A 52-year-old woman presents with hot flushes and amenorrhoea for 12 months. Which hormonal profile is characteristic of the postmenopausal state?

• A Elevated FSH, elevated LH, elevated estradiol
• B Low FSH, low LH, low estradiol
• C Low FSH, low LH, elevated estradiol
• D Elevated FSH, elevated LH, low estradiol ✓

Explanation

In menopause, ovarian follicular depletion causes very low estradiol and inhibin, removing negative feedback on the pituitary. FSH rises first (due to loss of inhibin negative feedback), followed by LH. FSH >30 IU/L with low estradiol confirms menopause. Option A describes puberty or exogenous estrogen use. Options C and B do not reflect loss of ovarian negative feedback.

Reference: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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