Can I conceive if I am perimenopausal?
Question
I believe that I am experiencing some perimenopausal symptoms. I am 32 years old. I will be seeing my ob-gyn in the next couple of weeks. I am wondering though, will perimenopause prevent me from getting pregnant in the near future? Or will it just be a little more difficult?
Answer
Last Updated: June 26, 2013
In the United States, perimenopause or premenopause begins on average at age 45. 1% of women reach menopause before age 40, starting premenopause about 20 cycles before menopause. Since you are 32, what signs of premenopause are you experiencing? Signs like reduction in mucus, irregular cycles, light or heavy periods could be helped with nutrition and probably not premenopausal. Symptoms like mood swings, anxiety or depression may be helped with nutrition as well. Hot flashes and night sweats are related to low estrogen. Discussing your signs and symptoms with a physician and having a physical to check overall body health is a good idea.
There is an association with fertility and age. Fertility tends to be highest in your 20’s, moderate in your 30’s and declines markedly in your 40’s. Pregnancy can still occur in the premenopausal years. And yes, it can be a little more difficult. Natural Family Planning can assist couples to maximize their fertile time.
If NFP is already a part of your life, show your charts to your doctor –look for an NFP only physician if possible — and discuss your symptoms. Also contact your local teaching couple/person for advice. NFP charts can show abnormal patterns. For example, cycle irregularities can have many causes. One, undetected low thyroid function, can cause cycle problems such as anovulatory or very long cycles. This sign can be noted on a sympto-thermal chart of NFP.
If NFP has not been a part of your life, learn it. It is not only helpful medically, but it enhances martial love.
Mary-Lynn Ott
There is an association with fertility and age. Fertility tends to be highest in your 20’s, moderate in your 30’s and declines markedly in your 40’s. Pregnancy can still occur in the premenopausal years. And yes, it can be a little more difficult. Natural Family Planning can assist couples to maximize their fertile time.
If NFP is already a part of your life, show your charts to your doctor –look for an NFP only physician if possible — and discuss your symptoms. Also contact your local teaching couple/person for advice. NFP charts can show abnormal patterns. For example, cycle irregularities can have many causes. One, undetected low thyroid function, can cause cycle problems such as anovulatory or very long cycles. This sign can be noted on a sympto-thermal chart of NFP.
If NFP has not been a part of your life, learn it. It is not only helpful medically, but it enhances martial love.
Mary-Lynn Ott
Answered By:
Mary-Lynn Ott
Mary-Lynn Ott, RN, Professional Member of CANFP, teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP through Couple to Couple League, with her husband Tom, in the Stockton Region.
