Most women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) reach menopause between ages 45 and 55; at that point, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels decline. Reproductive longevity is how long the ovaries continue to function and produce hormones. Researchers are studying reproductive longevity to understand why the ovaries tend to age earlier than many other organs. Their goal is to identify ways to support ovarian health over a longer period of life. Menopause delay is one focus of this research, which examines whether maintaining ovarian function may postpone the onset of menopause.
Preserving Ovarian Function
The ovaries contain a finite number of follicles at birth, and each follicle holds an immature egg. The number and quality of these follicles decrease over time. When the follicle supply drops below a certain level, menopause begins. Preserving ovarian function involves slowing the rate at which follicles are lost. Several factors can influence this rate, including genetics, smoking, autoimmune conditions, and certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
Some of these menopause delay factors are outside a person’s control, while others, such as tobacco use, are modifiable. The ovaries also impact someone’s body and overall health beyond reproduction. They produce estrogen, progesterone, and small amounts of testosterone, and these hormones interact with many body systems, including the:
- Bones
- Heart
- Brain
- Skin
Ovarian function affects more than fertility, so researchers view its preservation as a broader health topic for women and AFAB people.
Supporting Natural Hormone Production
Estrogen and progesterone levels fall during the menopause transition; this decline is associated with changes in bone density, cardiovascular markers, sleep patterns, and mood. Delaying menopause would allow the body to produce these hormones naturally for longer.
Hormone replacement therapy is one option for managing low hormone levels after menopause, supplying hormones from an external source. Hormone therapy replaces hormones after the ovaries decline, but menopause delay research aims to keep the ovaries producing them on their own.
Fertility and reproductive specialists are researching several treatment options to support ovarian health, from cryopreservation to transplantation. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation involves removing and freezing a portion of ovarian tissue for later reimplantation. Clinical trials are also evaluating whether certain medications, such as low-dose rapamycin, may slow follicle loss. Other studies are exploring platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell therapies, but most of these approaches remain experimental. Researchers are still gathering data on their safety and effectiveness.
Extending Someone’s Overall Lifespan
Some observational studies have found an association between later natural menopause and longer life expectancy. Ovarian aging may reflect whole-body aging, or it plays a direct role in that process. Scientists continue to investigate both possibilities. Reducing or postponing menopause symptoms could support quality of life during midlife and beyond. Healthy aging research focuses on extending the years a person spends in good health, not only total lifespan. Menopause delay is one area within this field, with its potential effects on long-term health still being studied.
Learn More About Menopause Delay
Ovarian health influences the timing of menopause and the body’s natural hormone production, which is why research into menopause delay is ongoing. For personalized advice about your ovaries, contact a reproductive specialist to learn more about ovarian health and menopause delay. A reproductive specialist can review your medical history, evaluate your ovarian reserve, and explain which options or clinical trials may apply to your situation.
