Giving birth despite premature menopause: gynecologists apply innovative technique

A woman with premature menopause gave birth thanks to groundbreaking surgery by gynecologists at Barcelona’s Hospital Clínic, which allowed her to ovulate again at 32 after a stop a few years earlier.

The technique consists of separating a part of the ovarian cortex, which is subsequently fragmented, and then reinserted into the contralateral ovary. According to doctors, when ovarian tissue is fragmented, specific molecular pathways are activated.

Twelve women with premature menopause have already undergone the operation which would allow them to once again ovulate, with a 60% success rate.

Premature menopause, which affects approximately 1% of women, entails periods stopping at an earlier age than usual, before the age of 40. For most women, menopause begins between the ages of 45 and 55.

Premature menopause can happen if a woman’s ovaries stop producing normal levels of certain hormones, particularly estrogen, due to chromosome abnormalities, an autoimmune disease, or certain infections, among other causes.

Symptoms include anxiety and night sweats

The main symptom of premature menopause is menstruation becoming infrequent or stopping, as not caused by any reason such as pregnancy. Other symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, anxiety, or reduced libido.