Ovarian physiology and short-term effects of the menopause

Abstract

Ovarian anatomy and physiology undergo a continuum of significant changes starting from the embryonal stage, followed by the fetal development and later on throughout a woman's life. These ovarian changes influence steroidogenesis during the reproductive life and later during the menopause. The changes in the ovaries during the menopause impact on steroidogenesis to the extent that even in the short-term women experience significant symptoms during the climacteric. These symptoms range from vasomotor instability, complaints related to urogenital atrophy and consequently having a bearing on the quality of life of the woman.