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Reproductive Aging

Meaning

Reproductive Aging refers to the inevitable, progressive decline in the biological capacity of the gonads and the associated endocrine axis to maintain fertility and sex hormone production over an individual’s lifespan. This process is distinct in males and females, culminating in menopause in women and a more gradual andropause in men. The decline is characterized by decreased gamete quality, altered hormone secretion patterns, and reduced responsiveness of reproductive tissues to regulatory signals. Understanding these age-related changes is central to fertility preservation and managing age-related hormonal symptoms.