Your first menstrual period occurs around age 12. It is normal to have irregular cycles from 1 – 2 years. Your fertility peaks from your late teens through your late 20s, and then begins to decline. In your 30s, your chance of miscarriage begins to increase. In your 40s, you will begin the transition from reproductive years into menopause. The interval between your cycles may decrease .Later, you may skip periods. Pregnancy is rare at this stage. The average age of menopause is 51. After menopause, your ovaries will stop producing estrogen and you may feel vaginal dryness and have bone loss. Hot flushes start and you may think of using hormonal replacement.
Take home message: Reproductive window is short. Never wait till it is too late.