Longevity science is having a moment. Everyone’s talking about how to live longer, optimize healthspan, and delay aging—but here’s the catch: most of this conversation is centered around men. If you’re a woman trying to navigate midlife and beyond, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of the “longevity hacks” don’t quite work the same way for you. That’s because the research (and, let’s be honest, the voices leading the discussion) has largely ignored the female experience. And that? That’s a big problem.
Longevity Science: Built on a Male Blueprint
For decades, medical research has defaulted to the male body as the norm. Women were excluded from clinical trials well into the 1990s—yes, really! The National Institutes of Health (NIH) didn’t require federally funded studies to include women until 1993. That means much of what we think we know about aging is based on men’s biology.
It’s no surprise, then, that the big names in longevity—David Sinclair (Lifespan), Peter Attia (Outlive), and Andrew Huberman, to name a few—are primarily drawing from male-focused research. Their recommendations on fasting, exercise, and supplementation often don’t take into account the unique ways women age, particularly when it comes to perimenopause and menopause.
Women’s Aging Journey: Not Just a “Shrink It and Pink It” Version
Here’s the thing: women already live longer than men. But we also spend more of those years in poor health. This is known as the longevity paradox, and it’s why female-focused research is so important. Women face unique aging challenges, including:
Hormonal Shifts
Estrogen does more than regulate cycles—it protects the brain, heart, bones, and metabolism. When estrogen levels nosedive in menopause, aging shifts into high gear.
Metabolic Differences
Women’s metabolism is more sensitive to fasting and extreme dieting. What works for men can tank women’s energy, thyroid function, and muscle mass.
Autoimmune Risk
Women are significantly more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, which can chip away at quality of life.
Brain Health
Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women. But do most longevity books address this? Nope.
Social and Emotional Longevity
Women often prioritize caregiving over self-care. Longevity isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s also about community, stress, and purpose.
Bridging the Gap: The Future of Female Longevity
There’s hope! Female longevity research is gaining traction, with experts like Dr. Lisa Mosconi (The Menopause Brain) and Dr. Avrum Bluming (Estrogen Matters) leading the charge. Scientists are now studying how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might impact longevity, how fasting affects women differently, and why community and emotional well-being are critical to aging well.
But we need more than just research. We need:
- More funding for female-focused longevity studies.
- More female-led voices in the longevity space.
- More nuanced recommendations that account for hormonal shifts and aging differences.
- More advocacy for holistic and functional approaches that actually help women thrive—not just “deal with” aging.
A Call to Action for Women’s Longevity
It’s time to take back the longevity conversation. Women deserve better research, better solutions, and better health outcomes. That means demanding answers, pushing for female-focused studies, and finding experts who truly understand women’s aging journey.
Aging well isn’t about following the latest Silicon Valley bro biohacking trend—it’s about understanding your body, making choices that support your health, and rewriting the longevity playbook so it actually works for women.
Resources for Female Longevity:
- The Menopause Brain – Dr. Lisa Mosconi
- Estrogen Matters – Dr. Avrum Bluming & Dr. Carol Tavris
- Women’s Health Initiative – National Institutes of Health (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/science/womens-health-initiative)
- Perimenopause: The Savvy Sister’s Guide to Hormone Harmony – Dr. Anna Garrett
Women are already leading in longevity when it comes to the number of years we’re around. What we need and want is to make sure those years are as healthy and vibrant as possible! Let’s demand more from science, together.
Dr. Anna Garrett is a menopause expert and Doctor of Pharmacy. She helps women who are struggling with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause find natural hormone balancing solutions so they can rock their mojo through midlife and beyond. Dr. Anna is the author of Perimenopause: The Savvy Sister’s Guide to Hormone Harmony. Order your copy at www.perimenopausebook.com.
Dr. Anna is available for 1-1 consultation. Find out more at www.drannagarrett.com/lets-talk
