Hot Take: Women Are the Original Biohacking Superheroes

Biohacking is the buzzy wellness obsession taking over everyone’s tik tok feeds, while transforming the way people approach longevity and vitality at an unprecedented rate. But let’s be real—it’s also a space that’s confusing, intimidating, and (so far) overwhelmingly designed for men. 

Most mainstream biohacks are built around a 24-hour hormonal cycle, tested on male bodies, and touted by Silicon Valley bros plunging into ice baths at sunrise. But women’s bodies run on a second clock—a 28-day cycle that requires a completely different approach to health advice. 

Let’s take a step back—women are the original biohackers! Our bodies are masters of adaptation, capable of rebounding from pregnancy, cycling through monthly hormonal shifts, and balancing both a daily and infradian (monthly) rhythm—whereas men operate on a singular 24-hour testosterone cycle.

And yet, clinical research continues to overlook us. Many studies exclude pregnant and menopausal women entirely, creating massive blind spots in female health.

At HigherDOSE, we’re here to bridge that gap—offering women the resources, tools, and knowledge to optimize their wellness on their own terms.

When our co-founders, Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri, entered the biohacking space, they had to navigate these gaps firsthand. Katie came from high-pressure jobs- working in investment banking and as CFO for Tough Mudder, running marathons on the side while balancing an always-on lifestyle. Lauren, a former model and TV host, was pushing her body through high-intensity workouts while simultaneously working at a wellness startup and getting certified in nutrition. Both of them were looking for ways to perform at their peak without burning out—and both of them found their answer in infrared therapy. As an entry point into biohacking, infrared’s heat-healing multi-benefits include: glowing skin, better sleep, deep detoxification, mood-boosting endorphins, and stress relief in one simple ritual. 

Infrared also hacks “happy chemicals”—Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins—inspiring the brand’s namesake and ethos of getting high, naturally. Recognizing the power of this technology, Lauren and Katie pioneered the infrared sauna movement, launching HigherDOSE in 2016 to introduce this revolutionary wellness tech to New York City and, soon after, the masses.

But they didn’t just bring infrared to the mainstream—they transformed the culture around wellness. Instead of dinner and drinks, people started meeting at HigherDOSE, where self-care became a sensory, high-vibe experience—private sauna rooms bathed in red light, deep sexy house beats vibrating through the walls, and the intoxicating scent of essential oils filling the air. A space where detox met desire, where heat and music pulsed in sync, and where people left feeling euphoric—high on their own supply.

As the company grew, so did Katie and Lauren’s own biohacking journeys. They started exploring more cutting-edge technologies—like PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) and Red Light—during the research phase of product development. To connect further with our community of DOSE fans, they launched Biohack-hers, a YouTube series putting themselves on the frontline of experimentation. From ketamine assisted therapy to stem cell therapy, each episode serves as a guidepost for biohacking through the female lens.

Soon we realized our mission. HigherDOSE is redefining biohacking for women—pioneering wellness tech and education that works with their unique cycles, not against them. We turned infrared into a high-vibe, sensory experience where detox meets desire. Now, we’re expanding beyond heat, giving women the knowledge and tools to feel better, look better, and live higher

To DOSE is a lifestyle—it’s about ritualizing daily practices that fuel longevity, boost mood, and optimize recovery. And while these practices can benefit everyone, our content provides the much-needed missing link for women to understand just how unique our biology is. Take cold plunging, for example: while incredible for metabolic health, it spikes cortisol and isn’t ideal during menstruation. Meanwhile, intermittent fasting and strength training are metabolic cheat codes for women going through menopause. 

And when it comes to longevity, women need to take an even more proactive approach—our risk for Alzheimer’s is nearly double that of men, yet research into female brain health remains woefully underfunded. Biohacking isn’t just about performance; it’s about safeguarding our future. Fertility, cognitive function, and even beauty biohacking all require a female-specific lens, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing to the table.

So here’s to the women who DOSE—the ones who are reclaiming their health, demystifying complexities of the wellness industry, and biohacking on their terms. This International Women’s Day, and every day, we salute you, superheroes!

Ready to start your journey?
- Binge Biohack-Hers Season 1
- What Is DOSE? 4 Key Happy Hormones
- Lauren’s 5 Health Tips for Busy Lifestyles