Investigating Health for Mid-Life and Older Women
The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a multi-site longitudinal, epidemiologic study designed to examine the health of women during their middle years. The study examines the physical, biological, psychological and social changes during this transitional period.
SWAN is an active study with engaged investigators and participants.
What is SWAN?
The study examines the physical, biological, psychological and social changes during this transitional period. The goal of SWAN’s research is to help scientists, health care providers and women learn how mid-life experiences affect health and quality of life during aging. The study is co-sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Research on Women’s Health, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
SWAN Researchers Evaluate the Risk for Elevated Depressive Symptoms in Postmenopause
SWAN researcher Dr. Howard M. Kravitz and associates conducted a study to evaluate the risk for elevated depressive symptoms in postmenopause.
Relationships Between the Vaginal Microbiota and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women
SWAN researchers Dr. Elaine Watjen and Dr. Maria Brooks conducted a study to better understand the possible role of the vaginal microbiome as a cause for pain during intercourse.
Trajectories of Sleep Over Midlife and Incident Cardiovascular Disease Events
In the study, Trajectories of Sleep Over Midlife and Incident Cardiovascular Disease Events, SWAN researcher Rebecca Thurston, Ph.D., sought to further the understanding of the importance of sleep for health.
Research Suggests Tie Between Hypertension, Uterine Fibroids
Kaiser Permanente study finds greater risk of fibroid diagnosis among midlife women with untreated high blood pressure.
Don’t Dread Menopause. Prepare for It Instead
The lead-up to menopause can feel daunting—you may no longer have full control over aspects of your bodily health that you enjoyed in your 20s and 30s.
Research Suggests Previously Undiscovered Link Between Heart Fat and Cognitive Function in Aging Women
A new SWAN nationwide study strengthens the case for women to maintain a healthy lifestyle, noting a relation between memory and heart fat quantity and quality.