A 52-year-old woman presents with amenorrhoea and vasomotor symptoms. Her hormonal profile shows low estradiol, elevated FSH, and elevated LH. Which additional finding is characteristic of the postmenopausal state?

• A Elevated serum inhibin B
• B Increased estrone production from peripheral aromatisation of adrenal androgens ✓
• C Elevated anti-Mullerian hormone levels
• D Increased ovarian testosterone secretion

Explanation

After ovarian failure, estradiol falls markedly, but the postmenopausal ovary and adrenal gland still produce androstenedione, which is converted to estrone in adipose tissue by aromatase. Estrone therefore becomes the predominant circulating estrogen. Inhibin B and AMH both fall to undetectable levels because they depend on growing follicles, which is exactly why FSH rises through loss of negative feedback.

Reference: Williams Gynecology, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.