Post-Reproductive Survival refers to the period of life that extends beyond the cessation of reproductive capacity, a distinct biological phase observed across various species, notably in human females following menopause. In an evolutionary context, this period challenges traditional models of natural selection but is clinically significant as it defines the longevity and healthspan trajectory of a substantial portion of the adult population. It is inextricably linked to the decline in sex steroid hormones.
Origin
This term is primarily derived from evolutionary biology and demographic studies, seeking to explain the extended lifespan of humans and certain mammals past the reproductive years. In the hormonal health domain, it specifically refers to the biological and clinical management of the systemic changes initiated by gonadal senescence.
Mechanism
The onset of this phase is marked by the significant decline in gonadal hormone production (estrogen and progesterone in females, andropause in males), which had previously exerted protective and regulatory effects across multiple organ systems. The mechanism of survival relies on the adaptive capacity of the non-reproductive systems, but the loss of hormonal signaling accelerates age-related processes, including bone density loss, cardiovascular risk, and cognitive decline, making hormonal intervention a central clinical consideration.
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