Menopause is a natural life change that occurs when the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone diminishes naturally, leading to a complete depletion of ovarian follicles. This depletion occurs over a timeline that varies from one person to another during the perimenopause years.
However, it requires 12 months of no menstruation for the body to reach a complete cessation of menses.
How does the perimenopause phase affect our reproductive system?
This article will equip couples entering their 40s with information about fertility and will highlight gaps in knowledge regarding preparation for planned pregnancies or avoiding unplanned ones.
Home-based Test Kits
Irregular menstruation can be perplexing for a woman going through perimenopause. Since perimenopause can be confused with missed periods due to pregnancy and vice versa, the recommended course of action is to test the FSH hormone level and use an LH Ovulation Rapid test to determine whether the hormones are functioning normally or indicate the onset of perimenopause.
A pregnancy test can confirm if the woman is pregnant. Useful tips include testing the first urine of the day, which has the highest concentration of FSH, and avoiding water consumption 2 hours before the test to prevent dilution of the specimen.
During the perimenopausal phase, the ovaries continue to produce eggs, meaning a woman is still susceptible to pregnancy. Home-based self-testing kits like Buzud are typically recommended for women over 35 who plan to start a family or have another child. Such tests can offer insights into potential infertility or the approach of perimenopause.
The Clearblue stage indicator test suggests women conduct at least five tests between the third and seventh days of their menstrual period. Using this data in conjunction with a sophisticated menopause stage indicator app can produce personalized reports, helping women devise a comprehensive plan.
Risks Associated with Childbearing During Perimenopausal Years
According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, there is a rising trend in pregnancies among older women...
New mothers aged 40 and above doubling in the last three decades.
For women over 40, the risk of delivering a stillborn baby doubles, along with increased chances of miscarriage.
The success rate of pregnancies via IVF also drops to 20-30% for these women
Couples willing to take on this risk have a 0.01% chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome.
A convenient testing device can be instrumental in determining the cause of irregular periods. Couples can utilize this tool as a dependable way to monitor menstrual cycles. The device offers advice based on hormone levels, indicating how close or far the woman is from the end of her reproductive years. This information is invaluable for older women considering starting a family, guiding them on whether to seize the opportunity or re-evaluate their plans.
Using Protection Is Not Optional
As the ovaries continue to produce eggs, albeit of undetermined quality without testing, it's crucial for couples not wanting to conceive to use effective contraceptive measures to prevent unintended pregnancies.
In conclusion, the connection between perimenopause and menopause is intertwined with fertility. Women remain capable of conception. Couples should seek counsel on their odds of having a healthy baby to boost their confidence in family planning.
Important Notes:
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Always consult a medical professional for specific advice on your health. This article has not been reviewed by any medical professionals or legal bodies. We are not sponsored for any product or service recommendations made within this article.
References
https://www.healthxchange.sg/news/more-women-singapore-giving-birth-in-their-40s#:~:text=Last%20year%2C%20there%20were%20nine%20births%20for%20every,50%20per%20cent%20in%20the%20last%2030%20years. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35231007/ https://femtechinsider.com/menopause-indicator-test-clearblue/