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26 March 2025

Can a woman get pregnant during menopause? Is it possible to have a child during menopause?


26 March 2025
Updates

Menopause is a warning sign before entering postmenopause. Many people may wonder what the difference is between menopause and postmenopause, as the initial symptoms and warning signs are similar. Today, we will answer all the questions about what menopause actually is, whether it’s possible to get pregnant during menopause, and if having children is still possible during postmenopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause, or "the change of life," occurs in women over the age of 40. This is the stage when the ovaries stop functioning, no longer produce sex hormones, and cease producing eggs. Initially, it may cause irregular periods, which gradually become less frequent and eventually stop altogether.

At what age does menopause typically begin?"

Typically, women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. When menstruation has stopped continuously for one year, it is considered to be the permanent onset of menopause.


Symptoms that indicate you are entering menopause

In the beginning, menstruation may be irregular, and other symptoms may occur, such as:

  • Insomnia

  • Mood swings

  • Body and joint aches

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability

  • Osteoporosis

  • High blood cholesterol

Sexual activity during menopause.

When entering menopause, estrogen levels decrease significantly and continuously, which can cause a burning sensation during sexual activity due to vaginal walls and mucous membranes becoming dry, losing elasticity, and producing less lubrication. If you wish to have sexual intercourse, it is recommended to use condoms or lubricating gel to prevent excessive dryness of the vagina.

Can you get pregnant during menopause?

Women in menopause have very little to no chance of becoming pregnant because menstruation indicates the health of the reproductive system. Menstruation occurs due to ovulation, and when there is no fertilization, the lining is shed as menstruation. However, once a woman enters menopause, it means that egg cells are no longer being produced, so the chances of becoming pregnant are almost zero.

Egg freezing: An option for those planning to have children during menopause.

Egg freezing is another option for those planning to have children during menopause. As we know, menopause is a time when getting pregnant becomes very difficult or nearly impossible. However, in today's society, circumstances often force people to wait until menopause to be ready for children. If you know you will have children in your later years, freezing your eggs while you're still young can help.

When you're younger, your body produces high-quality eggs, and by the time you're older and ready to conceive, you can use the eggs frozen in your younger years to increase your chances of pregnancy. In addition to increasing pregnancy chances, egg freezing can also reduce the risk of various conditions in the child, such as autism, cleft lip and palate, and Down syndrome. The cost of egg freezing at Beyond IVF starts at 89,900 THB."



Can women in menopause undergo IVF and ICSI?

If you have just entered menopause or have irregular periods, you should consult a doctor promptly so that they can help plan your treatment. This is important because once your periods stop completely, treatment will no longer be possible, as IVF/ICSI treatments begin on the second day of your menstrual cycle.

However, if you have already reached full menopause (absence of menstruation for one year), IVF/ICSI treatment will not be successful.


Risks of pregnancy during menopause.

Pregnancy during menopause, even through medical methods, still carries various risks that may be higher compared to younger women, such as:

  • Premature birth, low birth weight, and difficult delivery

  • Gestational diabetes, which can cause health problems for both the mother and baby

  • High blood pressure, which requires careful monitoring and may require medication to manage complications

  • Miscarriage or death during childbirth

Foods that should be eaten to help nourish the uterus.

1. Oysters

Rich in zinc, which helps stimulate the production of quality eggs. For those looking for what to eat to improve fertility, oysters are an essential food for uterine health before pregnancy.

2.Pumpkin Seeds

High in iron, which is plant-based and absorbed better than iron from animal sources. It also helps strengthen the uterus, making it an excellent food to nourish the uterus before pregnancy.

3.Eggs

For those planning pregnancy, it is recommended to eat eggs daily, especially duck eggs, one per day. This helps provide protein to nourish and strengthen the eggs, making them ready for pregnancy. It is a highly recommended food for those looking to nourish the uterus before pregnancy.

4.Black Sesame Seeds


Eating black sesame seeds regularly, about 3-4 teaspoons per day, helps relax the body, nourishes the brain, relieves insomnia, and promotes better sleep. This leads to better rest, allowing the body's hormones to function normally. It helps nourish both the eggs and the uterus, making them strong and ready for conception. Additionally, consuming black sesame seeds regularly during pregnancy is also beneficial for the baby in the womb.

5.Soy Milk


Drinking soy milk or soy-based beverages daily increases the chances of pregnancy because soy milk is made from soybeans, which are rich in high-quality protein that helps normalize the body's tissues. It also helps improve skin appearance, nourishes the brain, and enhances memory. Furthermore, it is a great drink during pregnancy to provide extra protein for the baby and reduce the risk of cow milk allergies.

Conclusion

Menopause is the age range when a woman's ovaries stop functioning and produce fewer sex hormones. The age at which menopause typically begins is between 45-55 years. Symptoms indicating that you are entering menopause include insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, body aches, etc.

Once menopause has begun, it is still possible to get pregnant, but medical assistance such as IVF/ICSI may be needed to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Risks associated with pregnancy during menopause include premature birth, diabetes, miscarriage, and more.

If you are in menopause and wish to have children, it is advisable to consult with a doctor to prepare and take care of yourself before pregnancy. If you have any questions, you can inquire further at Line: @beyondivf 

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI