Several decades ago, medical research often excluded women, arguing that their bodies were too complex and vulnerable for study. This exclusion was driven by protective concerns about potential pregnancies and the mistaken belief that findings from studies on men could universally apply to women. It was not until 1986 that a U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) advisory committee advocated for the inclusion of women in medical research.

Fast forward to today, and we now understand that women’s bodies age and respond to health interventions differently compared to men. A recent review paper by UK exercise and sports science experts delved into the role of sex hormones in ageing, shedding light on the complexities involved.

Understanding the Gender Gap in Ageing

Research consistently shows that women tend to live longer than men, yet they often spend more of those extra years in poor health. Conditions like muscle loss, sarcopenia (muscle wasting), and frailty are more prevalent among women, contributing to higher rates of falls, fractures, and disability. Additionally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Role of Hormones

One of the key factors influencing these disparities is the fluctuating nature of female sex hormones throughout life. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall with menstrual cycles, increase during pregnancy before dropping sharply post-childbirth, and decline significantly during menopause.

Scientists speculate that these hormonal fluctuations, particularly the steep decline post-menopause, could contribute to changes in brain function and nervous system health. Animal studies have suggested that estrogen and progesterone influence brain cell activity, affecting learning, memory, and cognitive function.

Implications for Women’s Health

Beyond hormones, researchers acknowledge that various non-hormonal factors also play crucial roles in how women age. Chronic stress, often exacerbated by caregiving responsibilities for children or ageing parents, can accelerate the ageing process and compromise efforts to prioritise exercise, nutrition, and self-care.

Navigating Uncertainties

While significant strides have been made in understanding how gender influences health outcomes, many questions remain unanswered. How can women mitigate the risks of conditions like Alzheimer’s and sarcopenia? Are exercise recommendations different for women compared to men? Is stress management more critical for women’s overall health?

In the absence of definitive answers, focusing on universal health principles remains paramount: adequate protein intake for muscle maintenance, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for overall well-being, and prioritising minimally processed foods over highly processed options.

Remember, maintaining regular physical activity, prioritising quality sleep, and nurturing social connections are essential for everyone’s health journey. Each person’s path to optimal health is unique, so embrace personalised approaches that resonate with your individual needs and seek guidance from healthcare professionals as necessary.

References: 

Insight on women and aging. Precision Nutrition. 

Balch B. AAMC. 2024 [cited 2024 May 22]. Why we know so little about women’s health. Available from: https://www.aamc.org/news/why-we-know-so-little-about-women-s-health

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Yan BW, Arias E, Geller AC, Miller DR, Kochanek KD, Koh HK. Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021. JAMA Intern Med. 2024 Jan 1;184(1):108–10.

Zhang Q, Guo H, Gu H, Zhao X. Gender-associated factors for frailty and their impact on hospitalization and mortality among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional population-based study. PeerJ. 2018 Feb 28;6:e4326.

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Xu M, Amarilla Vallejo A, Cantalapiedra Calvete C, Rudd A, Wolfe C, O’Connell MDL, et al. Stroke Outcomes in Women: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Stroke. 2022 Oct;53(10):3072–81.

Ji H, Gulati M, Huang TY, Kwan AC, Ouyang D, Ebinger JE, et al. Sex Differences in Association of Physical Activity With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024 Feb 27;83(8):783–93.

Edwards ES, Sackett SC. Psychosocial Variables Related to Why Women are Less Active than Men and Related Health Implications. Clin Med Insights Womens Health. 2016 Jul 4;9(Suppl 1):47–56.