Freeze your chance of motherhood?

Given that premature menopause is irreversible with life-changing repercussions, is there a way to preserve fertility or slow down the process before a woman loses her ability to conceive? Unfortunately, medical experts believe that there’s very little hope, if at all, especially in cases that are diagnosed late.

‘There is very little that can be done to slow down this condition,’ says Dr Bohaira Elgeyoushi, Reproductive Medicine & IVF Consultant at HealthPlus Fertility Center, Dubai, ‘The best way is early detection and preventative measures. The knowledge of similar conditions in the family, genetic or autoimmune disorders are the red flags. This is why it’s important to consult a doctor if there is a known family history of premature ovarian failure or infertility at a young age.’ However, young women who are at risk of ovarian failure as a result of a medical treatment such a chemotherapy or radiotherapy do have the option of freezing their eggs or embryos, but this has to be done well in advance.

‘The only treatment that can help such women when it comes to infertility is an early diagnosis which allows them the option of fertility cryopreservation of the oocytes,’ explains Dr Amala Nazareth, adding, ‘Otherwise they have to inevitably embark on a journey of donated oocytes and embryos or for adoption which can take its toll on their psychological state of mind.’