Louise

Louise was born and raised in Sweden, and Turkey has been her home for over 14 years. Her passion for storytelling has guided her on a journey of crafting narratives that surpass geographical boundaries. From creating blog posts to collaborating with brands, she focuses on weaving tales that resonate universally. Through her work, she aspires to create stories that connect with diverse audiences, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.

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Can IVF Start Early Menopause?

Many people worry that IVF could start early menopause or push the body closer to it. The concern makes sense at first glance. IVF uses hormone medication, grows several eggs at the same time, and works closely with the ovaries. It is easy to wonder whether this process could accelerate the natural decline in egg production or cause menopause to occur sooner than it should. The reassuring truth is that IVF does not trigger early menopause, and it does not make the ovaries age faster.

Why IVF Does Not Speed Up Ovarian Aging

IVF does not use up future eggs. The ovaries naturally begin maturing a group of eggs every month, but without IVF, most of those eggs never develop. The body absorbs them. IVF medication does not pull eggs from future cycles or take more than the body already planned to lose that month. It simply helps the eggs that were already available grow at the same time. This means that IVF does not reduce your long term egg supply or affect the timing of menopause.

Early menopause, or premature ovarian insufficiency, happens when the ovaries stop functioning earlier than expected. This is typically linked to genetics, medical conditions, autoimmune disorders, or certain treatments such as chemotherapy. IVF does not cause this. If someone starts to see signs of irregular periods or lower ovarian reserve around the time they begin IVF, it is because those changes were already happening before treatment. IVF often reveals the ovaries' actual state, not the cause.

Temporary Symptoms That Can Be Confusing

Some people experience temporary symptoms during IVF that feel similar to menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, or night sweats. These short-term effects come from hormone medication and disappear once the treatment is over. They are not signs of early menopause. They are simply responses to increased estrogen or progesterone during stimulation.

What IVF Can Reveal About Ovarian Reserve

People who need IVF are often dealing with underlying fertility factors related to age, low ovarian reserve, or hormonal conditions. These factors can naturally increase the risk of earlier ovarian decline, which can make it appear as if IVF is responsible. In reality, IVF is bringing attention to issues that were already there. This can be emotional, but it is also helpful because it gives a clearer picture of fertility health and future planning. (Source: Progress)

IVF can also give insight into how the ovaries respond. If the ovaries produce a low number of eggs during stimulation, it may suggest that the ovarian reserve was already reduced. This information helps patients better understand their timeline, but it does not mean IVF caused the decline. Instead, it helps guide next steps with more realistic expectations.

IVF does not trigger early menopause and does not accelerate the natural aging of the ovaries. It does not change the timing of menopause. IVF can reveal issues that might not have been visible before. (Source: Healthline) This clarity can feel overwhelming, but it also gives power. You understand your body better, and that knowledge helps you plan your fertility path with more confidence and less uncertainty.

Sources:

Science Direct - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028202029722 Progress - https://www.progress.org.uk/why-ivf-does-not-affect-ovarian-reserves/ Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/can-ivf-cause-early-menopause