[The pre-climacteric patient].

In spite of menstrual bleedings during premenopause FSH-concentration in blood increases significantly, however, without reaching post-menopausal amounts. Sometimes it is correlated with climacteric symptoms. FSH increases already 10 years before menopause, whereas LH does not change. Responsible for that is the partial reduction of follicular function, especially the loss of inhibin. Just during this time contraception is very important. Sometimes a therapy with sex steroids is necessary.