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Menopause can be 'reversed,' scientists claim

Reversed: Scientists claim older women will be able to give birth
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Jamie Micklethwaite
21 July 2016

The effects of the menopause can be reversed, according to a team of scientists.

The Greek scientists claim to have restarted the menstrual cycle in menopausal women, including one who had not menstruated in five years.

Greek gynaecologist Konstantinos Sfakianoudis and his research team injected menopausal women’s ovaries with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), used to help wounds heal faster.

When the menopause occurs in women, their ovaries stop releasing eggs, making it impossible for them to give birth naturally.

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Mr Sfakianoudis claims after they injected PRP, menstrual cycles of menopausal women restarted and they were able to collect and fertilise the eggs that were released.

The team hope their new technique could boost fertility rates in older women and help stave off the detrimental health effects of the menopause.

Mr Sfakianoudis, gynaecologist at the Greek fertility clinic, Genesis Athens, claims the treatment works for around two-thirds of women.

He told New Scientist: “It offers a window of hope that women will be able to get pregnant using their own material.”

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