Menopause is a natural phase every woman goes through. For some, it’s a welcome end to monthly cycles and the worry of unplanned pregnancies. But for others, the changes in hormone levels may prompt a desire to delay or even avoid this transition.
Many women want to delay menopause because of the desire to have children later in life. Whether due to career goals, personal milestones, or waiting for the right partner, women are exploring ways to extend their fertility. While it’s not possible to reverse menopause, advancements in science are offering potential ways to delay it.(1)
Current research focuses on melatonin therapy, ovarian rejuvenation, and cryopreservation. These approaches aim to support ovarian function, helping to maintain hormonal balance and fertility for longer. However, they’re still in the early stages of research, and many questions remain unanswered. This article explores their potential benefits and limitations.
Premature Menopause vs. Perimenopause
Understanding the difference between premature menopause and perimenopause is essential when discussing ways to delay menopause.
Premature Menopause
Premature menopause occurs when a woman’s periods stop entirely before the age of 40, usually due to factors like genetics, autoimmune conditions, or medical treatments such as chemotherapy. The surgical removal of the ovaries may also result in premature menopause in some cases. Women experiencing premature menopause may face an earlier loss of fertility and increased health risks, including osteoporosis and heart disease, due to the sudden drop in estrogen.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause, on the other hand, is the natural transition leading up to menopause. It usually starts in the 40s, but the timing can vary. During this phase, hormone levels fluctuate, causing irregular periods and symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood swings. Unlike premature menopause, perimenopause is a slower process, giving the body more time to adapt to hormonal changes.
Is it possible to reverse menopause?
Scientifically speaking, it’s not possible to reverse menopause. However, researchers are exploring options like melatonin therapy, ovarian rejuvenation, and cryopreservation to help delay it. While these methods show promise, it’s essential to understand their potential benefits and risks to make informed decisions.
Melatonin Supplementation
Aging and oxidative stress significantly contribute to the gradual decline in ovarian function. These processes reduce egg quality and deplete ovarian reserves over time, ultimately leading to menopause.
Melatonin, a hormone primarily recognized for regulating sleep, is a potent antioxidant. It neutralizes harmful free radicals and protects ovarian cells from the oxidative damage associated with aging. Melatonin also helps safeguard critical cellular components such as DNA and mitochondria, which are vital for maintaining egg quality.(2)
Studies in animal models have demonstrated that melatonin supplementation can reduce oxidative stress in the ovaries, supporting their function. Meanwhile, in studies among women, particularly those undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), melatonin has been associated with improved egg quality and fertilization rates.(2)
Melatonin also enhances mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, are critical for proper egg maturation, and their dysfunction can lead to a decline in egg quality. By boosting mitochondrial efficiency, melatonin helps ensure eggs receive the energy needed for development.(2)
This hormone may help regulate reproductive hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are crucial for ovulation and maintaining regular menstrual cycles.(2)
While the research on melatonin and ovarian health is still in its early stages, the results are encouraging. However, most studies have been small, and further research is needed to confirm its long-term safety, effectiveness, and optimal dosing.
Women considering melatonin as part of a strategy to delay menopause should consult a healthcare provider to carefully evaluate its potential benefits and risks and make an informed decision.
Ovarian Rejuvenation
The ovaries contain a finite number of follicles, many of which remain dormant throughout the reproductive years. Over time, these follicles diminish in quantity and quality, signaling the onset of menopause. Ovarian rejuvenation aims to activate and enhance the function of these remaining follicles using growth factors and cellular regeneration techniques.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is at the forefront of this research. PRP is a concentrated solution derived from a patient’s blood, rich in platelets, growth factors, and cytokines. These components are known to play vital roles in tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into the ovaries, PRP can help promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), cellular proliferation, and follicular activation, potentially reversing some effects of ovarian aging.(3)
In a retrospective study, women with poor ovarian reserves who received intraovarian PRP injections showed significant improvements in hormone levels, including reduced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and increased estradiol (E2). These changes suggest enhanced ovarian function, with some participants even achieving natural conception or improved outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.(3)(4)
Another study conducted on women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) reported that PRP injections led to the resumption of menstrual cycles and increased antral follicle counts. These findings indicate that PRP may extend ovarian functionality, particularly in cases where ovarian reserves have prematurely declined.(3)(4)
Despite these encouraging results, the evidence is not yet conclusive. Many studies are small-scale and lack control groups, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about PRP’s long-term efficacy.
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation involves extracting and freezing ovarian tissue, typically the ovarian cortex, which contains a significant portion of primordial follicles. The tissue is carefully preserved using cryoprotectants to prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage cells. Once frozen, the tissue can remain viable for years, offering women the potential to restore ovarian function at a later stage.
The cryopreserved tissue may be thawed and reimplanted into the body through ovarian autotransplantation. This process allows the tissue to resume its natural functions, including hormone production and follicle development. For women approaching menopause, this can effectively delay its onset by restoring endocrine function.(5)
Studies report a global live birth rate of approximately 40% for women who undergo ovarian tissue transplantation. One of the primary advantages of cryopreservation is its ability to provide a natural source of hormone production. Unlike synthetic HRT, which involves synthetic hormones, ovarian tissue transplantation offers endogenous hormone production, potentially reducing the risks associated with long-term HRT use.(5)
However, harvesting ovarian tissue requires surgery, and some studies suggest that removing ovarian tissue in healthy women could lead to an earlier onset of menopause if not balanced by successful transplantation. Additionally, the longevity of transplanted tissue varies, with reported graft functionality lasting anywhere from one to 12 years.
Dietary Modifications to Delay Menopause
Incorporating specific nutrients and food groups into a daily diet can support hormonal balance and ovarian health, potentially delaying menopause.(6)(7)
Plant-Based Foods
Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes are associated with later onset of menopause. These foods contain antioxidants and phytoestrogens — plant compounds that mimic estrogen and help maintain hormonal equilibrium. For example, soy products and flaxseeds are particularly high in phytoestrogens and help promote reproductive health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Studies indicate that omega-3s may protect ovarian function and reduce the rate of follicular loss, which is crucial for extending reproductive longevity. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Proteins and Micronutrients
High-quality proteins from eggs, lean meats, dairy, and plant sources like beans and nuts provide essential amino acids that support overall health. Vitamins like D, E, and B-complex, along with minerals such as zinc and magnesium, are critical for maintaining ovarian function. For instance, vitamin D has been linked to delayed ovarian aging.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Berries, dark leafy greens, and green tea are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging. By reducing oxidative damage, these foods may slow down ovarian follicle depletion and help maintain hormonal balance.
Foods to Avoid
On the other side, certain dietary choices can negatively affect ovarian health and bring menopause closer:
Refined Carbohydrates and Sugary Foods: High intake of refined carbs like white bread and sugary snacks can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation, which may accelerate ovarian aging.
Processed Foods High in Trans Fats: Fried and processed foods containing trans fats can impair vascular and hormonal health. Limiting these foods can help maintain hormonal stability.
Excessive Alcohol and Caffeine: While moderate consumption is generally safe, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake has been associated with hormonal disruptions and faster follicular decline, potentially impacting menopause timing.
Best Ways to Delay Perimenopause
While approaches like melatonin therapy, ovarian rejuvenation, and cryopreservation offer promising ways to delay menopause, they may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as age, health history, and personal goals help determine the best course of action. It’s essential to consult a qualified physician to explore options and weigh the benefits and risks, ensuring informed and personalized decisions.
