Menopause and kidney donation
Menopause does not stop someone from becoming a living kidney donor. Many women donate a kidney after menopause and go on to stay healthy and active. What matters most is your general health, your kidney function, and your medical history. Hormonal changes on their own don’t decide whether you can donate, every potential donor is assessed individually to make sure donation is safe for both you and the recipient.
Can you donate a kidney after menopause?
Yes! There is no problem with donating before or after the menopause if you are healthy enough to do so. The transplant team will look at your overall health rather than focusing only on your age or hormone levels. As part of the standard kidney checks, the team will assess:
How well your kidneys are working
Your blood pressure
Your general wellbeing and fitness
Any long-term health conditions you may have
These checks help the team understand how your body is functioning now. The aim is to make sure that donation will not place you at risk and that the kidney you donate will be healthy for the recipient. If you have any questions about whether you could donate a kidney, you can get in touch with our team for support, information and advice.
How menopause may affect kidney donation
The menopause does not prevent kidney donation, however it can cause a few natural changes in the body which the team will look at them as part of the wider assessment to make sure everything is safe.
The changes caused by the menopause vary from person to person. Some people may notice very few changes at all. If anything needs closer monitoring, they will explain this clearly and talk through the next steps. The focus is always on protecting your health both during donation and in the years after.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and donation
Many women take Hormone Replacement Therapy to help manage menopausal symptoms. Using HRT doesn’t usually affect your ability to donate a kidney, however it is recommended you speak to your donor coordinator as soon as possible about your HRT in relation to donating.
Your doctors may review your medicines as part of the routine checks. This is standard for anyone preparing for surgery. Sometimes medication is adjusted for a short period, but this depends on the individual and the medication they are taking. Your transplant team will talk you through any recommendations and explain why they’re being made. If you’re unsure about anything, your specialist can help you understand how HRT fits into your overall health plan.
Health and recovery after donation
People who donate a kidney after menopause recover as well as anyone else donating a kidney.
Recovery times can vary, but most people return to normal activities within a few weeks. The transplant team will give you information about what to expect during the recovery period and how to look after yourself. This includes advice on rest, returning to work, and gradually building up your usual routine.
After donation, all living donors have regular follow up appointments. These are an important part of long-term care. Follow ups can include:
Checks on kidney function
Blood pressure monitoring
General health reviews
Support with bone and heart health if needed
These appointments help make sure you stay well and that your remaining kidney continues to work as it should. The transplant team stays involved for the long term and is always available if you have questions or concerns.
Being post-menopausal shouldn’t discourage you from considering living kidney donation. Many women donate at this stage of life and feel proud to have helped someone in need. If you’re thinking about donating, the best first step is to get in touch with our team, who can provide support, information and advice around living kidney donation.
