Post-menopausal uterus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the lining (endometrium) of the post-menopausal uterus of a 69 year old woman. The menopause is the end of the fertile period of a woman's life, caused by ceased production of the hormone oestrogen. Many microvilli (cell projections) and microplicae (small ridges) are seen on the cells. Microplicae are characteristic features of the menopause. The large pink cells may have retained some proliferative activity from before the menopause. The menopause can cause vaginal dryness, loss of libido and anxiety. Magnification: x1500 at 6x7cm size.