So what is it about women that give them a longer lifespan than men? A single word: Estrogen. Estrogen is cardioprotective, despite the government and the WHI’s attempt to discredit this idea. there is also very suggestive evidence that it reduces the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. In our practice of reproductive medicine, we recognize that fertility problems also carry with them chronic health consequences.
PCOS and insulin resistance cause a host of metabolic diseases including diabetes and heart disease. The newer soon to be more common, hypothalamic dysfunction or stress-induced ovulation dysfunction also will be shown to result later in stress-induced diseases that mimic those of PCOS but also will result in significant osteoporosis, bone, and joint problems later in life. At JCRM, we are committed to educating women on these risks and offering changes and strategies that will improve long term outcomes.
In this study, it was determined that if women had cycles that were long (our definition >30days) that their lifespan was significantly compromised. All of reproductive medicine should take a much more active role in helping women see these issues and provide valid strategies to avoid these negative outcomes.
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Michael D. Fox, MD
Jacksonville Center Reproductive Medicine
Advanced Reproductive Specialists