Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Aging

When I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) in my thirties my only concern was how to correct the condition so I could have the baby I desired. I never looked at the problem in any other way other than one affecting my fertility. The treatment I underwent was also aimed only at achieving the desired pregnancy and my health in general was not addressed even though my doctor was one of the best specialists at the time for Gynecological Endocrinology.

When I gave up the battle to have another child the condition was set aside and the only problem I dealt with was an abnormal menstrual cycle but since I was fairly healthy and had an excellent GYN monitoring me for side effects from the fertility drugs I had taken I ignored it and at Forty-five the problem seemed to correct itself after a surprise pregnancy that unfortunately ended with a miscarriage.

Ten years later I was diagnosed with Triple Heart Valve Disease, had high blood pressure, low levels of HDL. At the time I blamed it on my weight, smoking, sedentary life style and job, than my doctor brought up the PCOS while doing my health history. Even though he was not really familiar with the condition he did know enough to link my current problems to it.

I wanted to find out what I could about Polycystic Ovary syndrome and menopause, but to my surprise there was not much information out there, probably because the link to PCOS and later health conditions are a recent development.

We should be aware that PCOS affects many systems in the body and many of the PCOS symptoms may persist even though ovarian function and hormone levels change.

The risks of complications from PCOS, such as heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, increase as a woman gets older, in fact my doctor told me the risks tripple.

So please if you have been diagnosed recently learn everything you can about your condition and address the future risks with your doctor now, rather than just focusing on getting pregnant.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS please:

• Get a doctor familiar with the condition and the related health effects later in life.

• Follow a healthy diet that is geared toward the nutritional needs and problems associated with PCOS

• Exercise, exercise, exercise

• NO smoking

• Get tested for diabetes regularly

Statistics say 5-10% of the female population in developed countries have this condition and it also on the rise in developing nations. So please stay on top of the latest developments in treatment for this condition and then take the best course of action to avoid problems later on in life. Also please pass on information about the disorder to female friends and family, especially if they exhibit any of the systems.