CHANGES OF OVARIAN HORMONAL FUNCTION WITH AGING

Striking changes of ovarian function occur with aging. These changes b egin subtly with reductions of fecundability being observed after age 25. The transition from reproductive to postreproductive life is chara cterized by menstrual irregularity including anovulation, or short lut eal phases. The most prominent hormonal changes at the menopause are d rastic reductions of estradiol and progesterone secretion by the ovary , reflecting the cessation of folliculogenesis and ovulation. Elevatio ns of gonadotropins and reduction of inhibin levels also reflect the l oss of folliculogenesis and ovulation. There are accompanying decrease s of ovarian androgen secretion; however, the postmenopausal gonad dir ectly secretes more testosterone after, than before, the menopause.