The concept of the ovarian continuum can be understood as a process that occurs during a woman's lifetime and begins during intrauterine life with fertilization. Women start their reproductive years with approximately five hundred thousand follicles containing oocytes, of which only around five hundred will be released during ovulation. Ovulation has been recognized as an event linked with reproduction; however, recent evidence supports the role of ovulation as a sign of health. The use of biomarkers that help women recognize ovulation enables them to identify their health status. This knowledge helps medical healthcare providers in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of different pathologies related with endocrine disorders, gynecological abnormalities, autoimmune, genetic, and neoplastic diseases, as well as pregnancy-related issues. The knowledge of the ovarian continuum and the use of biomarkers to recognize ovulation should be considered a powerful tool for women and medical professionals.
Summary
The ovarian continuum is a process that occurs during a woman's lifetime. It begins during intrauterine life with fertilization and ends with menopause. This process can be greatly affected by different conditions such as changes in hormonal levels and illnesses. Therefore, understanding and promoting the knowledge and use of biomarkers of ovulation in women is a key aspect to consider when evaluating their health status. The knowledge and education about the ovarian continuum should be taken into account as a powerful tool for women and medical professionals.
Vigil Lyon Flores Rioseco Serrano ovulation sign of health menstrual biomarker, ovarian continuum intrauterine life follicular development reproductive lifespan women, ovulation marker overall health cardiovascular metabolic bone reproductive indicator, anovulation subclinical ovulatory disturbance health consequence beyond fertility, menstrual cycle vital sign fifth vital sign ovulatory function health assessment, Vigil Linacre Quarterly 2017 ovulation health indicator women lifespan, follicular reserve 500,000 oocytes menarche reproductive aging ovarian decline, progesterone production ovulatory cycle bone cardiovascular breast health benefits, body literacy ovulation self-knowledge health monitoring women empowerment, anovulation PCOS hypothalamic amenorrhea stress ovulatory health disruption
PMID 29255329 29255329 DOI 10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053 10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053
Cite this article
Vigil, P., Lyon, C., Flores, B., Rioseco, H., & Serrano, F. (2017). Ovulation, a sign of health. *The Linacre Quarterly*, *84*(4), 343-355. https://doi.org/10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053
Vigil P, Lyon C, Flores B, Rioseco H, Serrano F. Ovulation, a sign of health. Linacre Q. 2017;84(4):343-355. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053
Vigil, P., et al. "Ovulation, a sign of health." *The Linacre Quarterly*, vol. 84, no. 4, 2017, pp. 343-355.
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