Study Finds Menopause Symptoms Can Be PredictedThe number of eggs left in a woman's ovaries are like the grains of sand in an hourglass, ticking away the hours on her biological clock.Researchers now say they may be able to predict when that clock will wind down. And while doctors can't actually count the number of eggs in an ovary, they can measure ovarian volume. British researchers say there's a direct correlation between the two, and by measuring ovarian volume with transvaginal ultrasound, doctors should be able to predict when menopause will set in and how many fertile years a woman has left. According to the study authors, this information will revolutionize the care of women looking for assisted reproductive technologies, including those who were treated for childhood cancers as well as women who want to put off starting a family for whatever reason. Although information still needs to be validated in clinical studies, its benefit is most likely to start with women who are being treated for cancer and women attending fertility clinics, said Tom Kelsey, co-author of the study appearing June 17 in the journal Human Reproduction. "If women looking for some sort of assisted conception and their physicians know that they've got a long time till menopause, then you could plan for a range of treatments," said Kelsey, who is a senior research fellow at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. "If you knew menopause was likely in four to five years, you'd plan a different set of IVF [in vitro fertilization] treatments." Others reiterate, however, that the findings should be treated with caution. "Should a young woman who is 30 years old go for a test to figure out whether she's got three, five or 10 years left on her fertility? Should she make career decisions and life decisions? Are these data good enough to make those determinations?" asked Dr. Alan Copperman, director of reproductive medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "The answer is obviously no to all of those questions. The predictive value of this test is not good enough to go and tell someone to change their life." According to the article, eggs form in a female's ovary while she is still in the womb, peaking at several million about halfway through gestation and then starting a continuous decline. At birth, there are several hundred thousand and, when menstruation begins, about 300,000. At about age 37, a woman has about 25,000 eggs left, and at menopause only about 1,000. The time at which menopause sets in is widely believed to be based on the number of eggs reaching a critically low threshold. The authors of this study measured ovarian volume with transvaginal ultrasound, then looked at the relationship between ovarian volume -- ovaries shrink as a woman ages -- and number of eggs. They then applied mathematical and computer models to predict menopause. The study authors are negotiating with a medical school to set up clinical trials. The idea would be to follow women to see if their predictions were indeed correct. While these authors have come up with a tool to potentially help women plan their lives, a second study in the same issue of Human Reproduction warned that women might not want to leave it too late. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) could not be relied upon to fully compensate for lack of natural fertility after the age of 35, the article stated. The authors used a computer simulation model to determine that the overall success rate of assisted reproductive technology would be 30 percent for those attempting to get pregnant from age 30, 24 percent for those trying from age 35, and 17 percent from age 40. SOURCES: Tom Kelsey, Ph.D., senior research fellow, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland; Alan Copperman, M.D., director, reproductive medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York; June 17, 2004, Human Reproduction |
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Are strange cycles perimenopause or breastfeeding? - Fertility This is a discussion on MedHelp about Are strange cycles perimenopause or breastfeeding?. Community members of MedHelp provide help, support, guidance and Fertility and Conception: Research: Your "real" reproductive age The less frequently you ovulate, the less estrogen you produce -- which often means more noticeable perimenopause symptoms. Fertility issues: Mentally Perimenopause Symptoms Explained & Perimenopause Symptoms Detailed Symptoms Of Perimenopause: Reduced Fertility. As you mature, your fertility will begin to decline. Around your late 40s, infertility is generally the result Abington: Academic Papers: Peri-Menopause and Infertility: Treatments Peri-Menopause and Infertility: Treatments By Larry I. Barmat, M.D. Unfortunately, with advancing maternal age there is reduction fertility potential Infertility/Fertility: Perimenopause or breastfeeding? Hi, Certainly, breast feeding can change one s menstrual cycles, as can aging into one s mid-40 s. It s not possible, though, to tell if it s one, Menopause Perimenopause Female Age Infertility Menopause is a natural consequence of female aging and can be moderated with medications. Dr. Kustin has extensive experience treated menopausal and Perimenopause - Women Living Naturally Perimenopausal changes can result in a great variety of signs and symptoms, including reduced fertility, irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, 50five holistic therapy, nutrition, fertility, PMS, menopause 50five Holistic therapy, nutrition, fertility, PMS, PMT, peri menopause, menopause, Martketing for therapists, Nutrition workshops, Fertility workshops, MyMonthlyCycles Site Map - Track your Monthly Cycles Also available: premium menstrual charts and premium fertility. including how to track monthly cycle events, PMS and perimenopause symptoms. Perimenopause and Fertility Concerns at 35 - Menopause - MedHelp Perimenopause and Fertility Concerns at 35. This forum is for questions and support regarding menopause issues such as: Depression, Hormone Replacement Managaing Fertility in Perimenopause Years Fertility control in the perimenopausal period takes careful consideration. Although pregnancy rates are lower, the health risks of unexpected pregnancy can Perimenopause and Infertility Perimenopause and Infertility. Your fertility may be effected by perimenopause and even early menopause. Do you know the signs? Perimenopause What is perimenopause and what does it mean to your fertility? Menopause-related symptoms you might have during perimenopause include: Female Fertility After 35 -- Amos Grunebaum, MD -- 9/17/2003 The passing of years can mean reduced fertility. We discussed what challenges you may face Grunebaum: Perimenopausal usually means the FSH is too high. Female Infertility: Perimenopause and Fertility Treatments This article explains the effects that perimenopause has on fertility and offers advice on appropriate treatments. Femalepatient.com Despite the decline in fertility during perimenopause, women should be aware that Fertility at perimenopause is decreased but not absent, representing a What is Perimenopause? - WebMD Despite a decline in fertility during the perimenopause stage, you can still become pregnant. If you do not want to become pregnant, you should continue to |
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