Fertility naturally changes as women age, but the story doesn’t end at 40. Many women continue to conceive successfully in their 40s, sometimes naturally, sometimes with medical support. Understanding your hormone health can make all the difference in planning and improving your chances of conception.
Hormones control ovulation, egg quality, and the overall reproductive cycle. By learning what your hormone levels mean, and how to support them through lifestyle choices, testing, and preventive care, you can take a proactive approach to fertility health at any age.
This guide explains how fertility changes after 40, the key hormones that affect conception, and the testing and lifestyle habits that can help boost your fertility naturally.
How women’s fertility changes after 40
Even though a women’s fertility starts to decline from age 30, fertility decline after 40 is a well-documented biological process as the chances of a natural pregnancy are significantly reduced, but it’s not an immediate barrier to conception. It’s mainly due to changes in egg quantity and quality. The number of eggs (known as ovarian reserve) decreases steadily with age, while remaining eggs are more prone to genetic abnormalities [1].
Did you know: A girl is born with all the eggs she will ever have, typically around 1 to 2 million. By the time she reaches puberty, only about 300,000 to 400,000 remain.
Hormonal fluctuations also become more common. As oestrogen and progesterone levels vary, menstrual cycles can shorten or become irregular. These changes may affect ovulation timing, making it harder to predict fertile windows.
However, age alone doesn’t define your fertility potential. With the right medical insight and lifestyle adjustments, many women in their 40s continue to conceive successfully, especially when supported by early testing and proactive healthcare [2].
Female fertility hormones explained
Hormones are the body’s messengers, regulating ovulation, egg maturation, and implantation. Understanding their roles helps you interpret fertility test results and identify where support might be needed.
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): High FSH levels may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve. Testing FSH helps doctors understand how hard your body is working to stimulate egg production.
- LH (Luteinising Hormone): This hormone triggers ovulation. Imbalances can disrupt timing, making it harder to predict when you’re most fertile.
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): AMH reflects egg reserve, though not all clinics, including Smart Salem, currently test for it.
- Oestrogen and Progesterone: These two hormones work in balance to support ovulation and prepare the uterus for implantation. Low levels can cause irregular cycles or make it difficult for a fertilised egg to attach properly [3].
Hormone testing for fertility after 40
Before pursuing fertility treatment, doctors often recommend a comprehensive hormone panel. This helps assess how well your reproductive system is functioning and whether additional support, such as IVF, egg freezing, or ovulation induction, may be beneficial.
Testing can measure FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, all of which influence fertility outcomes. Results can reveal whether ovulation is occurring regularly, if hormonal imbalances are impacting conception, or if underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders are playing a role [1].
Hormone testing provides clarity and helps your doctor develop a personalised fertility plan based on your unique biology. For women over 40, early testing also means more time to make informed decisions about treatment options and family planning.
Lifestyle factors that support fertility in your 40s
While medical insight is crucial, lifestyle choices also play a big role in supporting hormonal health and fertility.
Superfoods for fertility over 40
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale (rich in folate and antioxidants).
- Berries and citrus fruits (vitamin C supports hormone regulation).
- Salmon, nuts, and seeds (omega-3s improve blood flow and egg quality).
Supplements to increase fertility over 40
- Folic acid – supports healthy cell division.
- Vitamin D – regulates reproductive hormones.
- CoQ10 – may improve egg quality and energy production in cells.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – help balance inflammation and hormone levels [4].
Healthy habits
Regular exercise, stress management, and limiting alcohol and smoking can improve hormonal balance and overall reproductive health. Sleep and hydration are also key to keeping your endocrine system functioning properly.
Ensuring you are eating the correct food will aid you with fertility.
How to boost fertility with preventive care
Combining hormone testing with regular medical check-ups can help identify potential fertility barriers early. Issues such as thyroid disorders, PCOS, or elevated stress hormones can all affect ovulation and should be addressed before conception attempts begin [2].
Preventive care also offers valuable insight into your general health. Regular screenings allow doctors to recommend tailored treatment plans and lifestyle improvements, giving you the best possible chance of success.
Smart Salem supports women in this journey by offering fast, accurate hormone testing , helping to eliminate uncertainty and guide informed fertility decisions. Our Comprehensive Women’s Health Screening service includes hormone and thyroid testing options to help women understand their fertility better.
Conclusion: understanding your fertility in your 40s
While age is a factor, it’s not the full story. Hormones play a vital role in fertility, influencing egg health, ovulation, and cycle regularity. By combining testing, lifestyle adjustments, and medical support, women can take meaningful steps toward boosting their chances of conception.
Smart Salem’s expert clinicians and advanced testing services make it easier to understand and optimise your fertility health, so you can make confident, informed decisions about your reproductive journey.
FAQs
Can you still get pregnant naturally at 40?
Yes. While fertility declines with age, many women conceive naturally in their 40s. Hormone testing helps to address any imbalances that can affect successful conception.
What are the most important hormones for female fertility?
FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone are key. These regulate ovulation, egg development, and implantation.
Do supplements help boost fertility after 40?
Yes. Nutrients like CoQ10, folic acid, and vitamin D can support reproductive health and egg quality.
What superfoods support fertility in your 40s?
Leafy greens, berries, salmon, nuts, and seeds are all rich in nutrients that support hormone balance and fertility.
When should I consider fertility hormone testing?
If you’re planning pregnancy in your 40s or have irregular cycles, it’s best to start testing early for the most accurate insight into your reproductive health.
