What are the dominant symptoms during the late menopausal transition?

• A. Urogenital atrophy
• B. Depression
• C. Hypertension
• D. Vasomotor symptoms

Answer: (D)

Vasomotor symptoms arise from estrogen withdrawal disrupting the hypothalamic body-temperature control. In the late menopausal transition, these hot flashes and night sweats are the most prominent and troublesome signs for many women, reflecting ongoing hormonal fluctuations as the body moves toward postmenopause. Urogenital atrophy and related vaginal or urinary symptoms tend to become more noticeable after the final menstrual period, once estrogen deficiency persists, so they’re less characteristic of the late transition itself. Mood changes or high blood pressure can occur with aging but do not define this particular stage.