What is the most significant factor contributing to menopausal symptoms?

The most significant factor contributing to menopausal symptoms is the decrease in estrogen. As women approach menopause, there is a notable decline in the levels of estrogen produced by the ovaries. Estrogen plays a critical role in many bodily functions, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle, temperature control, and the maintenance of vaginal and bladder health. The reduction of this hormone is directly linked to the onset of various menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

While testosterone, progesterone, and androstenedione also fluctuate during menopause, they do not have as profound an effect on the array of symptoms typically experienced during this transitional phase as the decrease in estrogen does. Thus, understanding the primacy of estrogen reduction helps in managing and treating menopausal symptoms effectively.