) to determine the degree of tracking in residual hormone levels [i.e., the extent to which individuals above (below) the mean for their age or time relative to final menstrual period (FMP) and BMI remain above (below) the mean as time progresses]. Serial levels of serum FSH, circulating estradiol (E2), and the dimeric inhibins (INH) A and B were measured annually in 150 women who experienced a natural menopause during 6 y..