Revitalize Your Ovaries: How Red Light Therapy Enhances Blood Flow

The mTOR Pathway and Ovaries: What Every Woman Needs to Know

A brilliant new study was recently published that brought together researchers from around the US to investigate the biological mechanisms that drives age related deterioration of the ovaries. They compared the molecular and genetic profiles of ovaries from women from 23 - 29 and women from 49 - 54. Interestingly the study highlighted the role of mTOR signaling as a specific aging pathway for ovaries. As I worked my way through this 30 page ‘atlas’ it became more obvious that PBM has the ability to impact reproductive health significantly. I’ve written about mTOR before and ways we can activate it for optimal fertility.

What is mTOR?

Think about mTOR as the boss on a building site. It takes in building 'supplies', plans and information and then instructs the workers to focus on building and growth or to shut down for site maintenance. mTOR helps your body do well when everything is going well. But when it’s out of balance due to lifestyle, age etc - trouble starts.

mTOR and Ovarian Aging: The Backstage Drama

As we age, the mTOR pathway starts working overtime, leading to a cascade of problems:

It slows down autophagy—your cells' "Marie Kondo" system that clears out damaged parts.

Overactive mTOR means your cells don’t get the downtime they need, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and, ultimately, aging.

In your ovaries, this can spell trouble for follicle health and egg quality. Think of it as a party where the cleanup crew never shows up—everything gets really messy really quickly.

But here’s the good news: there’s a way to bring balance back to this system with photobiomodulation.

How Photobiomodulation (PBM) Brings Balance Back

PBM acts like a reset button for your cells. Here’s how it works for mTOR:

Clears Out Cellular Clutter:

PBM promotes autophagy, which is like hitting refresh on your cells. It clears out the junk and keeps things running smoothly—exactly what aging ovaries need. This is helped by causing increase in localised blood flow - the authors suggested that ovaries that are not functioning properly are hypoxic (starved of oxygen). PBM increases nitric oxide causing an increase in blood flow - bringing in all the goodies your cells need and taking away ‘trash’ your body doesn’t need.

Recharges Your Cellular Batteries:

Your mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells) are responsible for producing energy, and PBM gives them a boost. With more energy, your cells don’t need to rely on mTOR to work overtime.

Reduces Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation is a major disruptor of the mTOR pathway. PBM reduces inflammation, creating a healthier environment for your cells to communicate and work together.

Soothes Oxidative Stress:

Aging cells are prone to oxidative damage, which fuels overactive mTOR. PBM acts like an antioxidant, protecting your cells from harm.

Fine-Tunes Cellular Communication:

PBM helps your cells “talk” to each other more effectively, ensuring that mTOR gets the right signals at the right time.

Why It Matters for Your Ovarian Health

When the mTOR pathway is balanced, your ovaries get the energy and support they need to:

• Maintain healthier follicles due to the increase in growth factors and PBMs impact on the important *granulosa and theca cells.

• Produce higher-quality eggs

• Reduce the wear and tear of aging

*Granulosa cells are the caregivers of your eggs, providing the nutrients, hormones, and protection needed to help them mature. One important part of their job is producing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a molecule that grows new blood vessels around the follicle, like building a highway system to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the egg. Damaged reproductive organs are oxygen-deprived, so improving blood flow is essential.

The mTOR pathway might sound technical, but its role in ovarian aging couldn’t be more personal. By understanding how it works and leveraging tools like photobiomodulation and other lifestyle changes you have the power to take charge of your cellular health. Whether you’re trying to conceive, optimize your hormone health, or simply feel your best as you age, PBM is a tool worth exploring for women’s health.

Tracy