Ovarian and hypothalamic aging

Female reproductive aging is a complex process that involves all organs of reproductive axis, from hypothalamus to the ovaries. Although life expectancy almost doubled during the last century, the reproductive life span remained relatively constant. Oocyte attrition leading to loss of ovarian function has been viewed as the hallmark of reproductive aging leading to menopause; however, recent evidence suggests both hypothalamus and pituitary may play an active role in reproductive senescence. Yet, the mechanisms governing reproductive senescence are largely unknown. This chapter focuses on the physiology of reproductive aging, both at the hypothalamic-pituitary and the ovarian level.