From Menopause to Aging: Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Biological Changes

Abstract

Aging is strongly related to the female hormonal status; indeed it is well known how relevant the impact of the hormonal deficiency in the postmenopause is on the general health of the woman. Aging and in particular the menopause transition are associated with the occurrence of the typical symptoms related to estrogen deficiency such as vasomotor, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal symptoms [1–3]. In this period women become markedly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders that, at this moment of women’s life, occur more frequently than in men [4]. With the increase of life expectancy, in 2025 it is expected that there will be more than 1.1 billion in postmenopausal women and most of them will suffer from eating disorders and menopausal-related symptoms (Fig. 2.1).