A 55-year-old woman is seen by her physician and is told that she is currently going through menopause when he identifies that she has an elevation of FSH on her laboratory results. The patient has many questions and concerns, and the physician asks the nurse to provide education for the patient.

1. The patient first asks the nurse why the elevation of FSH is important. In answering the question for the patient, use the concept of negative feedback.

2. The patient states she has had hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and increased emotional lability. Describe why the patient would have these clinical manifestations during menopause.