During the first few years after menopause, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are normally extremely high. A 56-year-old woman completed menopause 3 years ago. However, she is found to have low levels of FSH in her blood. Which of the following is the best explanation for this finding?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: She has been receiving hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progesterone since she completed menopause. Hormone replacement therapy suppresses the release of FSH by providing exogenous hormones, thereby reducing the body's need to produce FSH. This explains the low levels of FSH in her blood despite being postmenopausal.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Her adrenal glands continue to produce estrogen - Adrenal glands do produce small amounts of estrogen, but not in sufficient quantities to significantly impact FSH levels.
C: Her ovaries continue to secrete estrogen - Ovaries cease estrogen production after menopause, so this would not explain the low FSH levels.
D: She took birth control pills for 20 years before menopause - Birth control pills do not directly impact FSH levels in postmenopausal women.