Age at menopause as a marker of reproductive ageing
Te Velde, E.R.; Dorland, M.; Broekmans, F.J.
Maturitas 30(2): 119-125
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-5122 PMID: 9871906 Document Number: 533095
Ages of menopause and of the preceding reproductive events such as the beginning of subfertility and infertility, are likely to be dictated by the process of follicle depletion leading to loss of oocyte quantity and quality. To some extent this process is influenced by lifestyle factors like smoking, and possibly also by the use of oral contraceptives. Genetic factors and possibly also events during intrauterine life, probably play a more important role in the age-dependent decrease of female fertility.