What hormone's production decreases during menopause due to reduced ovarian follicles?

The correct response is that estradiol's production decreases during menopause because as women age, the number of functioning ovarian follicles declines. Estradiol is one of the primary forms of estrogen produced by the ovaries, and it plays a critical role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining various bodily functions. As the ovarian follicles diminish, there is a corresponding drop in the secretion of estradiol, leading to the symptoms often associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in mood.

The decline in estradiol levels is chiefly responsible for the physiological changes that mark the transition into menopause. While progesterone also decreases during menopause, the significant change in estradiol levels is typically highlighted due to its prominent effects on women's health.

Testosterone is present in females and produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands; however, its levels do not drop as dramatically as estradiol during menopause. Oxytocin is a hormone associated with childbirth and lactation but is not directly influenced by the decline in ovarian follicle numbers or menopause. Thus, the decrease in estradiol is the primary hormonal change during this life transition.