By: Cristina McKay

On International Women’s Day, here’s the surprising truth about women’s health research, and what science now reveals about how to truly glow from the inside out.

Until 1993, women were systematically excluded from most medical research. For decades, the drugs you take, the vitamins recommended to you, and the health guidelines you follow were all tested primarily on men, and then assumed to work the same way in women’s bodies.

It wasn’t until Congress passed the NIH Revitalization Act in 1993 that federal law required the inclusion of women in clinical trials. Before that? Women were excluded from research because our hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, making studies more expensive and time-consuming. Instead of investing in understanding women’s health, researchers simply… excluded us. The default medical model was male. We were the afterthought.

That means every health recommendation, every supplement dosage, every treatment protocol developed before 1993 was based on how men’s bodies respond. And we are only now, three decades later, beginning to catch up and understand how women’s bodies actually work.

Until 1993, the drugs you take, the vitamins recommended to you, and the health guidelines you follow were all tested primarily on men.

What Science Is Finally Revealing About Women’s Health

The research that has emerged since 1993 has been eye-opening. Women metabolize drugs differently. We experience cardiovascular disease differently. Our nutritional needs differ not just during pregnancy but throughout our entire lives. Even something as fundamental as iron: women are significantly more susceptible to iron deficiency than men due to menstruation, yet this was barely studied for decades.

And here is what really gets me: eight out of ten prescription drugs that were withdrawn from the market between 1997 and 2001 posed greater health risks for women than men. That happened because those drugs were never properly tested on women before being released to the public. The assumption that our bodies would respond the same way as men’s was not just wrong; it was dangerous. The good news? We are finally seeing serious investment in women’s health research. Scientists are discovering what women actually need to thrive, not just survive. And the findings are revealing just how different our nutritional needs really are.

The Supplements Women’s Bodies Actually Need

Let’s talk about what your body is asking for, and what decades of delayed research have finally confirmed. Here are the nutrients essential for women, backed by real science conducted on women’s bodies.

Iron. Women need significantly more iron than men, especially during menstruation. Low iron levels do not just cause fatigue — they can directly impact hair health and lead to increased shedding. If you eat red meat fewer than two or three times a week, supplementation is worth discussing with your doctor. Iron also helps your body absorb other nutrients, so pairing it with vitamin C (from citrus, peppers, or strawberries) makes it even more effective.

Vitamin D. This is the sunshine vitamin, and most of us are not getting enough. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to hair thinning, weakened immune function, and bone health issues — all of which affect women disproportionately. Recent studies show a strong correlation between low vitamin D and female pattern hair loss. If you live in a climate with limited sun exposure, supplementation can make a measurable difference.

Biotin. You have probably heard about biotin for hair health. Here is what the research shows: when biotin levels are suboptimal, women may experience thinning hair, brittle nails, low energy, or skin changes. These lower levels can occur during periods of stress, hormonal shifts, restrictive dieting, or digestive imbalance. The good news is that supporting healthy biotin levels helps promote keratin production, which is the structural protein responsible for strong hair, resilient skin, and healthier nails.

Collagen. Collagen has become central to the longevity and beauty conversation, and the data continues to grow. Research suggests collagen peptides can support skin elasticity and hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines, strengthen hair and nails, and promote joint mobility and connective tissue integrity. As we age, natural collagen production gradually declines, making targeted support increasingly important. However, not all collagen is created equal. Absorption matters. EverBella’s Complete Collagen Plus utilizes micelle liposomal technology designed to enhance bioavailability and help nutrients reach the bloodstream more effectively. That commitment to absorption is one reason more than 94,000 customers have trusted the formula.

Zinc. Zinc is required for healthy hair growth and tends to be lower in people experiencing hair thinning. Research shows that combining zinc and calcium pantothenate can increase hair density and thickness. Zinc also supports immune function and skin health, making it a foundational nutrient for overall wellness.

We are finally seeing serious investment in women’s health research. Scientists are discovering what women actually need to thrive, not just survive. – Cristina McKay 

What Glowing From the Inside Out Actually Means

Here is the truth the wellness industry does not always tell you: glowing skin, strong hair, and vibrant energy are not just about what you put on your body. They are about what you put in your body. And for too long, the advice women received was based on incomplete science that never properly studied us in the first place.

Real wellness is not a twelve-step morning routine or a cabinet full of serums. It is making sure your body has the foundational nutrients it needs to function optimally. It is understood that women’s bodies are not smaller versions of men’s bodies; we have different needs, cycles, and responses to everything from stress to supplements.

That is what International Women’s Day should remind us: we deserve health research that includes us. We deserve supplement recommendations that were actually tested on our bodies. We deserve to know what works, not what was assumed to work based on studies conducted entirely on men.

The Bottom Line

If you take nothing else from this article, take this: your health is not one-size-fits-all. The vitamins and nutrients your body needs are specific to you, your age, your cycle, your lifestyle, and your health history. 

For decades, women were underrepresented in research. That is finally changing. We are beginning to see women’s biology studied with the depth and seriousness it has always deserved.

So on this International Women’s Day, honor your body by giving it what it truly needs. Not what the marketing tells you. Not what worked for someone else. What real, women-focused science supports.

That is what glowing from the inside out really looks like.

About Everbella

We believe women deserve beauty and wellness products backed by real science. Our collagen-boosting supplements are formulated to support your body from the inside out — because true radiance starts with health, not just appearance.

Disclaimer: 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. The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Nutritional and health recommendations may vary based on individual needs, lifestyle, and health conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen.