Which hormone decreases significantly during menopause?

During menopause, the ovaries significantly decrease their production of oestrogen, which is the primary female sex hormone. This decline in oestrogen levels leads to various physiological changes in the body, such as the cessation of menstrual cycles and the onset of menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in bone density. Oestrogen is crucial for numerous functions beyond reproductive health, affecting cardiovascular health, skin elasticity, and overall well-being.

While progesterone also decreases during menopause, it is the drop in oestrogen that is most pronounced and is a hallmark of this transition. Testosterone levels do not decrease significantly during menopause, and insulin, which regulates blood sugar, does not see a direct decline related to the menopausal process like oestrogen does. Thus, the significant decrease in oestrogen during menopause is a key factor that contributes to the various changes women experience during this stage of life.