Women generally stop having fertile eggs around the age of 51, which is typically when menopause occurs. While a small number of immature eggs may still be present after this age, they are no longer viable for reproduction.
The Natural Decline of Egg Count
The number of eggs a woman has is finite and decreases significantly throughout her lifetime. This natural process begins even before birth and continues until menopause. Understanding this progression helps to clarify why fertility declines with age and eventually ceases.
Here's a breakdown of the typical egg count at different life stages:
| Age/Stage | Approximate Number of Eggs | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | About 2 million | Peak number of eggs; all formed during fetal development. |
| At Adolescence | About 400,000 | Significant reduction as puberty approaches. |
| At Age 37 | About 25,000 | Fertility often begins to noticeably decline. |
| At Age 51 | About 1,000 (immature) | Menopause; remaining eggs are not fertile. |
Menopause and the Cessation of Fertility
Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This biological transition signifies that the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen.
- Age of Onset: While 51 is the average age for menopause, it can vary. Some women experience menopause earlier, while others may go through it later.
- Egg Quality: Beyond the decline in quantity, the quality of remaining eggs also diminishes with age. Older eggs are more prone to chromosomal abnormalities, which can reduce the chances of conception and increase the risk of miscarriage or genetic conditions.
- Irreversible Change: Once a woman reaches menopause, she can no longer become pregnant naturally, as the remaining eggs are not fertile.
For more information on fertility and its natural progression, you can consult reputable sources like the British Fertility Society.
