Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, which is characterized by irregular periods as ovarian function declines.
During perimenopause, ovulation may occur but becomes increasingly irregular. As a woman approaches menopause, fewer eggs are released and there may be months with no ovulation at all. However, ovulation is still possible until menopause is complete and periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months.
Key points:
- Perimenopause refers to the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially begins 12 months after a woman's last period
- Ovulation becomes irregular during perimenopause but can still occur
- Once menopause occurs, ovulation stops completely
Can ovulation occur during perimenopause?
Yes,
ovulation may continue to occur during the perimenopausal transition, although it becomes increasingly irregular. Here's some more detail:
- Hormone levels fluctuate widely, which causes irregular cycles
- Some cycles may have no ovulation, while others ovulation occurs unexpectedly
- The closer to menopause, the lower the chances of ovulation
- Pregnancy is still possible if ovulation occurs, although fertility is reduced
What impacts ovulation leading up to menopause?
There are several key factors that impact ovulation during the transition to menopause:
- Declining ovarian reserve: Fewer eggs remain in the ovaries, making ovulation less likely
- Fluctuating FSH levels: FSH is released to stimulate ovaries; excessive levels can impact regular ovulation
- Lower estrogen and progesterone levels: These hormones work together to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation
The team of doctors at
Hormone Harmony Clinic specializes in hormone-related issues surrounding perimenopause and menopause. We provide individualized care including:
- Hormone testing to understand your current hormone levels
- Lifestyle recommendations to ease menopausal symptoms
- Hormone therapy if needed to get hormone levels optimized
We understand this transition can be difficult to navigate.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
When does ovulation completely stop?
- Ovulation stops completely once a woman reaches menopause, defined as 12 months without a period
- After 12 months without a period, she can be considered in menopause
- At this point the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, so ovulation is no longer possible
What happens to hormone levels at menopause?
The major hormones impacted at menopause are estrogen and progesterone. Here's an overview:
- Estrogen levels sharply decrease as ovarian function declines
- Progesterone levels become very low since no ovulation is occurring
- FSH remains elevated as the body tries to stimulate ovulation that can no longer occur
Can you get pregnant after menopause starts?
- Once a woman has officially reached menopause, the likelihood of pregnancy is extremely low
- There have been rare reports of unexpected pregnancy during menopause
- But after 12 months without a period, pregnancy cannot occur without medical intervention like egg donation
When to see your doctor:
See your doctor or visit
Hormone Harmony Clinic if:
- Irregular cycles persist for more than 3 months
- You have severe hot flashes, night sweats or other disruptive symptoms
- You have concerns about perimenopausal or menopausal changes
We provide compassionate care for all women throughout the menopausal transition.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and have any questions answered.