Understand the process of oogenesis, which is the formation and development of the female gametes, or ova.
Recognize that oogenesis begins during fetal development. This is when primordial germ cells differentiate into oogonia.
Learn that oogonia undergo mitosis to increase in number and then begin meiosis, but pause at prophase I, forming primary oocytes.
Note that these primary oocytes remain arrested in prophase I until puberty, when hormonal changes trigger the continuation of meiosis during each menstrual cycle.
Remember that menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, and oogenesis effectively ceases as the supply of oocytes is depleted.