Do you know any person who goes to the grocery store to buy one item? Or even leaves the house just to go to the grocery store? Not I!
Well oestrogen is a multitasker too. Why on earth would your body create such a complex molecule as oestrogen, take the energy and time to send it all around your body, but only load it with one thing on the task list? Multitasking is an efficiency trait where the cost and benefit of loading and listing many things can save a lot of time and energy. And just like a person juggling a grocery list, a work deadline, and a family dinner, oestrogen is the ultimate multitasker. It doesn’t just do one job—it’s a hormone with a CV longer than a shopping list at Christmas!
Hormones—The Body’s Multitaskers
Hormones are like the Swiss Army knives of your body. They’re not just one-trick ponies; they’re designed to handle multiple tasks with elegance and efficiency. Here’s a quick rundown of some multitasking hormones:
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Insulin: Not just a blood sugar manager—it’s also a fat storage coach and a brain food regulator.
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Cortisol: The stress hormone that also moonlights as a metabolism maestro and immune system bouncer.
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Oxytocin: The “love hormone” that helps with childbirth, breastfeeding, and making you feel all warm and fuzzy when you hug someone. It even plays a role in immune function and wound healing!
But today, we’re shining the spotlight on Oestrogen—The Queen of Multitasking
Oestrogen is like the CEO of your body’s boardroom. It’s involved in everything from keeping your skin plump and hydrated to protecting your bones, brain, and heart. It is, indeed, an important antioxidant. But here’s the kicker: oestrogen’s antioxidant properties are independent of its hormonal functions. It is loaded with other molecules that do different things, other than communicate with your oestrogen receptors. That means even if you’re not using it to regulate your reproductive system, it’s still out there fighting free radicals like a molecular superhero.
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Skin Saviour: Oestrogen protects hyaluronic acid (your skin’s natural moisturiser) by inhibiting enzymes that break it down. It also boosts collagen production and fights oxidative stress to keep your skin looking youthful.
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Bone Builder: It helps maintain bone density by regulating cells that build and break down bone.
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Brain Booster: Oestrogen supports cognitive function and may help protect against “brain fog” by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
There is, however, a catch: as we age, oestrogen levels drop—especially during menopause. And when the CEO steps down, its multitasking services also fall off the wagon, so to speak.
The Antioxidant Gap—Why Diet Matters More Than Ever
When oestrogen levels decline, so does its antioxidant protection. This can lead to:
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Skin Changes: Dryness, thinning, and wrinkles.
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Brain Fog: Oxidative stress in the brain can affect memory and focus.
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Increased Disease Risk: Without oestrogen’s antioxidant shield, the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and osteoporosis goes up.
But here’s the good news: now that we’re starting to understand how these changes happen, we can be more aware of the importance of diet and what skincare routines might need to change. Think of it as hiring a team of freelancers to pick up the slack when the CEO retires. Foods rich in antioxidants—like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and yes, seaweed—can help protect your skin, brain, and body from oxidative stress.
And speaking of seaweed, did you know that our research at PhycoHealth has shown that our specific seaweed is packed with antioxidants? Whether you eat it or use it in skincare, it’s a natural way to boost your antioxidant defences.
The Oxidative Stress Gender Gap
Here’s something truly fascinating: oxidative stress levels differ between males and females, and hormones play a big role in this.
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Pre-Menopausal Females: Thanks to oestrogen’s antioxidant effects, females generally experience lower oxidative stress than males during their reproductive years. Oestrogen scavenges free radicals, boosts antioxidant enzymes, and protects mitochondria, creating a kind of “oxidative stress shield.”
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Males and Testosterone: Testosterone, on the other hand, doesn’t always act as an antioxidant. In fact, it can sometimes increase oxidative stress by stimulating the production of free radicals during metabolism. This may explain why males often have higher baseline levels of oxidative stress compared to pre-menopausal females.
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The Menopausal Shift: When oestrogen levels drop during menopause, this protective shield weakens. As a result, post-menopausal females often experience a rise in oxidative stress, sometimes surpassing levels seen in males of the same age. This shift is thought to contribute to the increased risk of chronic diseases—like heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline—after menopause.
What About Testosterone?
Oestrogen isn’t the only hormone that declines with age. Testosterone—often thought of as the “male hormone”—also decreases in both men and women as we get older. And guess what? Testosterone has a complex relationship with oxidative stress. While it can have some antioxidant effects in certain contexts (e.g., in the brain), it’s generally less protective than oestrogen and may even exacerbate oxidative damage in some tissues.
Understanding empowers your solutions
Our bodies are incredible networks of molecules and signals, far more complex than any AI system humans have ever created. And while hormones like oestrogen and testosterone may decline with age, we’re not powerless. By understanding how these multitasking molecules work and change over time, and then supporting our bodies with slight shifts in a nutrient-rich diet, healthy lifestyle, and a little help from nature (like our antioxidant-rich seaweed and Phyaluronic acid), we can align with the journey of our hormones and metabolic shifts.
So, whether you’re navigating menopause, andropause, or just the natural process of ageing, remember: your body is a masterpiece, and you have the tools to keep it running smoothly.
Want to find a multitasking solution for your metabolism?
Want to learn more about how our seaweed can boost your antioxidant defences? Check out our research below, or you can explore our range of antioxidant-rich products to suit your stage in life and metabolism. Like our Prime of Life, New Mums, Athlete, or Mermaid Essentials bundles. Let’s embrace the journey of ageing with curiosity, care, and a little bit of science-backed magic!
