New stem cell treatment that could reverse the menopause hailed by experts
Within six months of the 'exciting' treatment women had started their periods again and oestrogen levels had risen
EXPERTS have hailed an “exciting” new treatment that could reverse the menopause.
Bone marrow stem cells were taken from 33 women going through “the change” early and injected into their ovaries.
Within six months, they had started their periods again and oestrogen levels had risen.
Symptoms such as hot flushes and insomnia also stopped.
Fertility charity The Daisy Network said the US trial offered hope to hundreds of thousands of women.
One in 100 UK women stop having periods before 40. Medics hope the treatment will eventually allow them to conceive naturally, rather than use donor eggs and fertility treatment.
The breakthrough also raises the prospect of women having babies in their 50s if the technique can be replicated in those going through natural menopause.
The average age for the change among UK women is 51.
The Daisy Network added: “This technique has the potential to stimulate the resumption of ovarian function, not just allowing ovulation and pregnancy, but also a return of normal hormone levels.
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“This may reduce or avoid the need for hormone-replacement therapy.”
US expert Dr Christos Coutifaris said: “These preliminary findings are exciting.”
The team from Augusta University will present their data at a conference next week.