Can I get pregnant during perimenopause?

It is possible to become pregnant during perimenopause, although it is less likely than for a woman who is in her 20s or 30s. Perimenopause is a time when ovulation may occur with some irregularity, and it is only when ovulation occurs that one is able to get pregnant. Until a woman reaches menopause (no menses for one full year), it is possible for her to conceive.

About two-thirds of women ages 40 to 44 still ovulate regularly and could get pregnant. The medical dangers associated with pregnancy increase dramatically at this time. To avoid unintended pregnancy, contraception remains an important part of health planning. See http://www.arhp.org/arhpframe.html

If a woman wants to conceive during perimenopause, and there appear to be problems, it is important to have the basic endocrine status evaluated before spending thousands of dollars and several years in a fertility program. Dr. Ridha Arem, in his book "The Thyroid Solution," says that studies have indicated about 25% of women referred to infertility clinics had undiagnosed and untreated thyroid problems that may have caused their fertility problem. The laboratory work, as it is too often done, may not show subtle thyroid problems that could cause infertility. (See the American Society for Reproductive Medicine http://www.asrm.org/Media/Practice/menotransition.pdf)

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Updated 08/07/2004