What is meant by the term “lifetime ovary exposure”?

“Lifetime ovary exposure” refers to the number of years that a female has intact ovaries. In our study, lifetime ovary exposure means how long dogs keep their ovaries. Longer lifetime ovary exposure translates into a longer period of time in which the female is under the influence of ovarian products, such as estrogen. The term most frequently used in the medical literature to describe intact ovaries in women is “lifetime estrogen exposure.” We refrain from using this term because we recognize that the effects of ovaries on healthy longevity may not be mediated solely by the estrogens that ovaries produce. Therefore, we prefer the term “lifetime ovary exposure” in our longevity studies.