Can You Have IVF After Menopause? [What’s Possible and What to Expect]

If you’ve reached menopause but are still hoping to have a baby, you’re not alone—and you may be wondering if IVF is still an option.

Whether your fertility journey has been delayed by life, health, or simply needing more time, this question comes up more often than most people realise: Can I still do IVF after menopause?

At fertie, we’re here to answer your questions clearly and kindly—without judgment, jargon, or unrealistic promises.

Is IVF Possible After Menopause?

Yes—IVF after menopause is possible, but there are a few important things to know upfront:

• Once menopause begins, the ovaries no longer release eggs, so IVF with your own eggs is no longer an option

• But with donor eggs, many women go on to have successful pregnancies, even after menopause

• IVF in postmenopausal women is usually done using hormone therapy + donor eggs + embryo transfer

It’s not the same as a standard IVF cycle—but it’s very much real, and it works.

How Does IVF Work After Menopause?

Here’s how postmenopausal IVF typically looks:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
   You’ll take estrogen and progesterone to prepare your uterine lining for embryo transfer. This mimics a natural cycle.
   

2. Donor Eggs (or Donor Embryos):
   Since natural ovulation has stopped, eggs must be sourced from a donor—typically a younger woman with healthy ovarian reserve.
   

3. Embryo Transfer:
   After fertilization (using your partner’s or donor sperm), the embryo is transferred to your uterus just like in a typical IVF cycle.

Some clinics may also offer frozen embryo transfer (FET) using previously stored embryos if you froze eggs earlier in life.

What’s the Age Limit?

There’s no universal age cutoff, but most clinics have their own policies. In general:

• Many clinics offer IVF up to age 50–52

• Some extend to 54 or even 55, depending on your overall health

• A full medical assessment is usually required before proceeding

Factors like heart health, blood pressure, and BMI will be considered to ensure a safe pregnancy.

Is It Safe to Get Pregnant After Menopause?

Pregnancy after menopause can carry higher risks, including:

• High blood pressure

• Gestational diabetes

• Preterm birth

• Placenta complications

That’s why most clinics are cautious and only proceed after thorough health screenings. With the right care team and medical support, many women have healthy pregnancies post-menopause—but it’s important to understand the risks.

Personal Insight: “I Became a Mum at 46 with IVF”

“I started trying at 42, and after a few failed IVF rounds, I assumed it was too late. But at 46, I switched clinics, used donor eggs, and got pregnant on my second cycle. I gave birth just after my 46th birthday. It wasn’t easy—but it was possible. And I’m so grateful I didn’t give up.”
— fertie Community Member

Final Thoughts

IVF after menopause is not only possible—it’s more common than most people think. While it comes with limitations (like using donor eggs) and additional health considerations, it can offer real hope to those who still want to build a family later in life.

Whether you’re 45, 50, or beyond, this is your journey—and there are more options than you may have been told.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we cover IVF at every age, how donor eggs work, and what to expect emotionally and physically from later-in-life treatment—so you can move forward with clarity and support.

You don’t have to figure this alone

Inside fertie, you’ll get:

• Expert-led courses to make informed decisions

• Private support from women on the same path

• Exclusive partner clinic perks & discounts

Disclaimer: Prices and treatment protocols vary by clinic and individual. Always consult with your fertility specialist for accurate, up-to-date pricing and guidance tailored to your situation.