Menstrual Cycle

• Aging causes gradual decline in number and quality of primordial follicles
• Early sign of reproductive aging is shortening of menstrual cycle by 2 or 3 days due to increased selection of dominant follicle
• Changes to corpus luteum with age leads to increased FSH and Osetrogen leading to mood swings and increased chance of twins
• As reproductive age increases, number of follicles reduces, increasing length and irregularity of cycle
• Oestrogen levels remain in first year of menopause
• Menopausal women have increased levels of FSH and LH as they do not lead to a rise in Oestrogen and Progesterone- elevated level declines with age