If you’re a female interested in human life extension (or otherwise consider yourself a spanner), you’re probably heavily invested in delaying menopause, the biological process marking the end of the menstrual cycle, which usually happens in the late 40s or early 50s.
As a thirty-four-year-old female spanner, I’d argue it’s one of the most important health interventions I could focus on right now. As the New York Times recently pointed out, “The ovaries, in particular, appear to be connected to virtually every aspect of a woman’s health.”
That said, as we’ve previously covered, a lot of an individual’s timing of menopause comes down to genes. When using these top products, consider when your mother started menopause as a baseline.
Additionally, pat yourself on the back if you’ve been using oral contraceptives or have breastfed children for more than seven months. Those interventions may also delay menopause as well.
But beyond genes and lifestyle choices, there are a few products that may help delay menopause as well. While researching this article, I looked for promising peer-reviewed studies that went beyond “working out” and “eating right,” and chose to emphasize interventions that are accessible to most people.
Consider these options when warding away menopause.
1. Rapamycin
Rapamycin is a macrolide antibiotic originally used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplant patients.
How it helps: Rapamycin has gained attention for its potential anti-aging properties. It inhibits the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which is crucial in regulating cell growth and metabolism. By modulating this pathway, rapamycin may help extend the lifespan of cells, potentially delaying the decline in ovarian function that leads to menopause. Moreover, rapamycin’s anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate some menopausal symptoms.
Cost: Starts at $150/mo with a doctor’s prescription
2. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) Supplements
NMN is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme found in all living cells.
How it helps: NMN supplements are believed to boost NAD+ levels, which naturally decline with age. NAD+ plays a vital role in energy metabolism and DNA repair. By enhancing NAD+ levels, NMN can support cellular health and improve mitochondrial function, which may delay ovarian aging and the onset of menopause (it’s been shown to work on mice). Additionally, improved cellular function can lead to better management of menopausal symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive decline.
Cost: $65 for 60 capsules
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats found in fish oil and certain plant oils.
How they help: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help balance hormone levels. They support overall reproductive health by maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and reducing oxidative stress. Regular intake of omega-3s may help delay ovarian aging and mitigate menopausal symptoms such as mood swings and cardiovascular issues.
Cost: $38 for 90 capsules
4. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health and immune function.
How it helps: Adequate levels of vitamin D are crucial for maintaining healthy ovarian function. It helps regulate calcium levels and supports the production of sex hormones, which can delay the onset of early menopause. Furthermore, vitamin D’s role in immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as joint pain and mood disturbances.
Cost: $16 for 60 capsules
How I plan to incorporate these interventions
Delaying menopause and managing its symptoms is an essential aspect of extending a woman’s overall health and quality of life. Incorporating products like rapamycin, NMN supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D into a healthy lifestyle can offer promising benefits–I partake in the latter three interventions.
These drugs and supplements may help maintain hormonal balance, support cellular health, and alleviate common menopausal symptoms, contributing to a smoother transition and prolonged reproductive health.
In addition to these supplements, efforts by companies like Oviva and ProFaM Health are making significant strides in women’s health.
Oviva focuses on providing personalized nutritional guidance and support to women, helping them make informed dietary choices that can impact overall health and menopause management. Oviva’s approach integrates cutting-edge technology with expert advice, offering customized plans that consider individual health profiles and lifestyle factors. Oviva’s research delves into the links between nutrition, metabolic health, and menopause, providing valuable insights that help women navigate this transition more effectively.
ProFaM Health is dedicated to advancing reproductive longevity through innovative medical interventions. One of their groundbreaking approaches involves ovarian rejuvenation techniques aimed at delaying menopause and extending fertility. ProFaM Health’s research and treatments focus on restoring and preserving ovarian function, thereby prolonging the reproductive lifespan and mitigating the impacts of menopause. Their work represents a significant leap forward in women’s health, offering new hope and possibilities for those seeking to delay menopause and maintain hormonal balance.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our deep dive into how to delay menopause or our flagship article on female longevity, and subscribe to get our free biological age guide!
By day, I am a problem solver, writer, and the co-founder of Longevity Advice. I’m best known for writing about technology and have been featured in Forbes, The Hill, and TechRepublic. When the batteries are powered down and the suit comes off, I’m an enthusiastic hiker, runner, and Rocket League competitor and enjoy discussing minimalism, Studio Ghibli, and Icelandic sheepdogs.
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