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Ovarian Follicular Depletion

Meaning

Ovarian Follicular Depletion is the irreversible, age-related decline in the total number of primordial follicles within the ovaries, which are the functional units containing potential oocytes. This physiological process is the biological determinant of the menopausal transition, as the diminishing pool of follicles leads to decreased production of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. The rate of depletion is highly individualized and dictates the timing of perimenopause and menopause onset.