How do we age?

Vanja1 · 08-27-2008, 07:33 PM

This is something I've been wondering. Since our hormones are all wacky how does this effect us as we age? I'm 22 now as it seems like I'm going through what a menopausal women would. I have osteoporosis, weigh gain, facial hair, missing cycles among other things.
This makes me wonder what my real menopause will be like. I know that I have an increase chance for some diseases but has this taken a few decades off my life? Are my bones going to turn to dust by the time I'm 50?

I remember literally a few weeks before I was diagnosed I was reading about people who lived to be 100 and and there was a poll asking if you would want to be one of them. I clicked yes. Only 30% of people said yes. I figured I only have one live to live and I want the most out of it. Even with a history of depression and anxiety I've never been suicidal.
For me that could be the worst part of this.

Rainbow Brite · 08-28-2008, 10:47 AM

Since PCOS was first found in the 1930's and is just now being studied hard enough to find out more about it and treatments for it, I doubt anyone knows how PCOS affects life span yet. They probably won't know for several more decades, after many women who were actually diagnosed with PCOS die.

Sorry that's of no help

But I'm sure you'll live a long, happy life. The fact that you know what's wrong with you and are getting treatment for it will make a HUGE difference.

KlassicalKat · 08-28-2008, 03:19 PM

Hi, Vanja1!

As Rainbow Brite says, it's good that you know your personal health issues and it's important that you keep monitoring them with your doctor. I think you are smart to be concerned and want to know what to expect in the future.

I am 51 and definitely in menopause right now. I would love to live to be 100, too!

That would mean I am only halfway through my life. So far, most of my menopausal symptoms have been pretty much the same as my non PCOS friends.

As far as growing older with PCOS, at this point in my life, I am more concerned about my family's history of heart disease, although I realize that PCOS can play into that, too. This is why my main suggestion to you would be to EXERCISE, if you aren't already doing it, now.

I was a couch potato for most of my life and HATED exercise, but took up walking in my 40's and then weight work at the gym and my bicycling. I wish I would have gotten serious about exercising sooner. It has truly made me feel so much better and far more able to cope with growing older. I truly enjoy exercising, now!

I don't have osteoporosis (not that I know of anyway), so you might check with your doctor as far as the intensity and impact of exercise. I try to do weight bearing exercises (treadmill and free weights and some machines) at the gym and then ride my bike on the other days for cardio and just because I love it so.

I hope I don't sound too "preachy" here. Exercising has not given me the "perfect" body and I may never lose all this stubborn weight. However, exercising has made me feel stronger, physically and mentally, so in that way I feel it has great benefits.

I sometimes worry about the future, too, but, making exercise a priority in my life makes me feel a little better in control of it and better able to face the future.

Best wishes to you,

Kathryn