Every October 18th marks World Menopause Day, a date promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Menopause Society to raise awareness about a natural, yet often overlooked stage in women’s lives. Throughout history, menopause has been seen as the end of a cycle, the onset of aging, or the final point of fertility. But what lies beyond those myths? How do women experience this process today, when scientific advances allow us to rewrite many of the narratives that were once taken as absolute truths? At Ingenes, with 20 years of experience helping people have a baby, we know that menopause doesn’t have to mean the end of your dreams. In this article, we explain what menopause really is, how it influences fertility, and, most importantly, what real alternatives exist if you still want to become a mom after 40. What is menopause?  Menopause refers to the moment when a woman permanently stops menstruating. It is considered menopause when 12 consecutive months have passed without menstruation, without any other medical cause. Key statistics: Why does it happen?  Menopause is related to the natural decline in ovarian function. That is, the ovaries stop producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and they stop releasing eggs. What are the symptoms?  Symptoms vary greatly from woman to woman, but some of the most common include: Although these symptoms can be bothersome, it’s important to understand that menopause is not a disease, but a natural biological process. However, it does have significant implications for reproductive health. How does menopause affect fertility?  During the years leading up to menopause—a stage known as perimenopause—hormone levels begin to fluctuate and ovarian reserve declines. This means: Once menopause is established, ovulation stops completely, making pregnancy impossible without medical intervention. Can I still have a baby if I’m already in menopause?  Yes. Thanks to advances in assisted reproduction, having a baby after menopause is possible. There are different options available depending on your health status and medical history. Fertility options after menopause Uterine receptivity can be maintained with proper hormonal preparation, even several years after menopause. Advantages: Although not applicable in cases where ovarian function has completely ceased, it may be an option for women in perimenopause or with very low ovarian reserve before full menopause sets in. What are the risks or considerations?  Getting pregnant after 40 or after menopause can involve certain risks, such as: That’s why, at Ingenes, we perform a thorough medical evaluation before starting any treatment. Our approach is comprehensive and personalized: we care for you, your body, and your desire to have a baby. Menopause and emotions: What happens when the biological clock and desire don’t align?  For many women, the onset of menopause is a time of reflection. Some experience it as a liberation, while others see it as a silent loss—especially when they haven’t yet had children. It’s common to feel sadness, frustration, or even anger. But it’s important to know that you are not alone—and today, more than ever, there are paths forward. At Ingenes, we understand the emotional component of infertility. That’s why our programs include psychological support and guidance at every stage. When should I visit a fertility institute?  If you’ve already been diagnosed with menopause or are in the perimenopausal stage and still want to become a mom, now is the right time to seek help. The first consultation at Ingenes includes: It doesn’t matter your age, your diagnosis, or how many times you’ve been told “it’s no longer possible.” In our 20-year history, we’ve supported women over 45—even 50—who now hold their baby in their arms. Menopause doesn’t erase your dream World Menopause  Day is an invitation to break down prejudices, speak freely, and make informed decisions about your health and your future. If you still dream of becoming a mom and are navigating menopause, you are not out of time. You just need the right support. At Ingenes, we’ve spent 20 years helping people have their baby—even in the most complex scenarios. Because to us, every story is unique, and every dream deserves to be heard.