Afaxys Candid Conversations in Public Health Episode 8
Ovarian Aging: Bench Science Meets Clinical Medicine
In our eighth episode of Afaxys Candid Conversations in Public Health, we discuss ovarian aging—a topic currently receiving attention in both scientific research communities as well as in social media discussions. This unique episode brings together a basic science researcher, Dr. Francesca Duncan, and a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist, Dr. Stephanie Estes, for a fascinating discussion of bench-science-meets-clinical-practice. We delve into new research on ovarian aging, focusing on how fibrosis and inflammation in ovarian tissue affect egg quality and quantity, which could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. We also discuss the clinical continuum of ovarian aging and how this impacts fertility and Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome (formerly known as PCOS).
Dr. Francesca Duncan earned her doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and completed post-doctoral fellowships in reproductive science and medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and at Northwestern University. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University where she holds the Thomas J. Watkins Memorial Professorship in Reproductive Science. She co-directs the Center for Reproductive Science and is the faculty director for the Master of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine program at Northwestern. She is also an Associate Professor in Residence at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in the Center for Healthy Aging in Women. Dr. Duncan leads a research program focused on understanding the cellular mechanisms of how aging – both physiologic and iatrogenic – impacts reproductive potential at the levels of the gamete and ovary. Dr. Duncan co-chaired the 2025 NIA Workshop: Sex Differences Impacting Human Health Across the Lifespan and has co-organized the Reproductive Aging Conference since 2022.
Dr. Stephanie Estes is a double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). She is Professor in the REI division at Penn State Health in Hershey, PA. As an infertility specialist, she works to understand and assist women throughout their lifespan to work towards their fertility goals. She has a love for reproductive surgery from residency to fellowship at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston and to her career as a reproductive surgeon. Her interests also include PMOS (formerly PCOS) and development of new treatments for infertility in this setting. From being a prior Robotics Director for 15+ years to research related to endometriosis, fibroids and PMOS, Dr. Estes thrives on innovation. Her role in the Society of Reproductive Surgeons brings together reproductive surgical management and fertility and education for future physicians. She manages complex infertility patients with a variety of diagnoses to work through the fertility journey.
Disclosures
Dr. Estes is a principal investigator associated with the May Health Study, which applies to PMOS.
Dr. Duncan has a sponsored research agreement with Merck, has served on advisory boards for Merck and Ovelle, and has consulting agreements with Nestle.
Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Opinions are those of the speakers and not necessarily of Afaxys.