Untersuchungen über Klimakterium und Menopause an Albino-Ratten

Abstract

The functional and morphological senescence of the genital organs has been followed in a population of female rats by daily vaginal smears, histological controls and experimental confirmation of the conclusions resulting from these observations. The post-reproductive period comprising 2 of the 3 years of the rat''s life-span involves a period of persistent estrus and a final phase of anestrus. Both periods are phases of functional hormonal imbalance due to the disturbance of pituitary stimulation which brings about the failure of the cyclic and generative functions of the ovaries prior to the end of their endocrine activity. Not before the last period of life, the senile period, do the genital organs show morphological involution.