Summary
Declining egg quantity and quality leads to menopause and falling fertility.
In depth
Ovarian reserve declines; menopause occurs at around 51 when follicles are depleted and oestrogen falls: hot flashes, bone loss. Male fertility declines more gradually. Egg freezing offers a fertility preservation option.
Female fertility falls from the early 30s. Menopause leads to oestrogen deficiency. Hormone therapy relieves symptoms but has risks.
Key idea: egg quality declines with age.
Female fertility falls with age because of declining number and quality of oocytes: from about 37 to 38 years, chromosomal errors in eggs rise, increasing miscarriage and Down syndrome risk. Ovarian reserve can be estimated by anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count.
Menopause, the final menstrual period, averages about 51 years and is diagnosed after 12 months without a period. Falling oestrogen causes hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood changes and accelerated bone loss and cardiovascular risk. Hormone therapy relieves symptoms but has risks. Men have a gradual decline in testosterone and sperm quality, with no sudden end.
Example: women's menopause may have evolved with the grandmother effect.
Frequently asked questions
What is Reproductive Ageing?
Declining egg quantity and quality leads to menopause and falling fertility.
Which area of biology covers Reproductive Ageing, and how advanced is it?
Reproductive Ageing is one of the 54 topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Infertility and IVF, Ovulation, Pregnancy.
Why does Reproductive Ageing matter?
It helps family planning and health in later life.
Can you give an example of Reproductive Ageing?
Oocyte aneuploidy rises steeply after 35.
What should I learn before Reproductive Ageing?
Work through the Beginner topics in Reproduction & Endocrinology first, such as Reproduction, Asexual Reproduction, Sexual Reproduction, then return to Reproductive Ageing. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Reproductive Ageing?
The closest topics to Reproductive Ageing are Infertility and IVF, Ovulation, Pregnancy, Menstrual Cycle. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Reproductive Ageing?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Reproductive Ageing. To practise the whole of Reproduction & Endocrinology, use the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz.
How is Reproductive Ageing different from Infertility and IVF?
Reproductive Ageing: Declining egg quantity and quality leads to menopause and falling fertility. Infertility and IVF: In vitro fertilisation combines egg and sperm outside the body and transfers the embryo to the uterus. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Reproductive Ageing step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Infertility and IVF and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Reproduction & Endocrinology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.