My friend is 55 and has been going through the menopause for the past 4 years.  She is very healthy and has had no symptoms except for the changes in her periods.  She has had 2 very heavy periods which lasted 2 weeks each during that time, the last one was at the beginning of this year. She also gets break through bleeding - the last episode was last week.

She has met a new man and is about to remarry.  She has read that there is a possibility of still being fertile for up to 2 years after her last period (she has never had children).

I know that women are still having babies in their 50s, but to my knowledge they are usually medically assisted.

Could someone please reassure my friend that she isn't likely to get pregnant at this stage of her life.

Many thanks

Sue 

This situation brings up some tricky questions about maintaining the mother's health whilst bearing a child much later in life, and ethical considerations about being an active parent for the child when possibly being at a stage in her life where the mum could have less energy to devote to the child.  These are thoughts that your friend might have already considered, but I mention them in case she hasn't.  

In response to your question, I'd suggest touching base with a natural pregnancy and birth charity called Foresight Preconception that has impressive statistical information on their front page about the effectiveness of their natural approach towards helping parents conceive. http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk/  For example, with Foresight 78.4% of "infertile" couples have healthy babies, compared to 22.6% with IVF. 

Foresight's approach is to work with couples so that they are physically healthy and fit enough to conceive.  This typically means looking at diet and improving it through natural means and where appropriate through supplementation, reducing stress levels, and combatting environmental pollution effectively. 

Perhaps if your friend rang them up for a chat she could find out where she stands given her age.  Foresight was establisehd in 1978 and they have helped literally hundreds of women to conceive naturally.  

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http://www.healthyinmind.com/ ~ giving you an energetic boost to achieving your career and sporting goals using Emotional Freedom Techniques, Reiki and Crystal Healing

Thank you for your response and it's highlighted the fact that I wasn't clear enough.

My friend doesn't want children and wanted to be reassured that she could have unprotected sex without the danger of conceiving.  As she read that she might still be fertile up to 2 years after the last period she was unsure.  She is very healthy and has no ailments.

Thanks.

 Sue