Women's health - why we need more research and attention

Women's health as the future of wellness
When it comes to health, we often rely on science. But the history of research has one major problem – it has long been based primarily on the male body. For decades, clinical studies excluded women because researchers believed that hormones and menstrual cycles were “too complicated” (1).

The result? A lack of data that truly reflects female physiology. This means that medications, dietary guidelines, and even wellness recommendations have often been more tailored to men than women.

In Elixiré We believe it's time for a change. Women's health deserves more research, innovation, and rituals that work with their bodies - not against them.

Why have women been ignored in research?

• Historical context: In the 20th century, researchers often excluded women from clinical studies to “simplify” the results (2).

• Hormonal “complexity”: The menstrual cycle was considered a distraction rather than a key part of understanding women's health.

• Consequences: Today, we have a wealth of data on the effects of medications and dietary supplements on men, but much less on women (3).

That's why many women still don't have adequate solutions for problems related to their cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or stress.

A woman's body is not a "smaller version of a man's"
We often hear the phrase: “Women have the same needs as men, just in smaller quantities.” This is a myth. The female body is not a scaled-down version of the male – it is a completely different biological system.

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone affect energy, metabolism, mood, and skin condition (4).

• Cycle: Menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases – each has a unique impact on mood, energy, and performance (5).

• Life periods: Puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause – each stage requires different support (6).

Understanding these differences allows us to develop solutions that are truly effective for women.

A holistic approach to women's health
Women's health is not just a topic for a gynecologist or endocrinologist. It's a holistic picture:

• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals supports hormonal balance (7).

• Movement: Regular activity, such as Pilates or yoga, affects happy hormones and strengthens bones (8).

• Sleep: Quality sleep regulates cortisol and supports regeneration (9).

• Psychological aspect: Stress, anxiety, and social pressures are often a greater challenge for women (10).

The solution, therefore, cannot be a single pill – we need holistic wellness routines that combine physical, mental, and emotional support.

Why is wellness becoming a women's ritual?
The wellness industry has been transformed over the past decade. Women are at the center of this movement:

• What 70% of global wellness spending is generated by women (11).

• The nutritional supplement market is growing as women seek more natural and enjoyable ways to support their bodies.

• Prevention is becoming more important than cure.

• Wellness has become a way for women to take control of their bodies, health, and well-being.

Elixiré view: the advantage of liquid supplements
Capsules and tablets have one problem – we often forget to take them or they are not pleasant to use. Liquid supplements, however, bring a different experience:

• Better absorption in the body: Liquid forms, especially liposomal ones, allow for direct delivery of nutrients into the bloodstream, ensuring high bioavailability and rapid action (12).

• Pleasant taste: A drink becomes an indulgence, not an obligation.

• Ritual: A moment for yourself that connects health and well-being.

Why is the future of women's wellness bright?

• Menopause is no longer a taboo topic.

• Mental health is an important part of conversations about well-being.

• Beauty and health are intertwined in a unified, holistic approach.

• Women are not a “special niche” – they represent the majority of the population and the majority of wellness spending.
  
  

📚 Literature

1. NIH Office of Research on Women's Health. Advancing Women's Health Research and Innovation Fact Sheet (2024).

2. Partnership for Women's Health Research (PWHR). Women's Health Research – Importance and Gaps (2024).

3. National Academies of Sciences. A New Vision for Women's Health Research: Transformative Change at the NIH (2025).

4. Mendelssohn, M.E. , Carp, R.H. (2005). Estrogen and the cardiovascular system. New England Journal of Medicine.

5. Oertelt-Prigione, S. (2012). Immunology and the menstrual cycle. Autoimmunity Reviews.

6. Santoro, N. (2005). The menopausal transition: endocrine changes and clinical symptoms. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics.

7. Spear, B.A. (2002). Adolescent growth and nutrition. Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

8. Nelson, M.E. , et al. (2007). Physical activity and public health in older adults. Medicine & Science and Sports & Exercise.

9. Oyetakin-White, P., et al. (2015). Sleep deprivation and oxidative stress in skin. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.

10. Lobo, R.A. (2008). Antioxidants and aging in women. Fertility and Sterility.

11. Global Wellness Institute. Global Wellness Economy Report (2024).

12. Tinsley,