Delay Menopause and Preserve Fertility: A New Era in Women’s Health at Danat Al Emarat

Women in Abu Dhabi now have access to a groundbreaking medical innovation that could extend their reproductive years and delay menopause naturally for up to a decade. Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children is the first in the region to offer Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC), a pioneering procedure that preserves a woman’s hormonal and reproductive health well into the future.

A Natural Alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Traditionally, menopause has marked the end of a woman’s fertility and the start of a phase often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular conditions. While HRT has long been the standard for managing these symptoms, it comes with certain limitations and risks.

OTC offers a revolutionary, hormone-free solution. By surgically removing and freezing ovarian tissue when a woman is younger — ideally before the age of 35 — doctors can preserve her hormonal function at its most active stage. This tissue can be safely reimplanted years later, restoring the body's natural hormone production and potentially delaying menopause and its complications.

How the Procedure Works

• A small piece of ovarian tissue is removed via keyhole surgery, often during another routine gynecological procedure such as a laparoscopy or C-section.
• The tissue is sliced into ultra-thin strips and stored in a highly specialized cryogenic facility.
• At a time of the woman’s choosing, this tissue is thawed and reimplanted.
• Within 4 to 6 months, hormonal function is typically restored, restarting the natural cycle.

This approach not only preserves fertility but can also support long-term health by naturally maintaining estrogen levels — a critical hormone in protecting against age-related conditions.

Expanding the Indications for Use

While OTC was initially developed to help young women undergoing cancer treatment preserve their fertility, its applications have now expanded. It’s now being used for:

• Women with a family history of early menopause
• Those at risk of premature ovarian failure
• Women wishing to delay menopause and its symptoms without relying on synthetic hormones

Leadership Insight

Dr. Summia Zaher, CEO and Medical Director of Danat Al Emarat, emphasized the significance of this innovation:

“With women now living longer than ever before, it’s essential that we evolve the way we approach midlife and menopause. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation represents a new standard in preventive women’s health — one that is both natural and future-focused.”

What Sets OTC Apart?

• Natural Hormone Restoration: Unlike HRT, OTC enables the body to resume its own estrogen production.
• Improved Quality of Life: Restores the natural hormonal balance, potentially improving bone density, heart health, sexual function and cognitive well-being.
• Minimal Downtime:The procedure is completed in a day under general anesthesia, with patients typically returning home the same day.

A Considered Choice for the Future

While the long-term outcomes of OTC are still being researched, this innovation holds immense promise. As women increasingly seek control over their reproductive timeline and long-term wellness, Danat Al Emarat continues to lead the way in offering holistic, evidence-based care options.

“Women deserve better solutions — not just for today, but for every stage of life. With OTC, we are helping women preserve more than just fertility; we are helping them protect their future.” – Dr. Zaher

Important to Know

• The procedure is not currently covered by insurance.
• No marital status requirements apply.
• The cost of the procedure is available upon consultation.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our Women’s Health Center.

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