Context: Variability in the pattern of change in estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels over the menopause transition has not been well-defined.Objective: The current study aimed to determine whether different trajectories of E2 and FSH could be identified.Design: The Study of Womens Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a longitudinal observational study of the menopausal transition with up to 10 annual follow-ups.Setting: Women aged 42-52 years from seven participating sites were recruited.Participants: Women with ≥3d 12 months amenorrhea that was not due to hysterectomy/oophorectomy and who were not using hormone therapy before the final menstrual period (FMP).Main Outcome Measures: Annual serum E2 and FSH levels anchored to FMP.Results: Four distinct E2 trajectories and three distinct FSH trajectories were identified.E2 trajectories were: Slow Decline (26.9%), Flat (28.6%), Low Rise (13.1%), and High Rise (31.5%).FSH trajectories were: Low (10.1%),Medium (48.1%), and High (41.9%) rising patterns.Obesity increased the likelihood to Flat E2 and Low FSH trajectories for all race/ethnic groups.Normal weight Caucasian and African American women tended to follow the High Rise E2 and High FSH trajectories.Normal weight Chinese/Japanese women followed the Slow Declining E2 and the High/Medium FSH trajectories.Conclusions: E2 and FSH trajectories over the menopausal transition are not uniform across women.Obesity and race/ethnicity affects the variation of E2 and FSH changing patterns.