Perimenopause - How it Impacts Fertility

Perimenopause is a natural part of aging and includes the years leading up to menopause that could range from two to eight years, plus the first year after a woman’s final period. It’s a transition period that precedes menopause. During this phase, a woman typically experiences the first signs that she is nearing the end of her reproductive years. Perimenopause can begin as early as age 35 or as late as age 60, however it usually begins when women are in their 40s and 50s.

During perimenopause, a woman’s sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) begin to decline, due to which her cycles may become irregular often with wide and unpredictable fluctuations in level leading to diminished fertility levels.

Ovulation also becomes irregular with the ovaries releasing fewer eggs. Diminished ovarian reserve can occur in younger women due to perimenopause. Hence it becomes difficult to become pregnant.

Fertility options for women in the perimenopause stage

FSH

Some women experiencing perimenopause can use follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH to induce ovulation. Those with a good ovarian reserve can use FSH to stimulate ovulation and increase their chances of conception. FSH is often used in combination with IUI.

Clomiphene

Clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug that is often used during IUI procedures to help induce ovulation.

IVF

IVF is a successful fertility treatment option for women facing perimenopause where a fertilized egg is directly placed into the woman’s uterus. Particularly for women under the age of 40, IVF shows high success rates.

Egg Donation

The most effective treatment option for women going through perimenopause is egg donation which involves fertilizing an egg from another woman with the partner’s sperm. The egg is then implanted into the uterus allowing a woman to experience the whole cycle of pregnancy and childbirth.

Fertility-enhancing techniques are discouraged for women older than age 43 years, and are not recommended for women aged 51 years and above.

The most rapid decline in female fertility begins at about age 30–31 which is, on average, 20 years before menopause. This is not a well known fact and hence many women have planned their lives and careers based on the mistaken belief that their fertility will remain normal well into their forties. Age-related uterine changes also contribute to reduced fertility.

In today’s fast-paced, highly competitive lifestyle, it is no surprise that younger and younger women are facing symptoms of hormonal imbalance and perimenopause. So if you want to get pregnant you should see a doctor as soon as possible to preserve fertility in this stage.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California has an experienced team of doctors headed by Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr Ellen Snowden. At the Center, couples get access to the latest technology and comprehensive consultation with fertility specialists. East Bay specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.