Author spotlight: Dr Low Chai Ling on biohacking menopause

Menopause for women doesn’t have to feel debilitating! With her latest book, SW1 Clinic founder and aesthetic doctor Dr Low Chai Ling is helping women traverse their menopause journey with beauty, confidence and fervour.

Congratulations on your new book – what can readers expect from Get Your Sexy Back: Biohacking Your Menopause Journey?

This is an evidence-based book specifically written by a woman for women, offering a fresh perspective on menopause. It challenges traditional myths and misconceptions and presents up-to-date scientific insights and biohacking techniques.

In the book, I integrate my expertise in aesthetics, nutrition and wellness. I provide a holistic guide that covers hormonal changes, nutrition strategies, advanced medical interventions and mental wellbeing.

Get Your Sexy Back transcends the typical medicine-centric approach. It focuses instead on empowering strategies that are applicable before, during and after menopause. It highlights a range of interventions beyond medical solutions, encouraging women to view menopause not as an ending, but as a phase of renewal and potential.

What inspired you to write this book about menopause for women?

It stemmed from a desire to redefine the narrative surrounding menopause. I recognised the need for a resource that not only challenges traditional myths and misconceptions about menopause but also provides women with practical, evidence-based strategies to manage this significant life stage.

My background as a medical doctor combined with personal experiences and interactions with patients highlighted the gap in comprehensive and empowering resources for women facing menopause. The book is driven by my belief in the power of biohacking – utilising cutting-edge scientific research and holistic approaches to optimise health and wellbeing. I wanted to arm women with the knowledge and tools to take control of their menopause journey, focusing on proactive, positive changes rather than a solely medicine-centric view.

How did you research it?

My multifaceted approach combined thorough scientific investigation with practical insights. A key aspect was the review of current scientific literature. I delved into the latest studies and research papers on menopause, hormonal health, nutrition and wellness. This ensured that the information provided in the book was grounded in the most recent scientific understanding.

I also drew from my professional background, incorporating first-hand knowledge and observations from treating patients. This clinical experience was invaluable in understanding the real-world implications and challenges of menopause.

To add depth and relatability, I gathered stories and experiences from a diverse group of women who have navigated or are navigating their menopause journey. This helped in understanding the varied manifestations of menopause and the different ways women cope with its challenges. Recognising the multifaceted nature of menopause, I also consulted with experts across different fields. They include endocrinologists, nutritionists, mental health professionals and fitness experts.

Of course, in line with the book’s theme of biohacking, I personally experimented with various nutrition, lifestyle and wellness strategies to understand their impact first-hand. This personal exploration added a unique and authentic dimension to the book.

Who will enjoy reading this book and why?

Get Your Sexy Back is tailored for women who are approaching, experiencing or have passed through menopause. I was frequently getting questions from my own patients, family and friends who are approaching or in menopause. This gave me the idea of writing the book for a wider audience. It will particularly resonate with those who seek a deeper understanding of menopause beyond the conventional medical narrative and are interested in a holistic approach to health and wellbeing during this life stage. It’s ideal for readers who are proactive about their health and interested in biohacking techniques.

Additionally, healthcare professionals, especially those working in women’s health, aesthetics, nutrition and wellness, may find this book a valuable resource for its comprehensive overview of menopause management. It offers fresh perspectives and insights that can enhance their practice and patient care.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I want readers to view menopause not as a decline or something to fear, but as a natural, potentially empowering stage of life. By providing evidence-based information, I aim to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause. Knowledge is power, and with the right information, women can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

An additional takeaway I hope readers will grasp is the transformative power of nutrition and exercise. I emphasise that through specific nutrition and exercise strategies, women can effectively bio-hack their way through menopause. This approach isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about harnessing these tools to feel and look better during this phase of change. I highlight how certain diets, foods, and physical activities can positively impact hormonal balance, mood, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. It’s important to have a holistic approach to managing menopause, incorporating nutrition, lifestyle, mental health and biohacking techniques.

Finally, I want readers to recognise the importance of seeking support and sharing experiences. Menopause is a shared journey, and there’s immense value in building a community where experiences, challenges and successes can be shared!

This is your second book, following on from In Full Bloom: Look Fabulous During and After Pregnancy. How did the two writing experiences compare?

Writing the two books was a deeply rewarding experience. However, while both of them aim to empower women through significant life changes, the specific needs and challenges of these different stages required tailored approaches in research, tone and content.

The research for my first book involved delving into pregnancy-related body changes and how to manage these aesthetically and health-wise. For the latter, the research was more expansive. It encompassed not only the physiological aspects of menopause but also the psychological and emotional facets, requiring a broader and more nuanced understanding.

My personal journey and experiences also heavily influenced both books. Writing about pregnancy involved recalling and connecting with the joys and challenges of motherhood, while menopause required a deep understanding of a different set of emotional and physical transitions.

Can you recall a highlight and a low point of the writing process with the book?

One of the most rewarding moments was the breakthrough in effectively integrating scientific research with personal anecdotes and patient stories. This blend of evidence-based information and relatable experiences created a powerful narrative that I felt truly resonated with the intended audience. It was a fulfilling experience to see these different elements come together in a way that not only informed but also inspired and connected with readers on a personal level.

A challenging low point was grappling with the sheer volume and complexity of information regarding menopause. Ensuring that the book was comprehensive yet accessible required meticulous research and careful selection of content. Balancing the scientific aspects with engaging writing was sometimes overwhelming. Additionally, confronting some of the misconceptions and outdated beliefs about menopause was daunting. It meant challenging long-standing narratives in a way that was respectful yet assertive.

Overall, the journey of writing this book was a blend of these highs and lows, each playing a crucial role in shaping the final work into a comprehensive, empathetic, and empowering guide for women navigating menopause.

Tell us about your “day job” away from books.

As a doctor and the founder of SW1 Clinic, one of Singapore’s largest aesthetic clinics, my job is both challenging and immensely rewarding. My role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from clinical duties to overseeing the administrative and operational aspects at SW1 Clinic. A significant part of my day involves consulting with patients. This includes diagnosing, advising and treating various aesthetic concerns. Each patient is unique, requiring personalised care plans that may involve non-invasive treatments, skincare routines or more comprehensive aesthetic procedures. I perform a variety of aesthetic treatments. This requires not only technical skill but also an artistic eye to achieve results that are both effective and natural-looking.

Part of my role involves staying updated with the latest trends and research in aesthetic medicine. This continuous learning allows me to introduce innovative treatments and approaches at the clinic. I am also passionate about educating and mentoring upcoming professionals in the field. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals, which is incredibly fulfilling as a medical professional.

While my day job at SW1 Clinic involves taking care of women’s external appearances, I firmly believe that true beauty is a reflection of both external and internal wellness. This philosophy is a fundamental link between my clinical work and my books. I recognise that a significant part of a person’s external allure stems from their internal health and wellbeing. This understanding drives my approach to patient care. I aim to balance external treatments with advice on lifestyle, nutrition and mental wellness.

A lot of your work revolves around empowering women. Is this a passion of yours?

Absolutely, empowering women is at the core of both my professional and personal ethos. It drives my work as a doctor, an author and the founder of SW1 Clinic. In each of these roles, my primary aim is to uplift, support and empower women. I hope to help them to realise and embrace their full potential.

Beyond SW1 Clinic and my books, I’m passionate about creating spaces and platforms where women can share experiences, gain knowledge and support each other, whether it’s through seminars, workshops or social media.

What’s next for you?

My next endeavour is a book that delves into the realm of ageing gracefully. It will focus on the latest research and strategies for staying youthful without relying on expensive medicines or treatments. It’s designed to be an informative and practical guide, offering insights into natural and accessible methods for maintaining youthfulness and vitality. It will explore a variety of topics. They include cutting-edge research in nutrition, exercise, mental wellbeing and lifestyle choices that have a significant impact on ageing.

Get your copy of Get Your Sexy Back: Biohacking Your Menopause Journey by Dr Low Chai Ling online at amazon.com, goodreads.com and sw1shop.com. It’s also available at SW1 Clinic, #13-01/2/3/4/5/6 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road.