British women now have the chance to delay menopause - but some doctors aren't convinced

  • 06/08/2019

Women in Britain are being offered the chance to put off the onset of menopause. 

One 30-minute operation later, and the symptoms are said to be delayed for as long as 20 years - tricking a woman's biological clock to be younger than she is.

However, some doctors are warning potential patients that it could be a dangerous path to take. 

"I didn't want to experience hot flushes and mood swings, all the other things that go along with menopause," says Dixi Louise, one of 10 British women to undergo the procedure so far.

The new ovary graft procedure was developed by IVF doctors in Britain for patients up to 40-years-old.

The procedure is designed to delay painful menopause symptoms, assist with conception problems or even extend fertility up to the age of 60 - although those behind the treatment say that is not the aim.

A section of an ovary if removed, then frozen. It is later thawed when the woman reaches menopause, and is transplanted back inside her. The transplant restarts the hormones, delaying menopause for up to 20 years.

Experts say the procedure has limitations.

"Delaying menopause simply means you go through the same symptoms - just a few years later," says one medical expert.

"A late menopause does have its risks. It increases the risk of breast cancer, uterine and ovarian cancer. You really need to be in your 20s."

The treatment, which costs up to AU$20,000 (NZ$20,749), is still in its early stages. It remains to be seen whether postponing menopause and prolonging fertility is safe and effective.

Newshub / 7News.