The ageing female reproductive axis I

Abstract

The female reproductive axis includes the hypothalamo-pituitary unit, the ovaries and the uterus. While changes in the brain may contribute to reproductive ageing, the major focus of current research is on the ovary, where the progressive loss of follicles ultimately leads to absent follicular function and consequent permanent cessation of menstruation, the menopause. The pituitary gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone, stimulate ovarian secretion of oestradiol and the inhibins from follicular granulosa cells, and androgens from interstitial cells, including the theca. A primary event in the ageing of the reproductive axis appears to be a decline in the se..