Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects how your body controls heart rate and blood flow, especially when you move from lying down to standing up. For many people, this leads to symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, fatigue, and trouble thinking clearly. It can be frustrating, confusing, and often life-changing, especially for teenagers and young adults who just want to feel normal again.
One of the most common questions people ask after being diagnosed is, “Will I ever grow out of this?” It’s an understandable question, especially when you’re young and hoping that time will bring relief.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what it really means to outgrow POTS, how it happens for some people, and what might influence your chances of improvement over time.
What Is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is a condition that affects how your body controls blood flow and heart rate, especially when you move from lying down or sitting to standing up. One of the main signs of POTS is a big increase in heart rate when you stand. This can lead to a range of symptoms that make everyday activities more difficult.
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People with POTS often feel dizzy, lightheaded, shaky, or extremely tired when they’re upright for too long. Some also experience brain fog, headaches, nausea, or even fainting. These symptoms can come and go, and they’re often made worse by things like heat, dehydration, stress, or being sick.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is more common in teenagers and young adults, especially females, but it can affect anyone. For some, it begins after a virus, an injury, surgery, or a period of long-term illness. For others, it’s linked to conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or autoimmune diseases.
Although living with POTS can be frustrating and unpredictable, it is not usually dangerous. With the right support, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, many people find ways to manage their symptoms and feel better over time.
Types of POTS
POTS can look a little different from person to person. While the main symptom is a fast heart rate when standing, the reasons behind it can vary. Doctors have found that there are a few different types of POTS, and knowing which type someone has can help guide treatment and support.
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1. Neuropathic POTS
This type happens when the nerves that control blood flow in the lower body don’t work as well as they should. Blood ends up pooling in the legs instead of moving back up to the heart and brain. To make up for this, the heart beats faster. People with this type might notice cold or discolored feet and legs when standing.
2. Hyperadrenergic POTS
This form is related to the body producing too much adrenaline or stress hormones when standing. It can make someone feel shaky, sweaty, anxious, or even cause their blood pressure to go up. This type can feel more intense and sometimes comes with strong “fight or flight” symptoms.
3. Hypovolemic POTS
This type is linked to low blood volume. That means the body simply doesn’t have enough blood circulating, which makes it harder to keep blood flowing to the brain when standing. Drinking more water and adding extra salt to the diet often helps people with this type feel better.
4. Secondary POTS
Some people develop Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome because of another health condition, like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, autoimmune diseases, or after a serious illness or infection. In these cases, POTS is part of a bigger picture, and treating the underlying condition is also important.
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Common Causes of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
- Viral or bacterial infections (like the flu, mononucleosis, or COVID-19)
- Physical trauma, surgery, or childbirth
- Prolonged bed rest or inactivity
- Autoimmune conditions
- Connective tissue disorders (such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
- Genetics or family history
How Long Does POTS Last?
One of the toughest questions for people with POTS is how long the condition will last. The truth is, there isn’t a simple answer because Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome affects everyone differently. For some, symptoms might last only a few months or a couple of years. For others, it can be a longer journey that lasts many years or even becomes a lifelong condition.
Age can play a role. Many teens and young adults find that their symptoms improve as they get older, especially with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. But for others, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome may stick around, sometimes changing in severity over time.
It’s also common for symptoms to come and go. You might feel better for a while, only to have symptoms return during times of stress, illness, or other challenges. This ups and downs pattern can be frustrating but is a normal part of many people’s experience with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
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Because the course of POTS is so different for everyone, it’s important to work with your healthcare team to find the best ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Patience and self-care can go a long way on this journey.
What Does It Mean to ‘Outgrow’ POTS?
When people ask if you can “outgrow” POTS, they usually want to know if the symptoms will go away completely as time passes. That’s a very natural hope, especially for young people who want to feel better and get back to normal. But outgrowing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome isn’t always that simple.
For some people, symptoms do get better or even disappear over time. This might happen as the body heals or with the right treatments and lifestyle changes. When this happens, people often say they have “outgrown” POTS because they no longer have symptoms that interfere with their daily life.
For others, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome can be something they live with for a long time. Symptoms might come and go, getting worse during stressful times, illness, or changes in routine. Sometimes symptoms never fully go away, but people find ways to manage them and still live active lives.
So outgrowing POTS doesn’t always mean a total cure. It can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about full recovery. For others, it’s about learning to live with symptoms and finding ways to feel better. The important thing to remember is that improvement is possible and help is out there.
Can Teenagers and Young Adults Outgrow POTS?
Many teenagers and young adults diagnosed with POTS wonder if their symptoms will go away as they get older. The good news is that this is often possible. Young bodies are still growing and changing, and sometimes the symptoms improve or even disappear over time. For some, the nervous system learns to regulate heart rate and blood flow better as they mature.
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Doctors have noticed that teens and young adults tend to have a better chance of improvement compared to older adults. This doesn’t mean it happens for everyone, but many young people see their symptoms lessen with proper care, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes like increasing hydration and gentle exercise.
That said, POTS can still be unpredictable. Some young people might experience flare-ups during stressful times, illness, or big changes like going to college. It’s important to stay patient and keep working with healthcare providers to manage symptoms.
Factors That Can Improve or Worsen Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Over Time
Things That Can Improve POTS:
- Regular gentle exercise to build strength and circulation
- Drinking plenty of water and adding salt if your doctor suggests it
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or hobbies
- Getting enough quality sleep to fight fatigue
- Working closely with healthcare providers to find the right treatment plan
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Things That Can Make POTS Worse:
- Not drinking enough fluids leading to dehydration
- Exposure to heat such as hot weather or hot baths
- Standing or sitting in one position for too long
- Being sick or fighting an infection
- High levels of stress or anxiety
Treatments That May Lead to Symptom Reduction
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding blood pressure-lowering foods
- Increased fluid and salt intake
- Physical therapy and gradual exercise programs
- Medications to control heart rate and other symptoms
- Wearing compression stockings or abdominal binders
- Avoiding triggers like heat, dehydration, and prolonged standing
- Stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Conclusion
Living with POTS can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that many people do see improvement over time. Whether symptoms fade away completely or become more manageable, there is hope. Understanding the condition, knowing the factors that affect it, and working closely with healthcare providers can make a big difference in your quality of life. If you or someone you love is dealing with POTS, remember you’re not alone. And with patience, care, and the right support, better days are possible.