[Physiopathology of the menopause]

Abstract

The menopause constitutes a considerable physiological alteration for the woman. The pre-menopausal period is essentially marked by luteal failure. The actual menopause, which coincides with the cessation of menstruation, corresponds to disturbance of the hypothalamo-hypophyseo-ovarian axis, of which the most dramatic manifestations are hot flushes and psychiatric disturbances. The post-menopausal period may be marked by peripheral and metabolic disorders.