Perimenopause and frozen embryo transfer

Frozen embryo transfer places an embryo into the uterus during a prepared window. During perimenopause, ovulation and period timing may become less predictable, so a clinic may need to determine whether to follow a natural cycle or use medicines to prepare the uterine lining. The plan depends on your menstrual pattern, uterine assessment, medical history and the embryos available.

Perimenopause symptoms do not show whether the lining is ready. A missed or irregular period also does not confirm pregnancy or exclude it. Your clinic will explain how it tracks the cycle and when monitoring, blood tests or scans are needed.

Share your full health history, current medicines, allergies, previous fertility treatment and any bleeding between periods. Follow the clinic's timing instructions for scans, medicines and the transfer appointment. Micronised progesterone may be used in some preparation plans; take it only as prescribed and ask what to do if you miss a dose or develop bleeding. Do not start hormones or supplements without discussing them with the fertility team.

Contact the clinic promptly for heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, faintness, breathing difficulty, or an allergic reaction after a medicine. Ask for specific advice about bleeding before the planned transfer, because the next step depends on the cycle plan and pregnancy testing instructions.

Ask whether a natural or prepared cycle suits you, how ovulation and the uterine lining will be monitored, why each medicine is used, what bleeding means for timing, and when to test for pregnancy.