Yes, an older woman can get pregnant even without a regular period. While menopause, defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, signifies the end of fertility, the period leading up to menopause (perimenopause) is a transition phase where periods can be irregular or absent, yet pregnancy remains possible.
Understanding Perimenopause and Fertility
Perimenopause is a lengthy transition period during which a woman's ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This leads to irregular menstrual cycles, which might include skipped periods or periods that are lighter or heavier than usual. Despite the irregular or absent periods during perimenopause, ovulation—the release of an egg—can still occur. This means pregnancy is still a possibility.
Several sources confirm this:
-
UCLA Health: States that pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause. They recommend using birth control until you've gone a full year without a period to be absolutely sure you won't become pregnant. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/pregnancy-still-possible-during-perimenopause
-
Premier Health: Emphasizes that if menopause (12 months without a period) hasn't been reached, pregnancy is still possible. https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/women-wisdom-wellness-/i-can-t-be-pregnant-i-m-too-old-
-
Healthline: Reinforces that you can typically become pregnant until a full year has passed without a period. While fertility reduces during menopause, it’s not immediately gone. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/menopause-pregnancy
Important Considerations
- Irregular periods: Irregular or absent periods during perimenopause do not guarantee infertility.
- Birth control: Using birth control is crucial if pregnancy is unwanted, even if periods are irregular or absent.
- Menopause definition: Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Before that, pregnancy is a possibility.
