Why women’s health and hormonal balance are key to living longer, healthier lives
Longevity research is advancing rapidly, with a focus not just on living longer but extending the years spent in good health. As more people seek ways to boost their healthspan—the years of life lived without disease or disability—new strategies are emerging to enhance well-being.
However, there’s one critical factor that may be overlooked in this pursuit: estrogen. This powerful hormone, commonly associated with reproductive health, may hold the key to living a longer, healthier life, particularly for women’s health.
The growing interest in longevity
The concept of longevity has transformed in recent years. Gone are the days when people relied solely on diet and exercise. Now, cutting-edge approaches like biohacking, genetic screening, and functional medicine are pushing the boundaries of health and wellness. As a result, the global longevity market is booming. Valued at $25.1 billion in 2020, this market is projected to grow to $44.2 billion by 2030, according to Allied Market Research, with an annual growth rate of 6.1%.
Even high-profile celebrities are jumping into the longevity movement. From Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek, who has backed the longevity-focused Sand Clinic in Stockholm, to Jeff Bezos’ investment in Altos Labs, a biotech company working on cell rejuvenation, it’s clear that longevity is more than just a trend. It’s a growing industry that has captured the attention of investors and innovators alike.
Governments are also stepping up their efforts. For instance, Saudi Arabia has pledged $1 billion annually through its Hevolution Foundation to support longevity research. Led by Dr. Sophia Pathai, MD, PhD, the foundation is shifting the focus from treating diseases to extending healthspan, underscoring the critical importance of preventive healthcare.
While many are exploring biohacking and genetic testing, one crucial factor that significantly impacts healthspan—especially for women—has been relatively ignored: estrogen. This hormone not only affects reproductive health but also plays a critical role in many physiological processes tied to longevity.
Research published in the National Library of Medicine reveals that estrogen contributes to the longevity of females in various species by upregulating antioxidant and longevity-related genes. This means that estrogen helps protect the body at a cellular level, reducing oxidative stress, which can slow down the aging process.
Estrogen’s impact on health
Estrogen’s protective effects are particularly important for heart health. Before menopause, women generally have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, compared to men. Estrogen helps regulate cholesterol and prevents the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. But as estrogen levels plummet during menopause, women’s risk for heart disease spikes. According to the British Heart Foundation, postmenopausal women are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than men of the same age.
In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, estrogen is essential for bone health. It regulates bone metabolism, ensuring that bones stay strong and healthy. When estrogen levels drop, women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and prone to fractures. The Endocrine Society highlights that menopause is the primary cause of osteoporosis in women, leading to a higher risk of bone fractures later in life.
Estrogen also supports cognitive health. Studies have linked a decline in estrogen levels with reduced cerebral blood flow, which can lead to cognitive issues, mood swings, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Maintaining healthy estrogen levels may help preserve brain function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Estrogen doesn’t just protect the heart, bones, and brain; it also plays a crucial role in the immune system. Research published in Endocrine Reviews shows that estrogen helps modulate immune cells, allowing the body to better defend itself against pathogens. However, an imbalance in estrogen levels can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis, conditions more common in women than men.
As more women recognize the benefits of estrogen, many are turning to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and regain the protective effects of estrogen. A study in the National Library of Medicine found that HRT is most effective when started before the age of 60 or close to the onset of menopause. Despite concerns over potential risks like breast cancer, research indicates that the benefits of HRT—when properly supervised by healthcare professionals—often outweigh the risks.
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