Uncover the staggering reality of menopause as it fast-tracks biological aging, leading women to age 9 years within just 6 months. Learn about the critical role of estrogen and NAD+ in this transformative process.

Estrogen, often labelled as a mere sex hormone, orchestrates numerous vital operations within our bodies. It's as if estrogen holds a master key, unlocking the full potential of many cells including neurons, muscles, mitochondria and immune cells.

But when menopause initiates a sharp drop in estrogen levels, it sends shockwaves throughout a woman’s body, often initiating a rapid increase in biological age. 

Also, a simultaneous dive in NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) levels during the same period can exacerbate this process. Dr Nichola Conlon, a renowned scientist, recently talked about this fascinating connection and the potential benefits of NAD+ boosters like TIME+NAD. 

Fast-Tracking the Biological Clock during Menopause 

Menopause is notorious for speeding up biological aging - defined as the pace at which your cells age. It's shocking to note that a woman can age biologically by an alarming 9 years within a mere 6 months during this change of life, according to recent studies. [1] 

This emphasizes the crucial role of hormones in regulating our biological age. 

Another extensive study investigating 2000 women concluded that the rate of biological aging can doubly intensify during menopause. Astonishingly, some women experience a biological aging equivalent to 20 years during this period, exemplifying the major life-altering process women undergo. [2] 

Estrogen Depletion and the Onset of Chronic Inflammation 

Estrogen’s role is not limited to sex-related functionalities; it's also critical in maintaining normal immune function. As the levels of estrogen hit the floor during menopause, it opens the floodgates to chronic low-grade inflammation, a condition known as "inflammaging", one of the key drivers of cellular aging. 

The Energy Famine: Loss of Estrogen and Mitochondrial Dysfunction 

In the centre of our cells, the mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse, play host to numerous estrogen receptors. An uninterrupted supply of estrogen ensures their optimal functioning, thereby governing normal energy production. 

But with menopause comes an intense decrease in estrogen supply, which consequently thumbs down mitochondrial performance: an integral sign of aging.

This disruption in cellular energy (ATP) production leads to a harmful build-up of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage DNA and boost the proliferation of senescent (or "zombie") cells – a prominent characteristic of aging. 

You can link the common complaint of fatigue among menopausal women to this estrogen-deficiency-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. When this issue entangles with a dip in NAD+ levels, crucial for energy production, it triggers a steep decline in overall energy. 

Estrogen Shortage and the Brain Fog Conundrum 

The abrupt drop in estrogen levels doesn’t spare the brain. Estrogen is essential for ensuring optimal neuron functioning and fueling brain energy production. As such, the common symptom of brain fog experienced by many women during menopause can be linked to estrogen deficiency. 

Considering the abundance of mitochondrial estrogen receptors in critical brain regions like the hippocampus and frontal lobe, which are central to memory and cognitive function, a decline in estrogen negatively impacts brain's functionality.

It compromises the mitochondria's performance within the brain, leading to insufficient energy, faulty memory storage, forgetfulness and brain fog. Post-menopause, metabolic functions in women's brains can dip by as much as 15-25% due to this mitochondrial dysfunction. 

NAD+'s Role in Cellular Restoration 

The aftermath of an estrogen 'dry spell' during menopause translates to a surge in cellular damage due to an overproduction of ROS and inflammation. NAD+ becomes a beacon of hope as it can repair this cellular damage, bring down inflammation levels, and decelerate biological aging. 

NAD+ is also crucial for awakening DNA repair proteins (PARPs) and longevity genes called Sirtuins that regulate antioxidant defence mechanisms – thus, counteracting the effects of estrogen decline. 

In conclusion, the swift downfall in the levels of both estrogen and NAD+ during menopause generates a perfect storm conducive to rapid aging at the cellular level.  

With NAD+ playing a key role in critical cellular processes, especially energy production and repair, elevating NAD+ during menopause could potentially deflect some adverse consequences of estrogen decline. 

References 

[1] Jurić, J., Kohrt, W. M., Kifer, D., Gavin, K. M., Pezer, M., Nigrovic, P. A., & Lauc, G. (2020). Effects of estradiol on biological age measured using the glycan age index. Aging (Albany NY), 12(19), 19756. 

[2] Deriš, H., Kifer, D., Cindrić, A., Petrović, T., Cvetko, A., Trbojević-Akmačić, I., … & Lauc, G. (2022). Immunoglobulin G glycome composition in transition from premenopause to postmenopause. Iscience, 25(3), 103897.