Why Women's Health Research Matters: 3 Keys to Choosing Supplements Wisely.
- Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD, MBA
- March 12, 2026
- 3 min read
Most people outside healthcare or research are surprised to learn that, for much of modern medical history, women’s bodies were often overlooked in scientific research. For decades, most clinical trials excluded women, as researchers worried that hormonal cycles might complicate results or that pregnancy could introduce additional risks. As a result, much of the medical guidance we rely on today—from drug dosages to nutrition recommendations—was originally based on studies conducted primarily in men.
Thanks to the 1993 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act, women were finally required to be included in clinical trials, shaping modern health research. Although research practices have improved in recent years, the effects of that gap still linger, including trials related to dietary supplements.
Women’s health is finally getting attention
In recent years, topics like perimenopause and menopause—once rarely talked about—are finally getting more attention. Doctors, researchers, and the media are starting to focus on them, helping to fill the gaps left by decades of limited research, while everyday conversations and online communities are also bringing these experiences into the open.
This has fueled a surge of new products, digital health platforms, and supplement brands aimed at supporting women, particularly during hormonal transitions like menopause. Greater visibility can be an important step forward. It encourages more research, more open conversation, and more solutions designed specifically for women’s needs. At the same time, it also means consumers are encountering more health products and marketing claims than ever before—making it increasingly important to look closely at the science behind what’s being promoted.
Why women’s bodies require different research
Women experience biological changes throughout life that directly affect nutrient needs. Menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause all influence metabolism, hormone levels, and nutrient requirements.
For example:
- Women of reproductive age often need more iron due to menstrual blood loss
- Bone density becomes a greater concern during and after menopause
- Hormone shifts can influence mood, sleep, inflammation, and energy levels
These differences don’t mean women need entirely different nutrients—but they do mean research should include female participants to better understand how ingredients actually work in women’s bodies.
The problem with many supplement claims
Supplement labels often say “clinically proven” or “science-backed,” but that doesn’t always mean the product was tested on women—or even on the finished formula. Many claims rely on “borrowed science”, citing studies on ingredients or products similar to the product being advertised for. Essentially piggybacking on some other brand’s ingredient and/or product research.
A supplement marketed for women may reference research that didn’t include women or was done in completely different populations. For example, a menopause supplement might point to studies on one botanical ingredient included in the multi-ingredient when the whole formula hasn’t been tested, making the claims sound stronger than the evidence actually is.
3 things to look for in supplement research for women
So how can consumers tell the difference between meaningful research and marketing language?
Here are three things worth looking for when evaluating supplements marketed toward women.
1. Who was actually studied
When possible, look for studies that included women or specifically analyzed results in female participants. Research that focuses on women’s health outcomes—such as menstrual health, menopause symptoms, or bone density—can provide more relevant insights than studies conducted only in male populations.
2. Don’t take “Clinically Proven” at face value
The phrase clinically proven is often used loosely in the supplement industry. A stronger claim is when research has actually been conducted on the finished product and include female participants. If a product is marketed specifically to women, it’s reasonable to expect that the science behind it reflects that. Looking for details about the study population, dosage, and outcomes can help separate meaningful research from marketing language.
3. Look at the formula itself
A supplement designed with women in mind should reflect known differences in nutrient needs.
For example, some formulations may include nutrients that support:
- Iron levels during reproductive years
- Bone health during and after menopause
- Hormonal balance and metabolic health
Of course, not every woman needs the same nutrients. But a thoughtful formula usually shows that the product was designed with women’s physiology in mind rather than simply repackaging a general supplement.
The good news: Research Is improving
Women’s health research is finally catching up, with more studies including female participants and focusing on hormones, metabolism, and menopause. At WhatToTrust, we break down the science behind supplements so you can see what was actually tested—and make informed choices you can trust.
In this article
- Women’s health is finally getting attention
- Why women’s bodies require different research
- The problem with many supplement claims
- 3 things to look for in supplement research for women
- Here are three things worth looking for when evaluating supplements marketed toward women.
- The good news: Research Is improving
Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD, MB
Dr. Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk is a renowned life scientist with expertise in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. A Harvard Medical School faculty member since 2005, she has led research on diabetes and cardiovascular diseases while mentoring students and postdocs.
As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk shares her insights at events like Supply Side West and Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), and has presented Canomiks’ work at top conferences. She is featured in publications such as Nutraceuticals World and Nutrition Industry Executive. Dr. Pradhan-Nabzdyk actively supports the nutraceuticals industry, serving as Co-Chair of the WIN Science Committee, and as a board member for Launch Minnesota and the Jeremiah Program.
She holds a PhD in Pharmacology from Tulane University, an MBA from MIT Sloan, and a BSc from the University of Mumbai. Her leadership continues to influence Canomiks and the wellness industry.
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