Life expectancy is increasing and is fast approaching 80 years in the local population. This means that we will likely spend a longer period of our life with some form of chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus and cancers.
Ageing occurs the moment after birth. The body, however, becomes less and less able to handle the cellular damage and diseases soon manifest. Cellular damage can lead to atherosclerosis, a cause for heart disease and strokes. It can also lead to dementia, cancers and diabetes mellitus. Visual disturbances, skin wrinkles are also effects of cellular damage.

With increasing age, the hormonal system also suffers imbalances. Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted by glands such as the ovaries, testes, pancreas, adrenals and thyroid. Hormones are necessary for cellular communication and normal balance is necessary to allow optimal bodily control such as fertility, weight maintenance and energy. Hormone deficiency is often recognized at menopause but other more subtle changes occur with age in both men and women and can lead to changes associated with ageing such as increasing weight, lethargy and even diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancers.

You should be concerned about ageing right now, especially if you have any other symptoms such as tiredness, increasing weight or loss of sexual interest, or if you have a significant family history of diseases mentioned above. Looking at certain markers of ageing as well as hormone levels will allow your doctor to identify problem areas as well as assess your risk for heart disease and cancers. You can then start to take control of your health in a more targeted fashion with the help of your doctor.

Dr Julinda Lee
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Obstetrics . Gynaecology . Reproductive Endocrinology . Age Management

Pacific Healthcare Specialist Centre
290 Orchard Road
#19-01 Paragon
Singapore 238858
Tel: (65) 6883 6955
Fax: (65) 6887 6954

A member of Pacific Healthcare Holdings