Empowering Your Fertility Journey

Understanding Perimenopause, IVF & Your Body’s Potential After 40

Explore the signs of perimenopause, understand fertility options, & learn how to reconnect with your body for a balanced & empowered journey.

Over 55% of women aged 30–35 experience early signs of perimenopause, and while this may feel overwhelming, it’s important to view these shifts as part of your body’s natural rhythm. This isn’t a limitation, it’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself and embrace a new phase of growth [1]. These early signs are simply a natural part of your body’s hormonal transition, not a reflection of your body’s limitations or your potential. Perimenopause, like any other phase in life, is not a barrier, it’s a new transition that marks an opportunity for growth.

In this article, we’ll dive into what these early signs can mean for your wellbeing and fertility but more importantly, we’ll focus on how you can shift the narrative. Your body was made for this, made to create, nurture and bring new life into the world. And you are not a statistic. You have the power to make choices that support your health and fertility and I’m going to show you how to take charge of that journey.

1. Signs your body is telling you something is going on with your fertility

a. Irregular or missed periods

Irregular periods or missed cycles might feel confusing at first but they’re simply your body’s way of transitioning into a new hormonal phase. Instead of seeing this as a setback, think of it as your body’s signal to slow down, listen and understand what it needs. This happens due to a decline in ovarian reserve and less reliable hormonal signaling, which can make conception more challenging as women move through their 30s and 40s [2]. While this doesn’t immediately mark the end of your fertility journey, it does mean that fertility is beginning to decline and it’s important to be proactive if you’re considering pregnancy [3].

Instead of seeing it as a setback, think of it as a signal to listen to your body. This is your opportunity to recalibrate, understand what your body needs and work with it, not against it.

b. Mood swings & emotional shifts

The body often uses times of hormonal shifts to bring up things that haven’t been addressed before. During perimenopause, this can lead to emotional shifts like mood swings, irritability and sadness. These feelings aren’t barriers, they’re simply signals from your body that it needs special care and attention. While it’s natural for these changes to feel challenging, they also give you the opportunity to better understand yourself and your needs.

By acknowledging these emotions early and seeking support, you can improve your mental health and embrace this phase with more strength and clarity [4].

c. Overwhelm & burnout

Burnout is your body’s way of telling you that something in your life needs to be realigned. The constant pressure to juggle work, relationships and personal expectations can drain your energy. But burnout isn’t meant to last; it’s a signal to slow down and take a moment for yourself. Reconnect, rest and nourish both your mind and body.

When you prioritise rest, nurture your emotional health and find balance, your body will naturally recharge. From this place, you’ll not only support your fertility but also your overall wellbeing, helping you feel more grounded, peaceful and ready to face whatever comes next.

2. Understanding fertility options & the emotional journey of IVF

a. Understanding your fertility options

Understanding your fertility options, whether it’s IVF or other possibilities, is important because it gives you the freedom to make informed decisions on your terms. There’s no need to rush; one key part of the process is trusting that it’s the right time and that you’ll always make the choices that align with you. Your journey is uniquely yours. The goal is to be informed, so when the time comes, you feel empowered to make the choices that are best for you.

For women in perimenopause, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF can improve the chances of conception [5] but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. I’ve seen countless couples go through IVF and later conceive naturally.

b. IVF success rates & the emotional journey of navigating both

When it comes to IVF, success rates can vary based on age. For women under 35, the chances are around 44–50%. As age increases, the rate starts to shift: for women aged 35–37, it drops to 32–40% and for those aged 38–40, it’s around 20–27%. For women over 40, the chances decrease to less than 10% [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]. These numbers can be helpful to understand but remember, they don’t define your journey. Your path is unique and there’s still possibility at every stage.

And it’s not just about the numbers. I’ve spoken to countless women who didn’t realise how much IVF would affect both their bodies and emotions. Yes, IVF is a medical process but it’s also an emotional journey. Many women experience anxiety, stress and even depression during IVF, especially after unsuccessful cycles. In fact, studies show that up to 25% of women face significant emotional challenges after a failed IVF attempt [10].

This is why emotional support during the IVF journey is so crucial. Having a therapist can make a huge difference, helping you navigate the emotional ups and downs while also boosting your chances and results. It’s about taking care of both your mind and body throughout the experience. With the right support, you can make this journey feel more manageable and positive [7], [10].

c. Embracing your body’s potential to create life

Many women over 40 are surprised to learn they can still conceive, despite the common belief that fertility sharply declines with age. Research shows that women aged 40 and above often experience unplanned pregnancies because they mistakenly believe they are no longer fertile. In fact, the rate of unintended pregnancies for women over 40 is 45% of the conception rate, the highest of any age group, largely due to unplanned pregnancies. More than 40% of women in this group weren’t using contraception, often because they thought pregnancy was no longer possible [11]. This highlights an important truth: fertility doesn’t have a clear expiration date. For many women, the ability to conceive remains strong well into their 40s.

Studies show that late recognition of pregnancy is common among women in their 40s. Among those who later sought medical care after 20 weeks, 49% didn’t suspect they were pregnant because of irregular periods and 42% continued bleeding, both common symptoms of perimenopause that can mask pregnancy [12]. Many women in their 40s are shocked to find out they’re pregnant, often thinking they were “too old” or “in menopause” to conceive [13], [11].

Fertility may be reduced but it doesn’t end abruptly at 40. As the BBC points out, while the chance of conception per cycle drops to around 9.3% for women over 40, it’s far from zero [14].

This is a powerful reminder that your body still holds the potential to create life, no matter your age.

3. The Importance of Understanding Your Fertility Journey

a. Feeling Supported on Your Journey

Navigating the changes in your body isn’t just about medical advice, it’s about emotional support too. The environment you create for yourself is everything, especially in times like these. Whether it’s a therapist, a coach or a trusted friend, having someone by your side who you can rely on makes all the difference. Your fertility journey may feel overwhelming and lonely at times but remember: you have the power to choose how you see and live this experience.

When you choose to embrace support and surround yourself with the right people, you take control of the process. You don’t have to do this alone. I’ve had the honour of supporting many women on their unique journeys and I’ve seen firsthand how the right emotional and practical support can change everything.

You are not alone. With the right support, you can shift your experience and feel more empowered every step of the way.

Curious to see how others have transformed their journeys?

b. Self-care & nurturing your mind & body

Your mind and body are closely linked. When one is off balance, the other often follows and the same happens the other way around. Your fertility journey always begins with you. It’s about tuning into your body, understanding what it needs and trusting yourself to know what’s best. You know your body and fertility better than anyone and you just need to believe that your body has the innate ability to create life. It simply needs to be listened to and respected.

Taking care of yourself first is the foundation of your health and fertility. Lifestyle choices like eating nourishing foods, moving your body regularly, managing stress, practicing mindfulness and ensuring restful sleep can substantially improve your body’s ability to nurture life.

These practices help regulate hormonal balance and overall wellbeing, creating an environment that supports your body’s natural flow and prepares you for whatever comes next [15].

By creating a daily routine that nurtures both your physical and emotional wellbeing, you can reconnect with your body’s natural rhythm and boost your fertility in ways you may not have imagined. I’ve heard countless stories of couples who thought there was no solution until they found the path they had been hoping for.

c. The power of reconnecting with yourself

It’s easy to forget what you truly need with everything going on in life. But perimenopause isn’t just a change in your body; it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and look at the things you’ve been avoiding, stacked at the back of the drawers. This is your time to slow down, listen to your body, observe what’s going on with new eyes, and make space for the things that bring you joy. Yes, joy! Because whatever journey you’re on, you do deserve to feel joy!

What if it was a wake-up call? What if your body was bringing up emotions you’ve been avoiding? It’s surely overwhelming to enter a new phase of life we don’t know yet but what if we discovered it with the eyes of curiosity, hand in hand with our body, always believing that it’s working for us and never against us? What if it was an opportunity to understand ourselves better and start focusing on what truly matters to us?

Maybe it’s your time to stop worrying about what others expect from you. Maybe you just need to decide that now you get to choose what you need, set your own boundaries and say yes to what lights you up. When you prioritise yourself, you’re not only supporting your fertility and wellbeing, you’re taking back your energy, your journey, and your joy.

Final thoughts & your next steps

Your fertility journey is uniquely yours, filled with opportunities for growth, healing and transformation. Whether you’re navigating early signs of perimenopause, exploring fertility options or embracing the emotional ups and downs of IVF, remember: you are in control. Your body is a powerful force, capable of incredible things and by tuning into it, listening to what it needs and seeking the right support, you can shift your experience in ways you may never have imagined.

This is your time to prioritise yourself, to trust in your own strength and to believe that the life you want is possible. You don’t have to face this journey alone. With the right guidance, emotional care and a deep connection to your own body, you can reclaim your power and move forward with confidence, joy and hope.

You are deserving of all the possibilities ahead and your journey has only just begun.

If you’re feeling uncertain or need support navigating your fertility and wellbeing journey, I’m here to help.

…and take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind!

References

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Main – Photo by Eric Moura