Ovarian Hormone Levels in Reproductive SenescenceA) Rodents commonly enter a persistent estrus state during reproductive senescence (estropause), characterized by moderate to high 17β-estradiol levels and moderate progesterone, LH, and FSH levels as a result of disrupted feedback between the ovaries and hypothalamus/pituitary. b) Human reproductive senescence (menopause) is characterized by low, sometimes undetectable, levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone, but increased levels of the gonadotropins, FSH and LH.