Menopause and female fertility loss

Physiological

Gender

Male

Data Availability

Period at which this change occurs is not accurately known

Tissues

  • female reproductive system Changes ⇩
  • endocrine system Changes ⇩

References

Referencing provided by LibAge

External Links

Description

For the first few years after menarche the menses tends to be irregular. Thereafter and throughout the middle reproductive years, cycles are regular, although they become progressively shorter with advancing age primarily owing to a shortening of follicular phase. In the 2-8 year period preceding the menopause, cycles again become highly variable, ranging from very short to very long. Fertility begins to decline many years prior to onset of irregular menses, being maximum in mid- to late twenties and decreasing steadily until menopause. Age-associated alterations in ovary, neuroendocrine system and uterus may all influence changing pattern of menses as well as declining fertility. The follicle number declines with age.

Relationships