Menopause, often seen as a mixed blessing, could undergo a revolutionary shift, thanks to groundbreaking research at the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Kutluk Oktay, an ovarian biologist, has published research on the potential of delaying menopause in healthy women through ovarian tissue freezing.
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation, traditionally used in cancer patients to preserve fertility, could extend beyond medical necessities. The procedure involves removing and freezing ovarian tissue, later transplanting it to restore ovarian function. Dr. Oktay’s research introduces a mathematical model predicting outcomes based on factors like age and amount of tissue harvested.
For women under 40, ovarian cryopreservation may significantly delay menopause, and for those under 30, it could potentially prevent it altogether. The model suggests that returning portions of the tissue over multiple procedures can further extend the delay.
Beyond the reproductive aspect, delaying menopause may confer health benefits. Studies show that women experiencing later menopause may live longer and have lower risks of various conditions. Dr. Oktay hypothesizes that these benefits may extend to healthy women who delay menopause through cryopreservation.
However, the study emphasizes the need for additional research to determine long-term benefits and risks. Ongoing research at Yale is examining outcomes in healthy women who have opted for this procedure.
The prospect of delaying or even eliminating menopause sparks both excitement and controversy, with some viewing it as a groundbreaking advancement in women’s health and others concerned about medicalizing a natural life stage. As the research unfolds, it opens a dialogue on the possibilities and ethical considerations surrounding women’s reproductive health.
Read more: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/how-ovarian-tissue-freezing-could-prevent-menopausepossibly-forever/