World Menopause Day: How Egg Quality Changes After 40 and What Science Can Do

Introduction

As we celebrate World Menopause Day on October 18th, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how aging impacts women’s health, particularly their fertility. Many women begin considering their fertility options later in life, and understanding the science behind egg quality and menopause can help you make informed decisions.

Egg quality naturally declines after the age of 35, but what does this mean for fertility? And more importantly, what can modern science do to help women over 40 achieve their dream of having a baby in their home?

In this blog, we’ll explore how egg quality changes as you age, the role of menopause in fertility, and how IVF MORE®, an innovative fertility treatment, can help improve your chances of having a child, even after 40.

How Egg Quality Changes After 40

As women age, their egg reserve and the quality of their eggs naturally decline. This process is linked to both the quantity and quality of eggs available for fertilization. But how exactly does this happen?

• The Decline in Egg Quantity:
  A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have. By the time she reaches puberty, she has about 300,000 to 400,000 eggs. However, this number decreases with age. By the time a woman reaches 40, she may have only 10-15% of her original egg reserve left. As a result, fertility decreases, and conception can become more challenging. This decline can cause many women to face issues when trying to conceive, even if they are otherwise healthy.
• The Impact of Age on Egg Quality:
  Egg quality tends to deteriorate as a woman ages, particularly after 35. Older eggs have more genetic abnormalities, which can impact embryo development and lead to issues with implantation or miscarriage. Even though there may still be viable eggs, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases, leading to a lower success rate with natural conception or assisted reproduction. In cases where egg quality is low, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) may be required to improve the chances of success.
• How Menopause Affects Egg Quality:
  Menopause marks the point in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop releasing eggs, and menstrual cycles come to an end. It typically occurs around age 50 but can begin earlier. As menopause approaches, the body’s hormonal fluctuations cause a natural decline in egg quality. During this transition, women may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. While menopause can make it more challenging to conceive naturally, advancements in fertility treatments like IVF MORE® are helping many women overcome these obstacles.

What Happens to Egg Quality During Perimenopause?

The years leading up to menopause are known as perimenopause. This transitional period can begin as early as the mid-40s and lasts several years. During perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate, and ovulation becomes irregular. Even though a woman may still have menstrual cycles, her egg quality may have already declined significantly.

• Irregular Ovulation:
  In perimenopause, women may not ovulate every month. This irregular ovulation can lead to fewer chances of conception because fewer eggs are available for fertilization. Women may notice changes in their menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or shorter cycles, which can complicate efforts to conceive naturally.
• Decreased Hormonal Support:
  As ovarian function declines, the hormones that support ovulation and egg quality (such as estrogen and progesterone) also decrease. This affects the quality of eggs produced during this time, making it more difficult to achieve pregnancy. The hormonal imbalance can also lead to other fertility issues, such as thinning of the uterine lining, which can hinder embryo implantation.

How IVF and IVF MORE® Can Improve Your Chances After 40

So, what can science do to help improve egg quality and increase the chances of having a baby in your home after the age of 40? Modern fertility treatments, like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), have helped countless women around the world fulfill their dreams of parenthood, even after 40.

One breakthrough treatment that is gaining attention is IVF MORE®. This method goes beyond traditional IVF by incorporating advanced techniques designed to improve egg quality and embryo development.

How IVF MORE® Works:

IVF MORE® (Magnetic Ovulatory Restoration) uses cutting-edge technology to enhance egg quality by addressing key factors like cellular health, mitochondrial function, and genetic integrity. The treatment includes:

• Magnetic Field Therapy:
  A key part of IVF MORE® is the use of magnetic fields to stimulate egg maturation and embryo development. This innovative approach helps improve the cellular environment of the egg, promoting better quality and viability for fertilization. By enhancing the egg’s natural environment, IVF MORE® increases the likelihood of successful embryo development and implantation.
• Regenerative Techniques:
  IVF MORE® also incorporates regenerative medicine, which includes stem cell therapy to rejuvenate eggs, potentially reversing some of the damage caused by aging. This technology has shown promise in improving egg quality, increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization, and reducing the risk of miscarriage. Regenerative techniques help rejuvenate older eggs by restoring their vitality, giving women over 40 a better chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
• Personalized Treatment Plans:
  Every woman’s fertility journey is unique, and IVF MORE® offers personalized care to address the specific needs of women over 40. Whether it’s hormonal support, egg retrieval, or advanced embryo selection, IVF MORE® tailors the treatment to optimize the chances of success. Your fertility journey will be customized based on your medical history, egg quality, and personal goals.

What Other Fertility Options Exist for Women Over 40?

Aside from IVF MORE®, there are other fertility treatments and strategies that may improve your chances of having a baby after 40:

• Egg Freezing (Oocyte Cryopreservation):
  Women who are not ready to conceive at a younger age but want to preserve their fertility for later can consider freezing their eggs. This allows them to store high-quality eggs for future use, giving them the option to undergo IVF using their frozen eggs when they’re ready to start a family. Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for women who want to delay childbirth.
• Egg Donation:
  In cases where egg quality has declined significantly, women can opt for egg donation. Donated eggs from younger women can be fertilized and implanted in the recipient’s uterus, increasing the chances of pregnancy. Egg donation is a viable option for women over 40 who want to pursue IVF but may not have sufficient egg quality for successful fertilization.
• Hormonal Support and Lifestyle Changes:
  Improving your overall health by maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, and using supplements that promote reproductive health can support fertility as you age. Additionally, hormone therapy can help regulate ovulation and improve egg quality. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding toxins, can also improve your fertility potential as you approach your 40s.

Conclusion

As we mark World Menopause Day, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with aging and fertility. But thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, including treatments like IVF MORE®, there are now more options than ever before to improve your chances of having a baby in your home, even after 40.

While egg quality naturally declines with age, the combination of personalized care, regenerative techniques, and cutting-edge technology offers hope to women who wish to grow their families later in life. If you’re over 40 and looking to start or expand your family, there’s never been a better time to explore your fertility options.Interested in learning more about how IVF MORE® can help improve egg quality and increase your chances of having a baby? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your fertility options with Ingenes.