Alea Asks: The New Era of "Well-Tech" & Women's Health — Interview with Dr. Zara Chan

As we move further into the New Year, the focus for many women shifts from resolution-setting to long-term life optimization. We spoke with Dr. Zara Chan, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to discuss how new medical discoveries and "Well-Tech" actually fit into a woman’s daily routine to improve her quality of life no extreme measures required.

Here is her expert blueprint for a stronger, more balanced year ahead.

Alea extends a warm thank you to Dr. Zara Chan for sharing her expertise. You can learn more about her dedication to holistic women’s health here.

1. The "Vibe" Shift

Alea: We're seeing a move away from 'fixing problems' to 'optimizing life.' What is the most exciting new discovery that helps women feel more energized and balanced in their 30s and 40s?

Dr. Zara Chan: The best discovery is that muscle building is healthy for women, and that BMI (Body Mass Index) is not the sole predictor of our survival. For generations, we were told to just be skinny and lower our BMI, but now we know better.

We also have a better idea of the ideal foods for us. The USDA's official revision of the food pyramid in 2025 indicates what dietitians and nutritionists have been encouraging for decades: prioritize proteins and vegetables. A good diet and appropriate exercise is the way forward!

2. Tech as a Teammate

Alea: Wearable tech is getting much smarter about women's bodies. How can a woman use her cycle data to better plan her workouts and work-week?

Dr. Zara Chan: A woman will have different energy levels during different parts of her cycle due to different hormones. Without even doing a blood test, we can feel and see the difference in how bloated we are or how our mood is.

Knowing your cycle will let you anticipate these shifts:

• Endorphin Boosting: Plan these exercises for days when you anticipate feeling more moody.

• Muscle Building: Plan these for days when you are sleeping better.

• Social & Work Planning: On days you anticipate a progesterone drop, you may plan fewer activities into your schedule to allow for some downtime.

3. The Truth About Supplements

Alea: With so many 'hormone-balancing' powders on the market, what has the latest research actually proven to be effective for skin, hair, and mood?

Dr. Zara Chan: There is significant research regarding supplements and their effects on our desire to prolong youth and enhance mood without taking medicines.

• For Skin: Collagen peptides show the most evidence in randomized controlled trials for improving skin hydration and elasticity. While they cannot remove wrinkles, they can reduce wrinkle depth.

• For Hair: Vitamin D, collagen peptides, and the correction of iron deficiency show consistent evidence for reducing hair shedding, which many perimenopausal or menopausal women struggle with. Taking these separately may be better than non-specific combined blends.

• For Mood: Omega 3 and Magnesium are shown to improve mood, with magnesium also improving sleep. Soy isoflavones and B vitamins also have evidence for improving mood by reducing vasomotor symptoms and stress respectively.

4. Redefining the 'Annual Checkup'

Alea: Instead of just a quick exam, what are the 'new' numbers or tests women should be asking for if they want to stay ahead of the curve on longevity?

Dr. Zara Chan: Basic health checks—such as cervical smears, breast screening, and pelvic ultrasounds should still be done. However, depending on age, women should also consider:

• Ovarian Reserve: This is always dropping and can reduce faster due to smoking or physical stress. Testing helps women decide on options like egg freezing or specific supplements to slow functional loss.

• Progesterone Levels: These fluctuate with the cycle but also drop with age, resulting in mood and energy changes that affect daily functioning.

• Lipoprotein (a): These levels correlate with heart disease risk regardless of LDL levels. Heart disease remains the highest cause of mortality in women.

• Muscle Mass: This is often overlooked in women, but evidence shows higher muscle mass improves survival and reduces mortality, particularly in cancer patients.

5. Simplifying the Science

Alea: If you could debunk one common health myth that women still believe in 2026 something that the latest science has finally cleared up what would it be?

Dr. Zara Chan: That Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is bad for women. Research has progressed and the use of it has been refined so we have a clearer idea of when and how to best start it. When the right people start it at the right time and right dosage, it can truly change the lives of women and their families for the better.