By Dr Denise Furness, PhD: Leading Molecular Geneticist, Functional Medicine and Women’s Health Expert
For many women, menopause marks both an ending and a beginning, a natural transition that brings physical shifts, emotional recalibration and, for some, a search to feel like themselves again. Dr Denise Furness, PhD, Functional Geneticist and Women’s Health Expert, has spent over two decades studying how genetics and lifestyle influence wellbeing. In her clinical practice, she helps women navigate menopause with science-based strategies to support energy, mood and healthy ageing. Emerging research is now uncovering the role of mitochondrial health in this transition.
Emerging research highlights a biological key
A landmark observational study examined 200 women aged 45–55 over a two-month period to assess the effects of Ubiquinol, the naturally occurring antioxidant found in the mitochondria within all cells in the body. Overall, the results revealed that approximately eight in ten participants reported coping better with menopause-related changes, 81 per cent noted improvements in their mood, and around 70 per cent indicated benefits in sleep, muscle comfort and skin appearance.
“The role of mitochondrial health in the often-challenging symptoms commonly associated with menopause, impacting quality of life, is high on the radar of practitioners in supporting their patients,” explains Dr Furness. “Science shows us that as we age, natural ubiquinol levels decline – leaving women more vulnerable to energy loss and oxidative stress. During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts can intensify these effects, which may contribute to fatigue, brain fog, mood fluctuations and skin changes.”
Healthy mitochondrial function supports vitality, emotional balance and the visible glow that reflects inner health.
The age and hormone connection
As women age, their natural Ubiquinol levels decline, leading to reduced mitochondrial efficiency and increased oxidative stress. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can further intensify these effects, potentially contributing to tiredness, irritability and loss of skin elasticity.
These cellular changes can affect skin texture, hydration, collagen production and mood regulation, shaping each woman’s menopause experience – a stage that deserves understanding rather than stigma.
Why mitochondrial health matters for women’s wellbeing
Healthy mitochondria are central to energy, cognition and metabolic balance throughout life. They convert nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s cellular fuel, and are
particularly concentrated in high-energy tissues such as the heart, brain and skin. When mitochondrial activity falters, fatigue, slower recovery and dullness can follow.
Supporting mitochondrial health is, therefore, becoming an important focus in women’s preventive health. Lifestyle choices such as movement, nourishment, rest and connection remain the levers we can all pull to assist with this.
Science-based lifestyle strategies
Research underscores that lifestyle medicine grounded in movement, nutrition, rest and emotional connection may support some of the symptoms associated with menopause and help to build resilience.
- Eat for energy: A nutrient-rich diet abundant in colourful vegetables, lean proteins and omega-3 fats can support antioxidant defences and cellular function.
- Move regularly: Weight-bearing and cardiovascular exercise help to stimulate mitochondrial activity, strengthen bones and lift mood.
- Prioritise sleep: Deep, restorative sleep is an essential factor for hormonal balance, mental clarity and energy metabolism.
- Manage stress: Practices such as mindfulness, yoga and breathing techniques may assist with reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall mitochondrial function.
Together, these strategies provide a practical framework for regaining balance and vitality during the menopause transition.
A new chapter in women’s health
The findings highlighted in the recent research contribute to a growing recognition that menopause is not a health condition but a biological transition that benefits from personalised, science-informed care. Focusing on mitochondrial health may offer women new ways to restore energy, support mood, and nurture their skin from within.
As we continue to better understand the interplay between hormones, ageing and cellular energy, one message is clear: empowering women with knowledge about their own biology can transform how we experience this pivotal stage of life: not as a set-back but as an opportunity to renew, refocus and thrive.
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