As I understand it, (which is why I’m asking because I’m sure I’m missing something), the bleeding phase of a menstrual cycle is triggered by lowered estrogen levels. So, low estrogen = bleeding. Why then, in menopause, which is characterized by low estrogen, do women not bleed 24/7 for the rest of their lives?
In the same vein, why is perimenopause associated with skipping bleeding phases rather than having more constant bleeding?
In: Biology
key word = lowered. not low. Low implies lower than normal. After menopause your ovaries don’t produce estrogen because there’s no longer a point. You bleed during your menstrual cycle not directly due to low estrogen, but because your body producing less estrogen is a signal to end the cycle (you didn’t get pregnant) so now we have to expel (bleed) the uterine wall that your body just built up to grow a baby.
post menopause you don’t have a cycle so there’s nothing to get rid of. you could still have bleeding but it wouldn’t be the same. It would be more indicative of an issue (which could be a hormonal one).
but low/lowered estrogen levels are relative. after menopause your lower levels are normal.
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