Elysium's Basis Supplement Cuts Menopause Symptoms by 50% in Pilot Study
A small pilot study finds Basis may reduce hot flashes and poor sleep in menopausal women while shifting estrogen balance favorably.
Summary
Elysium Health conducted a seven-day open-label pilot study in 40 women over 35 experiencing menopause-related symptoms. Women in the symptom group reported reductions of 50% or more in hot flashes, bloating, and sleep disruption after taking Basis, a NAD+ precursor supplement. Urine analysis revealed a significant shift in the estradiol-to-estrone ratio, suggesting a more favorable estrogen balance. Researchers also identified a previously unreported NAD+ metabolite, adding new clues about how NAD+ is processed in the body. While the findings are early and the study lacked a placebo control, Elysium plans a larger randomized trial to validate these results. This research is notable because it connects NAD+ supplementation to hormonal and symptomatic changes in menopausal women.
Detailed Summary
Menopause is one of the most significant biological transitions in a woman's life, marked by hormonal shifts that can disrupt sleep, mood, and metabolic health — all factors deeply tied to long-term healthspan. New data from Elysium Health suggests that Basis, its flagship NAD+ supplement, may offer measurable relief during this transition.
The open-label pilot study enrolled 40 healthy women over age 35. Of these, 32 self-reported symptoms associated with the menopause transition, while eight reported minimal or no symptoms. All participants took Basis daily for seven days. Women in the symptom group reported reductions of 50% or more in the frequency and severity of hot flashes, bloating, and poor sleep — three of the most common and disruptive menopause complaints.
Beyond self-reported symptoms, urine analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the estradiol-to-estrone ratio in the symptom group, with a p-value below 0.01. This shift matters because estradiol is the more biologically active and protective form of estrogen, while higher estrone ratios are associated with the postmenopausal state. A favorable shift toward estradiol could signal improved estrogen metabolism. Researchers also characterized a previously unreported NAD+ metabolite, potentially expanding scientific understanding of how NAD+ is broken down and recycled in the body.
NAD+ levels decline with age, and Basis — which contains nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene — is marketed to restore NAD+ to more youthful concentrations. Elysium claims the product is backed by over 20 human clinical trials, though these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Critical caveats apply. This was an open-label, uncontrolled pilot study of just 40 participants over only seven days, making placebo effects and reporting bias real concerns. Elysium itself funded and reported the results. A larger randomized placebo-controlled trial is planned and necessary before these findings can be considered clinically actionable.
Key Findings
- Women with menopause symptoms reported 50%+ reductions in hot flashes, bloating, and poor sleep after 7 days on Basis.
- Urine analysis showed a significant estradiol-to-estrone ratio increase (p<0.01), suggesting improved estrogen balance.
- A previously unreported NAD+ metabolite was identified, offering new insight into NAD+ metabolism.
- Study was open-label with only 40 participants over 7 days — a larger placebo-controlled trial is planned.
- NAD+ supplementation may influence hormonal pathways relevant to menopause, warranting further investigation.
Methodology
This is a news report summarizing an industry-sponsored open-label pilot study of 40 women, published by Elysium Health without peer review. The study lacks a placebo control group, limiting causal conclusions. Evidence quality is preliminary; results should be interpreted cautiously until a randomized controlled trial is completed.
Study Limitations
The study was open-label, industry-funded, and enrolled only 40 participants for seven days, making placebo effects and self-reporting bias significant confounders. Results have not been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. Readers should verify claims against the upcoming randomized controlled trial before drawing firm conclusions.
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