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.
Congratulations to SWAN investigator Dr. Nanette Santoro!
Endocrine Society members elected Nanette Santoro, M.D., of the University of Colorado School of Medicine as its 2026-2027 President
New paper from SWAN regarding the association between hot flashes and diabetes risk.
A recent SWAN manuscript has been featured in multiple press releases. This paper is available at the links below: HealthDay U.S. News & World Report Drugs.com More Hot Flashes Could Mean Higher Odds for Type 2 Diabetes
SWAN investigator Dr. Samar El Khoudary was featured in Science Vs Podcast Episode on Menopause
Dr. Samar El Khoudary discusses menopause and findings from the SWAN study on Science Vs podcast episode titled “Menopause: The Myths and the Madness”.
SWAN findings quoted in NYT article on health and middle age
NYT article discusses concerns and changes that come with aging and how lifestyle and behaviors can impact health in midlife. Read more from the New York Times →
SWAN researchers found evidence that women exposed to toxic metals can experience earlier ovarian aging
SWAN researcher Sung Kyun Park, Sc.D., M.P.H., is the lead author of the study linking exposure to toxic metals with lower egg counts
Does prediabetes increase risk for bone fractures in midlife women?
The study first examined whether prediabetes among midlife women is associated with subsequent fracture when type 2 diabetes is not present.