Can you get pregnant without a period?

“I'm 49 and would like to have a baby, but I haven't had a period in several months. Can you get pregnant without a period?”

Dr. Jonathan Panoeiro
Pediatric Neurologist CRM 1101544-RJ

You cannot get pregnant without a period if you have naturally gone 12 months in a row without menstruating, as this marks the start of menopause. At this stage, pregnancy is no longer possible because ovulation has also stopped.

Going 12 consecutive months without a period usually means a person’s reproductive years have ended. This tends to happen naturally between ages 45 and 56.

However, before 12 full months have passed, you are considered to be in perimenopause. During this time, you may have irregular periods, and although the chances of getting pregnant naturally are lower, pregnancy is still possible.

If you want to get pregnant during perimenopause or after your periods have stopped, speak with an OB-GYN or a reproductive endocrinologist. They can assess whether fertility treatment or assisted reproduction may be an option.

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