A female’s reproductive system experiences different stages. Among all those stages, puberty and menopause are the ones that distinguish the beginning and end of the reproductive cycles. Due to these changes, a woman experiences growth and transitions.
[H2] What Is Puberty?
The acquisition of reproductive capability is called puberty. Puberty represents the transition from childhood to adolescents. It is characterized by physical and reproductive maturation. It is attained through a series of physical and hormonal changes.
[H2] Physical and Hormonal Changes During Puberty:
Approximately a year before the first physical changes of puberty, two gonadotropin hormones are secreted from the pituitary gland: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
The rise in FSH stimulates increased estrogen synthesis and oogenesis in females. An increase in LH causes an increase in progesterone production in females. These hormonal changes are actually the cause of the onset of puberty [1].
These changes occur as;
[H3] Thelarche by Gonadotropins:
- The first physical change observed in females is Thelarche (breast budding), the development of breasts.
- Breast buds seem like small mounds with the breast and papilla elevated. During puberty, the rise in ovarian estrogens causes the development of breast composition.
- Breast lobules increase in number due to the high secretion of progesterone. Fat deposition in breasts leads to enhancement of size.
- Breast size and composition are affected by estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
[H3] Hair Growth by Testosterone:
- The second sign of puberty in females is hair growth in the pubic area.
- It is a secondary sexual characteristic controlled by testosterone.
- The hair initially looks sparse, light, and straight. However, it grows coarser, thicker, and darker throughout puberty.
[H3] Menarche by Gonadotropins:
- Menarche is the first menstrual period and indicates the beginning of the menstrual cycles.
- It usually occurs around 2-3 years after Thelarche.
- It is due to the increase in FSH and LH [2].
[H2] What Is Menopause?
Menopause is the reproductive period that marks the end stage of the menstrual cycle. Women experience physical and hormonal changes and no periods during menopause[3].
[H2] Physical And Hormonal Changes During Menopause:
Certain bodily changes occur because as women get older, the ovaries gradually lose their secretory function, and the production of estrogen and progesterone is inhibited. The changes are significant and may result in many bodily transformations [4].
[H3] Hot Flashes And Mood Swings:
- At menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels decrease, impacting other functions of the body.
- Hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, headaches, loss of sleep, fatigue, bone loss, vaginal dryness occur at the onset of menopause.
[H3] Weak Bones:
- Estrogen declination causes osteoporosis which causes the bones to be porous and fragile.
- Estrogen performs many other functions, including preserving bone. But in menopause, estrogen is secreted in fewer amounts, leading to osteoporosis.
[H3] Menstrual Period Disturbance:
- Declination in progesterone levels negatively impacts the menstrual cycle compared to sexual functions.
- During menopause, a lack of progesterone can lead to irregular and heavy periods.
[H2] FAQs:
[H3] 1. What causes pubic hair development in females?
Pubic hair and other male-like characteristics in females are caused by small amounts of a hormone called androgen. Excessive production of this hormone causes ovulatory dysfunction etc.
[H3] 2. Does menopause cause any physical changes in the body?
Yes, menopause does cause physical changes, including breast sagginess, insomnia, night sweats, and even increased vaginal dryness, etc.
References:
- Smith-Rosenberg C. Puberty to Menopause: The Cycle of Femininity in Nineteenth-Century America. Fem Stud 1973;1:58–72. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1566480
- Rogol AD, Roemmich JN, Clark PA. Growth at puberty. J Adolesc Heal 2002;31:192–200. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S1054-139X(02)00485-8.
- Greendale GA, Lee NP, Arriola ER. The menopause. Lancet 1999;353:571–80. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(98)05352-5.
- Elavsky S. Physical activity, menopause, and quality of life: the role of affect and self-worth across time. Menopause 2009;16:265–71. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e31818c0284.