It is my pleasure to be tasked with writing a message on Women’s Health and Longevity.

I may be particularly suited as my basic training is that of a gynaecologist (since 1978) and a physician that practices Functional and Regenerative Medicine. I no longer look at medical treatment in a straight line with the one drug for each symptom philosophy but in a more holistic, multi-dimensional and collective way. Optimization of physiological and physical functions with the aim of Prevention and early detection play centre stage. Integration of various medical approaches and taking into the account of both physical and non-physical condition of the female client are all part of the treatment plan.

Women are unique as it is well documented that their life span is significantly longer than men; they bear children and have menstrual cycles till about their 50s; they have increase chances of autoimmune thyroid and other autoimmune diseases; their concern about extrinsic aging is legendary; they are generally more focus on their health and family health, and they are more adaptive to health regimes than their counterparts. These are but a few differences that we factor into the management of the physical and emotional health. We recognize the fact the five Horsemen of longevity namely, Atherosclerotic changes; Cancers; Neurogenerative Diseases; Acute Infections and Metabolic related diseases e.g., Diabetes, are more or less similar in both genders in aging.

One of the mainstays in Functional Medicine for the aging female is the application of the usage of bio- identical hormones. We are aware that almost every function of the body is hormonal driven directly or indirectly. In their prime years, their hormones are at peak levels and so is their performance. The downward spiral of sex and anabolic hormones from age 40 onwards is directly related to the downward trend in physical and physiological performance. The perception that Hormones are used to placate symptoms only is not complete, without realization of the more important reason that hormones are replaced and optimized for the health of all the systems in ones’ body – skin, bone, immune system, sex drive cognition and sleep just to name a few.

The argument that one should optimise the thyroid and other metabolic hormones but not to balance or optimise sex and anabolic hormones does not hold any logical sense. It’s rather the formulations used, the translation of knowledge and management skill of the physicians involved that is important. I believe that as in every department of medicine, the proper application / management is the key. Hence the use of Bio Identical Hormones (not the modified and commercially driven ones) should be the choice. Be it as it may, it still boils down to patient’s acceptance and physician experience.

Regenerative and Cellular medicine are much in the limelight as our scientific knowledge has ascended into this level. What once we believed to be unfathomable is now within our horizon. We perform several Genetic profiling and Methylation Age testings as baseline studies before treatment. This way we are able to track the progress of treatment. The scientific evidence of Cellular and Immunotherapies is growing by leaps and bounds. Many physicians in the world have started using them not only for the treatment for diseases but also in Prevention and Healthy Aging.

Our society will be walking in steps with the scientific progress.

Dr Cecil Wong

A.M.M.B.B.S. (SINGAPORE)

M.MED. (O&G)

M.R.C.O.G. (LONDON)

F.R.C.O.G. (HON)