The graph in German shows the sharp bend in fertility at 37 years.
The age indications are average values. It is estimated that one woman in ten gets into menopause earlier, that is at around 45 years. The time lag between the sharp bend of the fertility curve and menopause seems to be pretty constant at 13 years, and has a genetic component. For those women, it is therefore high time to have babies already at 32!
The sharp bend takes place significantly earlier in 10% of women!
We still lack sufficient instruments for early recognition of those women who will develop age-related fertility problems already early in their thirties. The measurement of AMH hormone and counting so-called antral follicles at trans-vaginal ultrasound allow a certain estimate. Often, the problem manifest only at stimulation treatment for IVF, when less eggs develop than expected. However, we have identified risk factors:
Risk factors for premature ovarian ageing
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- Smoking - diminishes blood flow to all organs and induces earlier menopause;
- Endometriosis and pelvic infections - destroy ovarian tissue;
- Familial early menopause;
- Surgical interventions, radio- and chemotherapy for cancer.
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Consequences
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- Find a good balance between career and family planning.
- Women over 35 have no time to waste! They should seek specialized medical help after already some six months of unsuccessful trying for a baby.
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Assisted reproduction like IVF does NOT compensate for aged and/or too little eggs!
After the publication by D. Nikolaou and A. Templeton in Human Reproduction 18:1137, 2003.