Study Shows Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Could Extend Fertility and Delay Menopause

A groundbreaking study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology explores the potential of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and autotransplantation to delay the onset of natural menopause and extend reproductive lifespan. Led by researchers Joshua Johnson, PhD, Sean D. Lawley, PhD, John W. Emerson, PhD, and Kutluk H. Oktay, MD, PhD, the study utilizes a stochastic model based on biological data on follicle loss rates to predict the delay in menopause achievable through this innovative approach. 

The procedure of ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been previously validated for preserving fertility against treatments that could harm the gonads. However, its efficacy in decelerating ovarian aging remained uncertain. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using cryopreserved ovarian tissue for autotransplantation near menopause, with the goal of extending the reproductive life span and postponing menopause. 

The research team developed a model to calculate the potential delay in menopause (denoted as D) by considering various factors, including the age at which ovarian tissue is harvested (between 21 to 40 years), the amount of ovarian cortex harvested, the procedure of transplanting harvested tissues (single vs. multiple procedures), and the survival rate of follicles post-transplantation. According to the model, significant menopause delay could be achieved for most women under 40, with the benefit increasing as the loss of follicles post-transplant is minimized. 

For example, a 25-year-old woman who cryopreserves 25% of her ovarian cortex and experiences a 40% follicle survival rate after transplantation could see her menopause delayed by approximately 11.8 years, which could extend to 15.5 years if the survival rate increases to 80%. Moreover, fractionating the transplants into 3 or 6 procedures could further extend the delay to 23 or even 31 years, respectively, and up to 47 years if the follicle survival rate post-transplant improves to 80% with advanced techniques. 

The study concludes that ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation can significantly postpone menopause and potentially extend fertile lifespan if the ovarian tissue is harvested at younger adult ages and improved transplantation techniques are utilized. The findings represent a promising avenue for women seeking to delay reproductive aging and menopause, offering them more autonomy over their reproductive health and timing. 

This research not only opens up new possibilities for fertility preservation but also challenges existing paradigms around women’s reproductive lifespan. With an interactive web tool developed to test the model’s variables, individuals and healthcare professionals can explore the feasibility of this approach tailored to specific circumstances, marking a significant step forward in reproductive medicine and women’s health. 

Journal Reference – (N.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00003-6/abstract