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Longitudinal, epidemiologic studies of female reproductive aging
Author(s) -
Ferrell Rebecca J.,
Sowers MaryFran
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05525.x
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , longitudinal data , longitudinal study , gerontology , biology , medicine , demography , sociology , paleontology , pathology
Human female reproductive aging consists of multiple processes and interacts with other physiological systems in unique ways. Here we discuss eight recent longitudinal, epidemiologic studies of female reproductive aging that include endocrine data to highlight their contributions to our understanding of these various aging processes and their interactions. Specifically, we review data on ovarian and nonovarian reproductive aging processes and reproductive staging. We consider these data in the context of longitudinal research design and research goals, identify limitations of the studies but also ways in which existing longitudinal data can further our understanding of aging processes, and make recommendations for future studies of female reproductive aging.