For years, women’s health research lagged behind other areas of medicine. Many clinical studies were historically conducted in men, leaving gaps in our understanding of female-specific physiology—especially during midlife.
That’s changing.
Recent initiatives and increased funding are beginning to close the gap, with more focus on:
- Hormonal transitions and menopause
- Metabolic health and blood sugar regulation
- Skin aging and antioxidant support
- Cellular energy and NAD⁺ biology
We track these emerging trends closely to help translate science into practical, everyday strategies.
The Women’s Health Research Gap: Why It Matters
Historically, a relatively small proportion of research funding has been directed toward women-specific conditions and physiology. Increased awareness is now driving new funding priorities and research initiatives focused on women’s midlife health.
This shift is important because women experience unique changes in:
- Hormones
- Body composition
- Insulin sensitivity
- Cardiovascular risk markers
- Skin structure and repair
As research expands, recommendations are becoming more targeted—and more relevant.
NAD⁺, Niacinamide & Cellular Energy
One of the fastest-growing areas in healthy aging research is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ plays a key role in:
- Cellular energy production
- Mitochondrial function
- DNA repair
- Cellular resilience
Research shows NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which may impact energy and recovery.
This is where niacinamide (vitamin B3) becomes relevant.
Niacinamide is a well-established NAD+ precursor that helps support:
- Cellular energy metabolism
- Healthy aging pathways
- Mitochondrial function
For women over 40, this area of research is gaining attention as a way to support energy and overall vitality at the cellular level.
Skin Health: Antioxidants & Niacinamide
Skin aging is no longer viewed as purely cosmetic—it reflects underlying cellular processes like oxidative stress and repair capacity.
Research suggests niacinamide may help support:
- Skin barrier function
- Hydration
- Skin texture and tone
- Cellular repair processes
In addition, antioxidants such as grape seed extract (rich in proanthocyanidins) are being studied for their potential role in:
- Supporting collagen integrity
- Helping protect against oxidative stress
- Supporting vascular health
These findings highlight the growing connection between internal nutrient status and visible skin health.
Estrogen, Metabolism & Lifestyle
Emerging research continues to reinforce that hormone health is closely tied to lifestyle factors.
Areas influencing estrogen metabolism include:
- Liver function
- Body composition
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
- Blood sugar regulation
This is why modern approaches to women’s health increasingly focus on metabolic health and daily habits, not just hormone levels alone.
Exercise: New Insights for Women Over 40
Exercise recommendations for women are evolving, with growing emphasis on how you move—not just how much.
Recent research continues to support a balanced approach that includes:
- Resistance training to preserve lean muscle and support metabolic rate
- Regular walking, especially after meals
- Adequate recovery between workouts to avoid excess stress load
Exercise intensity also matters. Consistent with broader findings, moderate-intensity exercise—such as walking at about 60% of heart rate reserve—remains a key strategy for supporting insulin sensitivity and overall cardiometabolic health in women.
Even simple habits—like short walks after eating—can help support healthier post-meal blood sugar responses.
These strategies collectively support:
- Metabolic health
- Energy levels
- Body composition
- Long-term mobility
Blood Sugar Balance Is Central to Healthy Aging
One of the most important shifts in research is the recognition that blood sugar balance influences far more than glucose metabolism.
Stable glucose levels are associated with:
- Sustained energy
- Reduced cravings
- Healthy skin aging (less glycation)
- Hormonal balance
- Cardiovascular health
Key lifestyle strategies that play a major role in maintaining metabolic balance include:
- Protein-forward meals
- Movement after eating
- Strength training
- Hydration
Targeted nutrients like dihydroberberine are also being explored for their ability to support healthy glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
The Bigger Picture: A More Personalized Future
Women’s health research is still evolving, but the direction is clear:
- More personalized approaches
- Greater focus on midlife physiology
- Increased attention to cellular energy and metabolism
- Recognition of lifestyle as a primary driver of outcomes
We believe the most effective approach combines:
- Consistent daily habits
- Smart, sustained nutritional support
- An understanding of emerging science
Because healthy aging isn’t about one solution—it’s about supporting how your body works at every level.
Author: Dr. Bradley Bush, N.D.
Endurance Products Chief Medical Officer
References
Bogan, K. L., & Brenner, C. (2008). Nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside: A molecular evaluation of NAD+ precursor vitamins in human nutrition. Annual Review of Nutrition, 28, 115–130.
Camillo, L., Zavattaro, E., & Savoia, P. (2025). Nicotinamide: A Multifaceted Molecule in Skin Health and Beyond. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(2), 254.
Chen, A. C., Martin, A. J., Choy, B., et al. (2015). A phase 3 randomized trial of nicotinamide for skin health. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(17), 1618–1626.
Covarrubias, A. J., Perrone, R., Grozio, A., & Verdin, E. (2021). NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 22(2), 119–141.
Koh, Y., Bidstrup, H., Nichols, D. L. (2014). Niacin increased glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels in sedentary nondiabetic postmenopausal women. International Journal of Women’s Health, 6, 913–920.
NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH). NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Research on the Health of Women 2024–2028. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health; 2024.
Teitelbaum, J. E., & Johnson, C. (2006). The use of D-ribose in supporting cellular energy: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 12(9), 857–862.
Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208–1213.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.