Every October 18th we celebrate World Menopause Day—a date promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Menopause Society to talk about a natural, though sometimes overlooked, stage in women’s lives.
Throughout history, menopause has been associated with the end of a cycle, the onset of aging, or the loss of fertility. But what lies behind these myths? How do women experience this transition today when scientific advances allow us to rethink many of these ideas?
At Ingenes, with 20 years of experience helping couples fulfill their dream of becoming parents, we know that menopause doesn’t have to mean the end of your motherhood desires. Here we explain what menopause really is, how it influences fertility and, most importantly, what alternatives exist if you want to become a mother after 40. Before making any decisions, consult a specialist in assisted reproduction.
What is menopause and what triggers it?
Menopause is the moment when a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods. It is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation and without any other medical cause. This change occurs due to the natural decline in ovarian function: estrogen and progesterone production decreases and egg release ceases.
Key facts:
- Average age of menopause: 45–55 years.
- Premature menopause: before age 40.
- 1 in 100 women under 40 experiences early menopause.
The most common symptoms during menopause
Each woman experiences menopause differently, but the most frequent symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness and loss of bone density. There may also be changes in weight or metabolism. Recognizing these signs helps you address them early.
- Changes in menstrual frequency and duration
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Mood swings, irritability or anxiety
- Reduced sexual desire and vaginal dryness
- Loss of bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
How does menopause affect my fertility?
During perimenopause hormone levels fluctuate and ovarian reserve declines: egg quality and quantity decrease, cycles become irregular and chances of natural pregnancy drop. Once menopause is reached, ovulation stops and conception is only possible with medical intervention.
If you’re considering motherhood at an older age, consult a specialist in assisted reproduction before deciding on any treatment.
Assisted reproduction options after menopause
Thanks to assisted reproductive technology (ART), becoming a mother after menopause is possible. Alternatives include:
- IVF with donor eggs: donor eggs fertilized with partner or donor sperm and transferred to your uterus, with estrogen and progesterone support to prepare the uterine lining.
- Previously cryopreserved eggs or embryos: if you vitrified during your reproductive years, you can use your eggs or embryos in an IVF cycle.
- Innovative techniques (e.g., IVF MORE®): at Ingenes we combine cytoplasmic transfer, magnetic field stimulation and regenerative medicine to reactivate ovarian function in early perimenopause.
Each plan is personalized according to your health status. Uterine preparation and medical monitoring ensure safety and efficacy.
Risks of conceiving after menopause
Becoming pregnant after 40 or postmenopausally carries higher risks of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and cesarean delivery. A comprehensive medical evaluation helps reduce these complications. At Ingenes we perform a detailed medical history, hormonal profile and pelvic ultrasound.
How to care for your emotional well-being during menopause
Menopause can bring feelings of loss, release or uncertainty—especially if you still want to be a mother. Psychological support is essential. Our programs include counseling to manage anxiety, mood changes and the emotional impact of infertility.
World Menopause Day invites us to break down stigmas and make informed decisions. You are not alone and there are paths tailored to you.
For a comprehensive view of your reproductive health visit our article on World Sexual Health Day: A Holistic View of Wellness and Fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause and Fertility
1. Can symptoms be managed naturally?
Yes. Lifestyle modifications—moderate exercise (150 min/week), a diet rich in phytoestrogens (soy, flaxseed) and stress-reduction techniques (yoga, meditation)—help balance hormones. Adequate calcium intake (1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day) maintain bone health. For severe symptoms, hormone therapy may be necessary, always under medical supervision.
2. Is it too late to freeze eggs after 40?
Freezing is most effective before 35, but can be useful up to age 42. Success rates decrease with age due to ovarian reserve and egg quality. An antral follicle count ultrasound and evaluation by a reproductive endocrinologist will guide your options.
3. What emotional support is recommended?
Menopause and fertility treatments can impact mental health. Psychological therapy, support groups and mind-body therapies offer strategies to manage anxiety and stress. CBT and mindfulness have shown benefits in clinical studies.
At Ingenes we integrate emotional care at every stage so you feel supported.
4. How long does it take to achieve pregnancy with IVF and donor eggs?
An IVF cycle with donor eggs lasts between 4 and 6 weeks. Endometrial preparation with estrogen and progesterone takes 14–21 days and the pregnancy test is done 10–12 days after transfer. Success rates are around 60–70% per cycle in women under 50.
Sources Consulted
- National Library of Medicine. (2021). Menopause: Overview and Management. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/menopause.html
- North American Menopause Society. (2017). The 2017 hormone therapy position statement. Menopause, 24(7), 728–753. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000921
- World Health Organization. (2020). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: WHO.
- ESHRE Guideline Group on Good Clinical Practice. (2019). Management of women with early menopause. Human Reproduction, 34(6), 1109–1124. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dey351
Remember that each story is unique. If you want to answer your questions or explore options, consult a fertility specialist. We’re here to accompany you on this journey.