Menopause, a natural transition in a woman’s life, signifies the end of her fertile years. While it’s a universal phase, its onset and underlying causes can differ, leading to classifications like early, premature, and natural menopause. But what if there was a way to reignite the dormant potential within the ovaries, even after menopause has set in?

Understanding Menopause and Its Variants

• Early Menopause: Occurs before 45, marking an early decline in egg production and hormonal changes

• Premature Menopause: A more severe form of early menopause, it strikes before 40. Also termed as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), it can even onset in the late teens.

• Natural Menopause: The standard menopausal phase, occurring between 45 and 55, characterized by the natural depletion of ovarian reserve.

Understanding Ovarian Reserve and Dormant Potential

Reaching menopause doesn’t always equate to a completely diminished ovarian reserve. The ovaries might still harbor a significant number of eggs, though they might be dormant or not maturing aptly due to factors like genetics or autoimmune conditions. 

Dormant Follicles Post-Menopause

Even after menopause, a woman’s ovaries still contain dormant follicles. It’s estimated that after menopause, there can still be about 1,000 or more dormant follicles left in the ovaries. These follicles are resistant to the body’s natural hormonal cues for maturation and release. These are immature oocytes that, due to various reasons, including hormonal imbalances, have not matured or been released. The potential to activate these dormant follicles offers hope for rejuvenating ovarian function.

The Power of PRP in Ovarian Rejuvenation

Among the treatments of early available, PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, stands out as the most potent and accessible method for ovarian rejuvenation. Derived from a patient’s blood, PRP is abundant in growth factors. When introduced into the ovaries, these growth factors can stimulate cellular repair, potentially awakening dormant follicles.

The procedure involves the collection of the patient’s blood, followed by a nonsurgical, transvaginal ultrasound-guided injection of growth factors into the ovaries performed under sedation.

This innovative therapeutic method can balance FSH, estrogen, AMH, and LH hormone levels, restoring the menstrual cycle even if it has ceased. It offers hope for women who have experienced early menopause, potentially aiding in achieving pregnancy naturally or with assisted fertility treatments like IVF or IUI.

• What to Expect: Enhanced conditions within the ovaries might lead to the maturation and release of oocytes, improved ovarian function, and successful pregnancies post-treatment.

• Why PRP?: PRP therapy is gaining traction due to its availability, simplicity and typically affordable cost. Its non-invasive nature and the use of the patient’s own blood reduce potential side effects, making it a preferred choice for many.

An example that underscores the potential of these treatments is the case of a 43-year-old woman who conceived naturally 5 months after PRP intraovarian treatment injection and delivered a healthy baby boy. She had tried unsuccessfully for 5 years, and even in vitro fertilization was unsuccessful in producing a viable pregnancy due to poor egg quality, mainly attributed to age.

Dr. Paraschos also reported a remarkable case of a 50-year-old woman. After several years of menopause, PRP treatments revived her menstrual cycle. Within six months, she had a successful IVF using her own rejuvenated eggs and a donor’s sperm, calling the method “the evolution of the century.”

Other Potential Treatments

• Stem Cell Therapy:

  How It Works: By introducing adaptable stem cells into the ovaries, there’s potential for these cells to transform into various ovarian cells, rejuvenating the ovarian environment What to Expect: This could lead to the reactivation of dormant follicles, a rise in AMH levels, and the return of menstrual cycles. This therapy is pricier and available only through specialized clinics. 

• In Vitro Activation (IVA): This involves extracting a segment of ovarian tissue, treating it to activate dormant follicles, and re-implanting it. It’s a more intricate procedure and not as widely available.

Supplementation for Optimal Egg Quality

Regardless of the chosen treatment, nourishing the body with the right nutrients and supplements is paramount to ensure the best possible egg quality. Dive deeper into this topic in my article here.

In Conclusion

Ovarian rejuvenation, especially through PRP, offers hope for women who have transitioned into menopause but still harbor dreams of conception. 

More links: https://www.ivf-embryo.gr/en/blog/motherhood-after-menopause-prp-revolutionary-infertility-reversing-treatment

https://fertility.medipass.site/welcomepage/ovarian-rejuvenation-success/

Curious to learn more about early menopause solutions and clinics? Contact me