Life Cycle of the Female Reproductive System

Hello, dear readers! Today, we will talk about the life cycle of the female reproductive system and how hormonal processes unfold from childhood to old age.

What is Ovarian Reserve?

Every girl is born with already developed ovaries containing millions of eggs. This ovarian reserve is depleted throughout life and is not replenished. By the time of puberty, a significant portion of the eggs is lost.

Puberty and Menarche

At the age of 12-13 years, menarche occurs—the first menstruation, marking the beginning of puberty. At this moment, secondary sexual characteristics begin to develop in girls:

• Increase in breast size.
• Appearance of hair in the pubic area and underarms.
• Changes in body structure.

Menstruation indicates that the reproductive system has begun functioning.

Hormonal Changes and Menstrual Cycle

In the first year after menarche, the menstrual cycle in girls may be unstable. Ovulation and egg maturation occur irregularly. However, after a year, the menstrual cycle stabilizes, signaling that ovarian hormonal function has been established.

Hormonal Disorders

Hormonal disorders may arise during adolescence due to stress, improper diet, and lifestyle. These can affect the menstrual cycle and reproductive function.

Pregnancy and Its Hormonal Support

After pregnancy occurs, the ovaries continue to produce progesterone, which is necessary to maintain the pregnancy. Until the 15th-16th week, the placenta takes over the hormonal function of pregnancy support, allowing the ovaries to rest.

Breastfeeding and Hormones

When a woman is breastfeeding, prolactin levels in the blood rise, suppressing ovulation. This helps the body recover after childbirth and prevents premature pregnancy. However, over time, as prolactin levels decrease, ovulation resumes.

Postmenopause and the End of Reproductive Function

When the eggs in the ovaries are depleted, a woman enters postmenopause. This period begins with the last menstruation and continues until the end of life.

From a scientific perspective, it is currently impossible to restore ovarian reserve or slow its decline, but medical research in this field is constantly evolving.

The Future of Medicine

There is no need to lose hope. The development of medicine gives us confidence that in the future, it may be possible to restore lost reproductive functions.

Conclusion

We hope this information was helpful to you. Understanding the life cycle of the reproductive system will help you take better care of your health.