Aging is a natural process characterized by a gradual decline in body functions and an increasing vulnerability to disease. Among organs, the ovary, which plays a key role in female reproduction and hormone production, ages faster than most other organs. This often contributes to concerns about fertility and overall health. Ovarian aging is primarily associated with a decrease in the number and quality of oocytes (oocytes), and this process is influenced by various factors.

In the recently published and read for you Technical article Not only is it explained what is meant by ovarian aging, there are also some promising ways to delay the aging process discussed.

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What is ovarian aging?

Ovarian aging is the natural decline in the number of oocytes and fertility associated with changes in hormone levels goes hand in hand. Women are born with a certain number of follicles (small structures that contain egg cells). As we age, the number of these follicles decreases continuously, resulting in Menopause , the point at which a woman can no longer become pregnant naturally.

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From the age of 35, the number of follicles and the quality of the eggs decrease sharply, and the average age for the menopause is 50-52 years. However, in some cases, women experience premature ovarian failure (ovarian failure), i.e. failure of ovarian function before the age of 40 years. This may be due to genetic factors, lifestyle, or treatments such as chemotherapy. The effects of ovarian aging go beyond fertility and result in a hormonal imbalance that affects other body systems, such as skin, bones, cardiovascular system, and even mental health.

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Signs of ovarian aging

The most common signs of ovarian aging are

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• Menstrual cycle changes:
  Irregular menstrual periods, abnormal bleeding, or the complete absence of menstruation.

• Decreased fertility:
  Difficulty getting pregnant or increased risk of miscarriage.

• Other health consequences:
  estrogen deficiency leading to symptoms such as dry skin, osteoporosis, hot flashes, sleep disorders and causes mood swings.

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The paper presents some promising strategies for slowing down or controlling ovarian aging.

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Interventions to delay ovarian aging

1. Dietary measures: calorie restriction and fasting

Research suggests that reducing calorie intake While eating a balanced diet, it could slow down the aging process and improve overall health. In animal experiments, it has been found that a calorie restriction results in fewer eggs being lost. As a result, menopause could be delayed. Another option is that intermittent fasting, i.e. alternating eating and fasting. This is obviously a more sustainable way to achieve similar benefits.

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2. The growth hormone (GH) /insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis

The GH/IGF-1 axis is important in how our bodies grow, move and age. Growth hormone levels are highest during adolescence and then slowly decline as we age. New studies suggest that healthy IGF-1 levels could protect the ovaries. It apparently ensures that the eggs retain their quality and that the ovaries do not age prematurely. This signaling path is also responsible for regulating hormone production. And this in turn is important for fertility and overall reproductive health.

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3. mTOR signaling path

The mTOR signaling path is an important regulator of how fast cells grow and how they utilize their energy. It is also responsible for maintaining ovarian follicles by influencing their activation and growth. If this signaling path is too active, the ovary ages faster. Research is currently investigating whether drugs that influence the mTOR signaling pathway are suitable for slowing down ovarian aging process.

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4. AMPK and sirtuins: energy and stress response pathways

AMPK and sirtuins are enzymes that help the body cope with energy and stress. AMPK activates cellular processes such as autophagy, which removes damaged cells to maintain healthy tissue. Sirtuins also promote cell repair and protect against aging. Certain natural compounds, such as resveratrol, which is found in red wine, activate these signaling pathways and could prove promising for delaying aging, including ovarian aging.

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5. Stem cell therapy

Stem cells, which can develop into different cell types, are now being investigated to see whether they can rejuvenate old ovaries again. Experiments with animals and humans have shown that stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord can improve ovarian function. These therapies could therefore help rebalance hormone levels, make more eggs available and alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, stem cell therapies are not yet sufficiently sophisticated that they can already be used. In the future, however, this could be a way to delay ovarian aging and improve fertility.

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6. Cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue

Cryopreservation, i.e. the freezing of eggs or ovarian tissue, is a proven method for women who want to delay the birth of a child or want to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy. Freezing eggs at a young age helps to maintain a woman's fertility and thus have biological children later in life. However, cryopreservation can also preserve ovarian function and delay menopause by transplanting the tissue back into the body at a later date.

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Ovarian aging is a complex process that affects every woman. However, thanks to advances in science and medicine, there are now several promising strategies to delay ovarian aging, protect fertility, and promote women's overall health. Now more than ever, women can decide for themselves which treatments they seek to protect their fertility and extend their fertility window.

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Research is working to make these measures easier and more effective, which is good news for all women who want to do something about ovarian aging.