To ask what age you suddenly really started to age?

[Onedaylikethis21]

I feel like at 48, I have really started to age- creepy neck, a bit jowly, going a bit grey and not feeling great to be honest! I look after myself - don’t really drink as I see it on my face, wear nice clothes, nice hair etc but it’s becoming an effort ☹️ Wasn’t expecting it actually!! I always thought I looked pretty good for my age. I know it’s vain and I shouldn’t care but it’s just weird!!

Ok I’m with you on the diet front and early nights. Fitting in 5 classes a week is a lot though .

I think it's the declining oestrogen. I'm the same age as you and noticing I'm aging more rapidly. Always looked young before. I'm expecting to age very suddenly after the menopause. I remember my mum looked 15 years younger on her 50th birthday then by 55 she looked older than her years. I know some older women look youthful though.

Are there any foods that can help with oestrogen decline symptoms? I think I am peri at 44 and want to tackle what I can.

Really great to hear so many commenters agreeing that exercise isn't selfish. I cannot think of anything less selfish than fitting in a bit of yoga or other exercise once the kids are in bed! My mum is in her 60s and has caring responsibilities for other family members and a hectic schedule, but does yoga and goes to the gym a few times a week. She is my role model in that regard and she has maintained a lot of vigour and spirit thanks to prioritizing her own health. As for me, I'm a mum of a toddler and fit in online exercise classes after his bedtime. It can be done but discipline is key.

41/42

It co incided with lockdowns but it hasn’t got away since!

I'm 52 and I'd say last couple of years. Scary really how quickly I have changed.

Late 40s was still feeling like I had something, now completely middle aged and invisible.

Sad to feel that way. My DM was the best example I could have. She always took care of her appearance and had great style in a budget. She was a self taught seamstress and would buy and alter and embellish cheaper clothes or buy from charity shops. Always kept her hair short and blonde even into her 70s. She thought young and it showed. It’s a state of mind.

Btw she didn’t do formal exercise but kept slim by eating sensibly and she walked everywhere as she couldn’t drive.

when I was 39. Pandemic and the 40s ruined me!

I see pictures when I was 37-38 and when I am 40... I have started to quickly age from 40.

Also, IBS hit me at 40, so gained weight and I bloat. Hey ho.

My skin is still pretty good at 42 but I do have wrinkles around my eyes. Nothing I can do about that! I find that I have more fat deposits now, so my thighs are lumpier. Obviously I'm going grey too. I just do my best to groom myself and eat sensibly. I still try and dress fashionably as much as I can afford. Apart from that, there's nothing I can do, so I don't worry about it too much.

I was doing really well until 45-50. Now 51 and it’s not so much lines but more the start of sagging. 😂

Well I survived the breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy and got the thumbs up at my annual check! The eczema that followed it was worse, but I am on the other side of that too, thanks to NHS UVB phototherapy/dermatology. So I'm back to walking and Pilates, but last week I pulled a little muscle in my lower back........... the agony. I'm a little flabbier around the middle, and a bit wrinklier of chin than I was 18 months ago, but fighting the good fight.