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Related Concept Videos

Menopause01:28

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
Oogenesis01:22

Oogenesis

Oogenesis,  the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...

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The perimenopause and sexual functioning.

Nancy E Avis1, Robin Green

  • 1Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. navis@wakehealth.edu.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|October 4, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Female sexual functioning declines with age, particularly during perimenopause. This study examines how perimenopause and other factors influence sexual health in women.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Women's Health
  • Aging and Sexuality

Background:

  • Sexual functioning is integral to women's quality of life.
  • Age-related changes, including menopause, are often linked to sexual health decline.
  • The specific impact of perimenopause on sexual functioning requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review community-based research on sexual functioning during the perimenopausal transition.
  • To analyze the contributions of perimenopause versus other factors to sexual functioning.
  • To identify key determinants of sexual health in midlife women.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs were utilized.
  • Research focused on community-based cohorts of women.
  • Analysis considered perimenopausal status alongside relationship, psychosocial, and health factors.

Main Results:

  • Sexual functioning shows a decline with increasing age and during the perimenopausal period.
  • Factors such as partner relationship quality, prior sexual enjoyment, psychosocial well-being, and general health significantly impact sexual functioning.
  • The relative contribution of perimenopause to sexual dysfunction is debated and influenced by these other variables.

Conclusions:

  • Perimenopause is a significant period associated with changes in sexual functioning for women.
  • Sexual health is multifactorial, with relationship, psychological, and physical health playing crucial roles.
  • Understanding these diverse factors is essential for supporting women's sexual well-being during midlife.