One in ten women experiences early natural menopause, which is characterized by the absence of a medical cause and has major health repercussions. These outcomes include an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and all-cause mortality. (1)
In which situations does early menopause occur?
Birth defects have an impact on early menopause. Women were more likely to have early menopause if they were born into lower-class homes, had mothers who smoked while they were pregnant or nursed for only one month or less. Additionally, smoking as a youngster and impaired cognitive function are linked to early menopause.
Additionally crucial is adult health behavior. While regular exercise and moderate alcohol consumption in one’s early thirties are linked to a lower risk of early menopause, smoking is positively correlated with early menopause. Early menopause is also associated with the onset of gynecological issues in women in their early thirties. (2)
It can be concerning if a person experiences symptoms before the age of 40. This is since early menopause restricts the concentration of the female reproductive chemicals progesterone and estrogen, which can lower or prevent female fertility. (3)
Why is it a misconception that IVF causes early menopause?
Eggs are removed during IVF to create embryos. Therefore, the idea that IVF lowers ovarian reserve and causes early menopause is easily believed by people. But this is never even close to being accurate.
In actuality, hormonal activators or injections are utilized during the IVF treatment in Turkey to hasten the maturation of the eggs over several menstrual cycles. This does not, however, lessen the quantity or number of menstrual periods. In other words, the issue of Premature Menopause is not raised by IVF.
About 10 to 20 egg follicles are produced by the female reproductive system during a typical menstrual cycle, only one of which develops.
Fertility medicines are administered during IVF treatment to encourage the simultaneous maturation of not one, but 10 to 15 eggs. It has no effect on early menopause because the number of eggs leaving the body stays constant.
What are the symptoms between Early Menopause and hormonal stimulation during IVF Treatment?
- Mood Swings:
Mood swings can occur throughout periods due to hormonal stimulation or pregnancy, which is not just a sign of menopause.
- Hot Flashes:
Hot flashes are medical conditions that cause the upper body to warm up quickly, especially the face, chest, and neck. It may result in a skin rash and have other detrimental effects. The symptom of premature menopause in women is also rather common. However, if you experience it while undergoing IVF, it is not a symptom of menopause; instead, it is brought on by the medicines.
- Bloating:
Bloating is yet another typical sign of hormonal imbalance, and it can occur in the absence of a period problem, ovulation, IVF treatments, early signs of conception, or any other health condition. It is not reasonable to view it as the only factor causing premenopause.
- Brain Fog:
The primary causes of brain fog are not getting enough sleep, working too much, being anxious, and being mentally exhausted. Therefore, if you have any of these symptoms while undergoing IVF treatment, the existing regular imbalance is to be caused. (4)
Is the statement “The IVF procedure helps to conceive after menopause and does not lead to early menopause” true?
Women can become pregnant either before or after menopause with the aid of IVF. It is in no way affecting menopause or lowering infertility in women.
The blogs mentioned here provide all the dispelling details regarding whether IVF might cause Premature Menopause. If you have any menopause symptoms following IVF, think about consulting your physician. They will assist you in identifying the underlying cause of the issue and, if necessary, recommend certain diagnostic techniques to determine the origin of Premature Menopause.
Who is most likely to experience early menopause, regardless of IVF?
Understanding the potential triggers for early menopause is crucial, irrespective of whether one undergoes In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Genetics play a pivotal role in this phenomenon. A family history of early menopause significantly raises one’s vulnerability. Additionally, autoimmune diseases pose a threat by potentially assaulting the ovaries, which might culminate in premature ovarian failure. Furthermore, medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, aimed at combating cancer, are known to inflict harm on egg follicles, accelerating the onset of menopause.
Lifestyle choices, particularly smoking, are acknowledged risk factors that can precipitate early menopause. Although IVF does not directly cause early menopause, it is noteworthy that women with a diminished ovarian reserve before commencing IVF could face an elevated risk. This stems from the fact that a subpar response to ovarian stimulation medications during the IVF process may signal underlying issues related to egg quantity. Therefore:
- Genetics
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medical treatments
- Lifestyle factors
are all significant factors. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is advisable to evaluate one’s individual risk factors for early menopause effectively.
Sources:
de Boer, E. J., den Tonkelaar, I., te Velde, E. R., Burger, C. W., & van Leeuwen, F. E. (2003). Increased risk of early menopausal transition and natural menopause after poor response at first IVF treatment. Human Reproduction, 18(7), 1544-1552.