Life & Style

Kalonji and jeera, common Indian spices, offer unique hair growth benefits. Kalonji oil strengthens roots and nourishes the scalp for long-term regrowth, ideal for weak or flaky scalps. Jeera, rich in iron, cleanses the scalp, improves circulation, and provides a quick refresh. Combining both leverages kalonji’s deep nourishment with jeera’s cleansing action for optimal hair health.

If you are trying to grow your hair faster, thicker, and healthier, you have probably seen kalonji (black seed) and jeera (cumin) popping up all over natural hair care advice. These aren’t just spices for your cooking, they are packed with benefits for your scalp and strands too. But when it comes to hair regrowth, which one actually works better? Let’s get into it.

Why Kalonji is a scalp hero

Kalonji has been a staple in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern beauty for ages and for good reason. It’s full of antioxidants, fatty acids, and something called thymoquinone, which helps improve scalp health and supports stronger follicles. Basically, it sets up the perfect environment for hair to grow.

If your scalp is itchy, oily, or flaky, kalonji can really help soothe things down. It also strengthens the roots and helps reduce breakage, which is key if you’re trying to stop shedding. While it doesn’t work overnight, it’s a solid long-term buddy for healthier, fuller hair.

What makes Jeera a quick fix

Jeera, or cumin, is usually known for helping digestion, but it’s surprisingly useful for hair too. It’s rich in iron and a bunch of other nutrients that support healthy hair growth. Plus, jeera water is great for clearing scalp buildup and improving blood circulation.So, if your hair fall is more about a dirty or clogged scalp, jeera might give you faster relief. You may not get long-term strength from it like kalonji offers, but it’s awesome for a quick scalp refresh.

Which one should you go for?

Here’s the deal, if you have got weak roots, breakage, or a flaky scalp, kalonji oil is your go-to. It works deeper, slower, and strengthens your hair over time. On the other hand, if your hair is dull or feels heavy and greasy, jeera can help clean things up and boost blood flow to your scalp, which encourages growth too.In short:Kalonji is great for overall strength, nourishment, and long-term regrowth.Jeera helps with scalp health, buildup removal, and quick refresh.

How to use them at home

For Kalonji:Warm up a bit of kalonji oil (1–2 tbsp).Massage into your scalp for 5–10 minutes.Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you can.Rinse it out with a gentle shampoo. Do this once or twice a week.For Jeera:Boil 2 tbsp of jeera in 2 cups of water.Let it cool completely.

After you’ve washed your hair, pour this jeera water onto your scalp.Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with plain water. Try this 2–3 times a week.You can also try a jeera-yogurt scalp mask if you’re dealing with flakes or dullness. It’s super refreshing.

Can you use both?

Absolutely. In fact, they complement each other really well. You can use kalonji oil once a week to nourish and strengthen, and use jeera water in between for scalp maintenance. No harm in combining forces!

What results should you expect?

Let’s keep it real: these aren’t magic treatments. But with regular use over 4–6 weeks, you’ll probably see less breakage and a cleaner, healthier scalp. Hair regrowth usually takes a couple of months of consistency, so don’t give up too soon.Also, if your hair fall is sudden or severe, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor, it might be linked to diet, stress, or hormones.So, which one wins the hair growth game? If we’re talking deep nourishment and root strength, kalonji takes the lead. But if you’re looking for a scalp refresh and want something that acts a bit quicker, jeera is worth trying.Honestly, both are affordable, easy to use, and super effective in their own ways. Try one, try both, just be patient, stay consistent, and give your scalp the love it deserves. Your hair will thank you later!

“Oon mera naam hai, oon oon oon; meri kahani zara sun sun sun.” (My name in Oon, oon oon oon; listen to my story.)

A tuft of raw, tangled black Deccani wool with tiny arms and a hole for a mouth bounces across the screen, narrating the story of neglect that desi oon has suffered for generations. The six-minute stop-motion animation film, Desi Oon, tells a riveting tale of how indigenous wool stands forgotten. Its compelling storytelling — depicting the intersection of ecology, dwindling traditional craft, and the threat industrialisation poses to pastoral communities — scooped up the Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival last month in France.

The film was developed over a year by Mumbai-based Studio Eeksaurus, in collaboration with the Centre for Pastoralism, for the Living Lightly – Journeys with Pastoralists exhibition in Bengaluru earlier this year. Filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, founder and creative director of the studio, who had visited a desi oon exhibition in 2022, says it all began with listening. “We didn’t go in with a storyboard. We went in with curiosity. The richness of what we encountered — the sheep, the wool, the landscape, and the people who live in that reality — left a deep impact. What excited us most was that this wasn’t just a textile story. It was a story of resilience, of ecosystems, of lives intertwined with the land.”

Filmmaker Suresh Eriyat, founder of Studio Eeksaurus
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

A woolly tale

Nearly 30 people worked on the film. Lyricist and singer Swanand Kirkire translated the essence and rhythm of the shepherds’ songs and folk traditions into his lyrics and raw singing. The catchy folk tune was composed by Rajat Dholakia, without using any electronic or digital sources, carefully preserving its organic quality. And the soundscape was created by Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty.

But the star of the show was the desi oon. “We wanted the wool to tell its own story. Wool isn’t sleek. It doesn’t behave. It frays, resists, coils. That unpredictability, usually considered a limitation, was something we leaned into,” says Eriyat, using real wool from Deccani sheep sourced in Belagavi, Karnataka. “We let the material misbehave. It gave the film a certain life — something beyond what we were breathing into it.”

Making models for Desi Oon
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy Studio Eeksaurus

They made models and used specialised stop-motion techniques, a method which Eriyat describes as “slow, tactile, handcrafted. Just like the lives and materials we were depicting”. But it came with technical challenges, as animating the wool was painstaking. “Stop-motion gave us the language to do that with poetry, metaphor, and a kind of warmth that invites empathy, not just observation,” he says.

They also used specialised stop-motion techniques
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy Studio Eeksaurus

Embracing slowness became part of the storytelling itself. “It echoed the tempo of pastoral life, the rhythm of herding, spinning, weaving, and of course their resilience,” he reminisces of the year they spent working on the film. “In an era of fast content and CGI perfection, this slowness felt almost radical.”

The spirit of Balu mama

Central to the tale of Deccani wool is the story of Balu mama, a revered shepherd among the pastoralists of the region. Known for his quiet leadership, he dedicated his life to nurturing and protecting Deccani sheep. The Centre for Pastoralism and the Living Lightly team connected the studio to the shepherding communities, to walk with real pastoralists, observing their rhythm and routines, and learn their wisdom passed on orally through generations.

Balu mama from Desi Oon
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy Studio Eeksaurus

“Watching his followers guide hundreds of sheep across dry, rocky terrain, never raising their voice, just being present, was profoundly moving. The land listens to the flock, and the reverence both the flock and the shepherd held for Balu mama was near worship,” says Eriyat.

His approach to this collaboration hinged on respect for the craft. “We didn’t want to simplify or romanticise their lives. These communities are complex and proud. So, we took our cues from their stories, songs, silences, and humour,” he says. The metaphors used in storytelling were rooted in the land. “A sheep wasn’t ‘cute’ or ‘comic’. It was central to their economy, their kinship system, and their survival. Even the songs and lyrics were crafted with input from folk musicians who live this life.”

“ When brands co-opt without context, they flatten histories. We need to document not just products, but processes. Not just objects, but origins. And we need to tell them with the same beauty and innovation that global audiences are used to, but with our lens, our voice, our terms.”Suresh Eriyatwho believes the time is ripe for India to share her stories before they are appropriated by the world

A still from Desi Oon
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy Studio Eeksaurus

Storytelling with craft

The Annecy award was deeply validating for the studio. “Not because of the recognition alone, but because a quiet, rooted story from India resonated on the world stage. It showed us that truth travels,” says Eriyat.

Post the success of the film, can animation become a potent medium for storytelling for craft-led and even luxury brands? Eriyat believes it can, especially stop-motion, drawing in audiences gently, without the defensiveness that sometimes accompanies advocacy. “It makes room for wonder, and wonder leads to curiosity. That’s where change begins. Desi oon has already sparked conversations across sectors, from sustainable fashion and tourism to policy. There have been early inquiries from both luxury brands and government bodies wanting to understand how storytelling like this can be embedded into their communication,” he shares.

A still from Desi Oon
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy Studio Eeksaurus

Eriyat believes animation can become a tool for cultural preservation, craft revival, and even rural economic development. “We’ve only scratched the surface. We hope the film becomes a trigger. For young people to ask where their clothes come from. For designers to rethink the supply chain. For policymakers to look again at pastoralism not as ‘backward’, but as ecologically vital.”

The real success, however, will be when these communities get sustained attention and support. “When their voices are not just preserved, but amplified on their terms.”

The writer is a sustainability consultant and founder of Beejliving, a lifestyle platform dedicated to slow living.

Published – July 18, 2025 08:15 am IST

In Mumbai’s local trains, the ladies’ compartment is a paradox. It promises safety through separation, comfort through containment. It’s where strangers sit shoulder to shoulder, share recipes before names, or exchange sighs instead of stories. These quiet solidarities are the premise of Ladies Compartment, a group exhibition by Method (India), now on view at Galerie Melike Bilir in Hamburg, Germany.

Traindiaries
| Photo Credit:
Anushree Fadnavis

Beyond gendered train coaches

The show brings together six Indian women artists — Anushree Fadnavis, Avani Rai, Darshika Singh, Keerthana Kunnath, Krithika Sriram, and Shaheen Peer — each reflecting on gender, space, and resilience. Rooted in the hyperlocal image of Mumbai’s gender-segregated train compartment, the exhibition poses larger questions of how women move through the world and the spaces — physical, emotional, cultural — that define those movements.

“Most Europeans I spoke to had never encountered the idea of gendered train coaches,” says Sahil Arora, curator and founder of Method. “But that doesn’t mean women in Europe are completely safe. The compartment becomes a doorway to talk about what safety looks like, who gets access, and at what cost.” The show, part of India Week Hamburg 2025, marks Method’s first exhibition in Germany.

Sandra as a Hindu Goddess
| Photo Credit:
Keerthana Kunnath

Open to questions

While the premise of the exhibition draws from a recognisable Indian experience, its intent is not parochial. These are not works that merely illustrate a theme—they think through it, press against it, and resist neat conclusions. Each artist speaks in her own vocabulary of image, pigment, gesture, or breath.

Take Darshika Singh’s video piece, In A Single Thought. Built around rhythm and repetition, it quietly questions how women’s labour—especially physical, caregiving work —is rendered invisible by its very frequency. “Society’s expectation of women’s productivity has a lot to do with how our gestures get naturalised,” says Singh. “But repetition can also be looked at anew. One way preserves order; the other breaks it.”

The idea that disruption doesn’t always need to be loud runs through the show. In a striking series of fading self-portraits, Krithika Sriram uses rose-petal pigment to create what she calls “a disappearing image” of the Dalit female body. The work deliberately turns away from the spectacle of caste violence. “This is not about gore,” she says. “It comes from someone looking at their own history with agency.”

In My Mother’s Saree
| Photo Credit:
Shaheen Peer

Sriram’s work invites viewers to question how we memorialise pain — and whether beauty dilutes or dignifies it. “I don’t think beauty softens the critique,” she says. “If it exists, it reflects my perspective, my right to represent my own body.”

Photographer Shaheen Peer takes a similar route of quiet defiance. Her faceless self-portraits, draped in fabric, speak through form, not identity. “We’re often more concerned with who is in the image than what the image is about,” she says. By omitting the face, she shifts the gaze — toward memory, material, posture, presence.

Panna
| Photo Credit:
Avani Rai

Shaped by artists

These subtle but deliberate gestures accumulate across the exhibition. Fadnavis’s decade-long photo archive of everyday life inside Mumbai’s trains builds an ethnography of kinship and solitude. Rai’s portraits of Punjabi women document the weight of land, grief, and belonging. They have a blurry quality to them, making the subject—a young girl of about 10—a figure of aspiration as she writes, stands, and looks at you sideways while laying on a bed of flowers. Kunnath’s photographs of Indian female bodybuilders destabilise the idea of strength as masculine, and femininity as small.

For Arora, the curatorial process was artist-first. “This wasn’t about illustrating a curatorial statement,” he says. “The artists shaped the show.” He acknowledges the persistent gender imbalance in the art world — why “women-only” shows still exist. “If representation was truly balanced, these categories wouldn’t be necessary,” he says.

Kuvalai
| Photo Credit:
Krithika Sriram

#traindiaries
| Photo Credit:
Anushree Fadnavis

No grand claims

The show doesn’t offer any easy takeaways. There are no declarations of revolution, no grand claims of feminist triumph. Instead, Ladies Compartment focuses on what is often overlooked — gesture, routine, and the quiet strength of repetition. It asks: when does a boundary protect, and when does it confine?

In Mumbai, women in the ladies’ compartment know each other by their train stops, silences, and the weight they carry — long before they know names or professions. Perhaps that’s the real offering here: a glimpse into how women learn to share space—unequally, gently, strategically —and the kinds of care, strength, and camaraderie built along the way.

The exhibition is on view till July 20 at Galerie Melike Bilir in Hamburg, Germany.

The essayist and educator writes on design and culture.

Published – July 18, 2025 08:08 am IST

US President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with a benign condition known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency, after being examined for swelling in legs, and bruising. An official statement from the White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, revealed that the President, 79, suffers from the condition due to constant “hand-shaking” and the use of “aspirin” (as part of preventive cardiac health). She also said that all of his reports were “were within normal limits”, and he had “normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness”.But what is Chronic venous insufficiency, and what symptoms does it cause? We’ll take a look…What Is Chronic Venous InsufficiencyChronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when the veins of your legs cannot properly pump blood back towards the heart. The normal functioning of your veins depends on tiny valves, which act as one-way check points to direct blood flow to your heart. In case the valves in your veins are weak or damaged, blood can go back down and accumulate in your legs. The resultant increase in venous pressure leads to the manifestation of uncomfortable symptoms.The condition is known to affect the veins of the legs, and rarely other parts of the body. It is sometimes referred to as “chronic venous stasis” or “chronic venous disease.”

Why Does CVI HappenThere are various factors that may lead to the malfunction of your veins:Damage to vein valves: Past blood clots or injuries have caused damage to the valves of your veins.Aging: Veins and their valves weaken down with age.Standing or sitting for long periods: This can increase pressure in leg veins.Obesity, pregnancy, and genetics: These increase the chances of developing CVI.Other risk factors: Smoking, lack of movement or exercise, and a family history of vein problems.Common Symptoms to Watch Out ForThe initial signs of chronic venous insufficiency may be minor, but if not treated, they may lead to more severe complications. Common symptoms include:Swelling in the legs or anklesAching, tired, or heavy feeling in your legsItching or tingling in the lower legsPain that worsens when you stand, but improves when you raise your legsVaricose veins: Large, twisted blue or purple veins near the surface of the skinSkin changes:Red, brown, or discolored skin near the anklesThickened or hardened skin (looks like leather)Cracked, flaky, or irritated skinLeg ulcers: Sores near the ankles that are slow to healMuscle cramps or spasmsRestless legs, especially at nightSymptoms could be mild at the onset, but they tend to get worse over time. Ulcers or open sores are particularly difficult to heal, and therefore require medical care.Types and Stages of Chronic Venous InsufficiencyDoctors often divide CVI into categories or stages for the purpose of planning treatment. The CEAP classification is one of the commonly used methods to classify vein problems, and is an acronym for Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, and Pathophysiological.

Treatment: What Can You DoThe condition of chronic venous insufficiency is chronic, and non reversible, but it can be managed to control the symptoms. Here’s what your doctor may recommend:Lifestyle ChangesExercise: Walking or regular leg movements, help pump blood back to your heart.Elevate your legs: Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down to minimise the swelling.Maintain a healthy weight: This reduces pressure on your leg veins.Avoid standing or sitting for too long: Moving around often helps your veins work better.Your skin needs proper care, through maintaining clean and moisturised legs to avoid ulcers and irritation.Compression TherapySpecial compression stockings serve as the most beneficial treatment option. Special stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which helps blood movement upward and decreases swelling. Your doctor will determine which type of compression stockings, along with their specific strength, suit you best.MedicationsDoctors prescribe the following medications to patients:Antibiotics: Antibiotics serve to treat infections when patients develop ulcers on their legs.Blood thinners: Blood thinners act as prevention for blood clots.Medicated wraps: Dressings that reduce swelling and sores.Medical Procedures and SurgeryThe next step after compression stockings and lifestyle changes, includes medical procedures for treatment.Sclerotherapy involves delivering a solution to the targeted vein through injection which leads to its closure.Endovenous ablation: Using lasers or radio waves to seal off faulty veins.Vein surgery: Removing or repairing badly damaged veins. Surgery serves as the final option for treatment, and doctors perform it on very few patients.Living with Chronic Venous InsufficiencyThe condition of CVI remains non-life-threatening, yet symptoms worsen when left untreated. Your ability to live comfortably with less chances of complications like painful ulcers and skin infections, is possible through early diagnosis and treatment.SourcesSIGVARIS: CEAP ClassificationStanford Vascular Surgery: Venous Disease GuidelinesThe Whiteley Clinic: CEAP Score ExplanationStatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf): CEAP and Venous InsufficiencyDisclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Dr. Eric Berg highlights that pot bellies in India are often linked to diets high in refined sugars and starches, which feed harmful gut microbes, leading to bloating and SIBO. He suggests eliminating these sugars and starches, incorporating fiber-rich vegetables, and adopting lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress management to improve digestion and reduce abdominal bloating.

Pot bellies, often characterized by a bloated protruding stomach, are a common concern for many people in India. Often tied to a combination of factors such as dietary habits, lifestyle, and potentially genetic predisposition, this should not be brushed aside as only a cosmetic concern. It is a major sign of many underlying issues. Dr. Eric Berg, a chiropractor and nutrition author specializing in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, has explained the reason behind this pot bellies, and shared some effective ways to address it. Diet and protruding belly

Dr. Berg noted that Indians predominantly depend on a vegetarian diet. He explained that a diet rich in plant-based nutrients can contribute to bloating when it includes excessive refined sugars and starches. “In India, most people are on a vegetarian diet. They don’t consume a lot of meat. But when they eat too many refined sugars and starches, it ends up feeding the gut microbes, which create over-fermentation, which leads to gas and bloating,” he said, in a video shared on Instagram. Dr. Berg explained that foods like wheat flour, tapioca flour, rice flour, potato flour, modified food starch, modified cornstarch, and maltodextrin feed the gut microbes excessively. This could lead to over-fermentation in the small intestine, producing gas and causing uncomfortable bloating. He also added that SIBO, a condition where excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine, exacerbates this issue and leads to symptoms like abdominal distension and discomfort.How to fix it

Dr. Berg suggests starving the harmful gut microbes to combat bloating and SIBO, by eliminating refined sugars and starches. Simple steps such as replacing processed flours with whole, nutrient-dense alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour can help. Adding fiber-rich vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower to the diet can support digestion without feeding the harmful bacteria.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to know that there are other factors, such as lack of physical activity and some dietary habits, that contribute to a protruding belly. Regular exercise can help manage this condition. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise every week. Though there is no such thing as spot reduction, shedding excess weight can also benefit the belly area. Similarly, stress management and adequate sleep are critical. Practices like yoga can improve gut motility and reduce stress-induced digestive issues. It is also crucial to consult a healthcare provider for SIBO testing or personalized dietary guidance if you have a protruding belly. By addressing dietary triggers and adopting gut-friendly habits, one can reduce bloating, improve digestion, and achieve a healthier abdomen. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

No matter how gentle we think we’re being, most of us are putting our hair through a lot. Between blow-drying, flat ironing, curling, coloring, and tying it up tight for that slick bun look, our strands rarely get a break. And while leave-in conditioners and serums help, there’s one old-school remedy that actually goes deep: Hair oiling.

Not all oils are created equal, though. Some just sit on the surface, making your hair look glossy, and then vanish by midday. Others go beyond the shine, nourishing your scalp, sealing in moisture, and protecting your hair from breakage caused by everyday styling.Here are five oils that do more than coat they care. Tried, tested, and trusted.

Tiny white spots on your fingernails might be more than just a cosmetic issue. According to Dr. Shirley Koeh, these spots, known as leukonychia, could signal underlying health problems like zinc, selenium, or protein deficiencies. Surprisingly, they may also indicate arsenic exposure, potentially from contaminated rice. Dr.

Ever noticed small white spots on your fingernails? Though those tiny white spots might seem harmless, they could be your body’s way of sounding an alarm. Dr. Shirley Koeh, a leading functional medicine doctor based in Kuala Lumpur, has explained the reason behind those white spots. “Do you notice all these tiny white spots on your nails? And it just happens for no reason. This is your body trying to warn you,” the doctor said, in a video shared on Instagram.

White spots on your nails are common and are generally harmless. However, if those are multiplying and lingering longer, it could be an issue.The white spots or streaks on your fingernails or toenails could be leukonychia. According to Dr. Koeh, these marks can reflect underlying health problems that may have been developing for weeks or months. Nails grow slowly, so these white spots or any changes are signs of your body’s health over time. While occasional spots might result from minor trauma, persistent white spots or those that linger longer could be leukonychia.

Dr. Koeh pointed out that leukonychia could happen due to nutrient deficiencies. “They are often a sign of zinc deficiency, selenium deficiency, or even low protein,” the doctor said.A lack of these nutrients can weaken nails and cause white spots to appear. Zinc supports tissue repair, while selenium acts as an antioxidant, and protein is a building block for nails. Deficiencies in any of these nutrients may stem from poor diet, malabsorption, or chronic health conditions.

Dr. Koeh also added that it could indicate exposure to arsenic. “And here is the part most people miss. This can be a sign of arsenic exposure. One of the most common sources is actually the rice. She pointed out that rice can absorb arsenic from contaminated soil, water, or pesticides used in farming. Over time, regular consumption may lead to low-level arsenic buildup in the body, which can manifest as white spots on nails, fatigue, or more severe health issues if left unaddressed.It is important to understand that your nails are like a window into your health. So, do not ignore what they’re telling you. Recognizing the problem at an early stage can prevent further health issues. If the white spots on nails stay longer or appear very often, it is important to seek professional guidance. Taking action now could make all the difference.

For decades, the science of ageing has mostly revolved around male bodies. Men dominated both the research labs and the headlines, often experimenting with extreme anti-ageing routines, from blood transfusions to VO2 max tracking. But quietly and powerfully, a new revolution is unfolding. And it begins with understanding the female body, not as an exception, but as the key to unlocking healthier, longer lives for everyone.What was once considered a niche subject, female biology in longevity research, is now being called “the canary in the coal mine” of ageing. And the ovary? It might be the most misunderstood organ in this story.

Truth. Women live longer. Myth: They age better

The numbers don’t lie. Women, on average, outlive men by five years in almost every corner of the world. This is not a fluke, it holds true across social classes, geographies, and even during wars and pandemics. But beneath this seeming advantage lies a harsh truth: those extra years aren’t necessarily healthier.Studies show women spend more years living with age-related diseases, like osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. The biological reasons behind this are still being uncovered, but one major suspect is menopause. When the ovaries shut down hormone production, it may trigger a faster ageing process across the entire body.Here’s what’s fascinating: menopause may not just signal the end of fertility, it might mark the start of accelerated ageing.

Image credit: Canva

Ovaries: More than just reproductive organs

Jennifer Garrison, a neuroscientist, says “Ovaries are the canary in the coal mine for aging.” And for good reason. Ovaries age faster than any other tissue in the body, up to 2.5 times faster. That makes them a powerful model for studying ageing in real time.Doctors at Columbia University are even testing low-dose rapamycin, an immune-suppressing drug, to see if it can slow down ovarian ageing. In mice, the results are promising: longer fertility spans and improved health. If similar effects are seen in women, it might offer new hope to delay not just menopause but diseases linked to it, like heart disease and dementia.The catch? Such research has historically been ignored or underfunded. But that’s now changing.

Forgotten in trials: The real cost of exclusion

One of the reasons female ageing science is playing catch-up is that for decades, women were excluded from clinical trials. Even when the studies were on ageing itself, women weren’t considered. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, launched in 1958, didn’t include women for the first 20 years.

Image credit: Canva

Why? Researchers feared that hormonal fluctuations made results too “complicated.” The result? An ageing science that applied male biology as the gold standard, and treated women as an afterthought.This oversight hasn’t just slowed down scientific progress, it may have led to recommendations that simply don’t work for women. Low-carb diets, for instance, have been seen to disrupt menstrual cycles and thyroid health in some women, as per hormone expert Dr Sara Szal.

The X chromosome clue: A female advantage?

One of the most exciting breakthroughs in female longevity research is coming from a place rarely discussed: the silent X chromosome. While males carry one X chromosome, females carry two. One of them remains mostly dormant throughout life, but something strange happens as women age. That dormant X begins to “wake up.”In experiments, researchers like Dr Dena Dubal found that this awakening helps female mice produce proteins that improve brain function in old age. When similar proteins were introduced in ageing male mice, their memory and learning improved too.This suggests that the female brain might have built-in resilience that we’re only beginning to understand, and potentially harness for everyone.