Empowering women: Insights for healthy aging

International Women's Day is a global celebration, dedicated to honoring women’s achievements as well as raising awareness about discrimination, and advocating for gender equality worldwide. As we recognize this day, it's an opportune time to reflect on the unique challenges of women's health and aging.

Historically women have been underrepresented in scientific studies, leading to a gap in the understanding of their unique health needs. Women's health, and how it pertains to aging, is a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with sex hormones playing a pivotal role in shaping this experience. As a result, there is a pressing need for well-conducted studies to fully understand how interventions might impact women differently than men.

Read on to learn more about women’s aging, some of the unique challenges they face, and novel interventions with proven results in women that can support healthy aging, no matter how old they are.

Women’s unique aging challenges

Throughout their lives, women navigate a series of hormonal changes that present unique challenges to their health and well-being. From the onset of menstruation through pregnancy and into the menopausal transition, each stage brings its own set of hormonal shifts and potential health concerns.

As women age, these hormonal changes become even more pronounced, particularly during menopause, when declining estrogen levels can significantly impact long-term health. The loss of estrogen is linked to increased risks of:

• Osteoporosis
• Muscle loss
• Changes in skin health and appearance
• Cognitive changes
• Sleep disturbances and more

Estrogen and its role in mitochondrial health

Mitochondrial dysfunction, as a hallmark of aging, plays a central role in how we age.^[1] Mitochondria are responsible for producing the energy that fuels our bodies, but as we age, their efficiency can decline, contributing to several health consequences. This decline is particularly significant for women whose hormonal changes can impact mitochondrial health.

Estrogen, a critical hormone that diminishes with menopause, has been shown to play a protective role in mitochondrial function, especially in brain tissue.^[2] Consequently, as estrogen levels drop, women may experience a more pronounced decline in mitochondrial health, impacting energy levels^[3], metabolic rate, and the aging of cells. ^[4]This interconnection highlights the importance of supporting mitochondrial health as a strategy to mitigate some of the challenges women face as they age.

Skin health: A reflection of inner well-being

Our skin is a visible indicator of aging and overall well-being, particularly for women who often see these effects more pronouncedly due to hormonal shifts. As women age, the skin goes through significant changes mainly influenced by the decline in estrogen levels. This shift can lead to a loss of collagen production, a reduction in skin elasticity, and an increase in wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dryness.^[5]

Some may mistakenly believe that skin aging is just surface level, and only a cosmetic concern, however emerging research shows that skin aging may impact whole body health, through the release of inflammatory markers.^[6]

Furthermore, facial aging can cause physiological distress to women, and studies have linked women with an older appearance to workplace discrimination^[7]

Targeting skin health as women age

Addressing skin health and aging in women requires a holistic strategy that includes proper nutrition, hydration, sun protection, and skincare products that directly address why skin ages.

Timeline’s Skin Health Line is powered by Mitopure, a clinically tested form of topical Urolithin A that can play a crucial role in supporting the skin's resilience. Urolithin A re-energizes cells by renewing their power sources, offering a pathway to maintaining a healthier, more youthful appearance. By directly targeting both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to how skin ages, it can be used at any stage of life to promote healthy, resilient, and more youthful-looking skin.

In just two weeks' time, women noticed a visible improvement in wrinkle depth and volume. Additionally, using topical Mitopure resulted in an increase in expression in the genes that turn on collagen production and the skin was more resilient to the damaging effects of the sun.^[8]

Muscle health: strength and aging in women

Muscle health plays a crucial role in the overall aging process for both men and women. This decline can significantly impact the quality of life, reducing mobility, increasing the risk of falls and fractures, and decreasing independence. The importance of maintaining muscle health cannot be overstated, as strong muscles are essential for performing daily activities, supporting metabolic health, and protecting skeletal structure.

Several factors contribute to the decline in muscle health among aging women. Hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen levels during menopause, can hasten muscle loss. Estrogen is believed to have a protective effect on muscle mass, and its reduction can lead to decreased muscle strength and function. ^[9]Additionally, lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and inadequate nutrition can further exacerbate muscle deterioration.

Strategies for supporting muscle health in women

Supporting muscle health in women is vital for ensuring longevity, vitality, and an active lifestyle, and there are several ways that women can address muscle health.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, particularly strength training and resistance exercises, is paramount. These activities not only help in building muscle mass but also improve bone density, which is crucial for women facing the risk of osteoporosis. Incorporating aerobic exercises can further support cardiovascular health without compromising muscle mass.
• Nutrition: A balanced protein-rich diet is essential for muscle repair and growth. Women should aim to include high-quality protein sources in their meals, such as lean meats, fish, legumes, and dairy products, to provide the necessary amino acids for muscle synthesis. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium, supports muscle function and overall health.
• Urolithin A: For added support, certain supplements can be beneficial. Emerging research on compounds like Urolithin A, the key ingredient in Timeline’s Mitopure®, shows promise in enhancing mitochondrial function and, ultimately, muscle health.^[10] Double-blind placebo-controlled trials revealed:
  • A 12% improvement in strength ^[11]
  • A 17% improvement in muscle endurance^[12]

Timeline - a new approach to women's health

Timeline’s proprietary ingredient, Mitopure, is clinically tested Urolithin A, which targets aging at its root - at the mitochondria. The rigorous muscle-focused clinical trials done by the scientists at Timeline included about 60% of women as test subjects, so we know that these benefits apply to both women and men.

The clinical trials on the skin health line also included a majority of women from different age brackets, showcasing how it can impact skin health in different generations of women.

Wrapping up

As we celebrate International Women's Day, and every day, it's crucial to shine a light on the unique journey of women's health and aging. This day not only honors the remarkable achievements of women across the globe but also serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need to address the distinct health challenges women face throughout their lives. From navigating the complex hormonal changes that mark different life stages to confronting societal pressures and discrimination, women's health is a multifaceted issue that demands attention, understanding, and action.

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