Ashwagandha Benefits for Females: Enhancing Health with Research-Based Insights - PharmEasy Blog (2024)

Key Highlights:

• Ashwagandha may help balance hormones in women.
• The herb may improve menstrual health and reduce PMS symptoms.
• Ashwagandha may boost sexual health, fertility, and support menopause relief.
• The herb may enhance athletic performance, mental health, and brain function.
• Always consult a healthcare professional before using Ashwagandha supplements.
  

Introduction

Ashwagandha goes by many names, including Withania somnifera or “Indian ginseng.” This is an adaptogenic herb with a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine spanning over 3,000 years. Its fame has grown in recent times due to the numerous health benefits it offers, especially for women’s health. In this article, we delve into how Ashwagandha may help improve women’s health and well-being, all backed by research-based insights. We have also answered frequently asked questions regarding this topic.

Ashwagandha and Hormone Balance

It’s known that Ashwagandha may balance hormone levels in women, leading to positive effects linked to menstrual health, sexual function, stress control, and menopause. The herb’s proposed adaptogenic abilities are at the heart of these effects as a result of which they may help the body deal better with stress and maintain equilibrium.

Role of Ashwagandha on Hormone Levels

This potent herb is said to impact various hormonal systems within the body, playing a vital role in balancing cortisol, thyroid function, and reproductive hormones.

1. Cortisol regulation

Ashwagandha is proposed to be an adaptogen therefore may help modulate the body’s stress response by lowering cortisol levels. This hormone is often called the “stress hormone.” Less cortisol can lead to better stress management, lower anxiety, and even improve sleep quality.

2. Thyroid function

Aside from regulating cortisol, Ashwagandha may also support healthy thyroid function. It is proposed to do this by modulating the production of thyroid hormones, which are crucial in maintaining blood sugar levels, metabolism, energy levels, and overall mood.

3. Impact on stress and anxiety

Thanks to its proposed ability to modify stress response and regulate cortisol, Ashwagandha may be especially beneficial for women battling chronic stress and anxiety. Rather than just masking symptoms of stress, the herb potentially boost the body’s stress resistance through its adaptogenic properties.

Ashwagandha and Menstrual Health

Menstrual health is vital for emotional and physical well-being among women of reproductive age. Ashwagandha may aid in managing various aspects of menstrual health. These include cycle regulation, reducing PMS symptoms, and tackling conditions like PCOS.

1. Regulating menstrual cycles

Ashwagandha may help stabilize and adjust menstrual cycles by modulating reproductive hormones such as FSH, LH, and gonadotropin hormones. Plus, its potential effect on cortisol levels might also lead to a healthier menstrual cycle. After all, constant stress can often disrupt hormone balance and lead to irregular periods.

2. Reducing PMS symptoms

By reducing cortisol levels, Ashwagandha may help reduce the worsening of PMS symptoms caused by elevated stress. It may also alleviate common PMS symptoms like cramps, fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. It does this through its proposed anti-inflammatory, mood-boosting, and adaptogenic qualities.

3. Managing PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. It often leads to irregular periods, excess androgen production, and ovarian cysts. Since Ashwagandha is supposed to help balance reproductive hormones, it might tackle some issues linked to PCOS and support healthier menstrual cycles.

Always remember to consult your doctor before planning on incorporating Ashwagandha in your daily routine for any of the above conditions as some studies do show that they increase testosterone in females which may aggravate conditions like PCOS.

Sexual Health and Fertility

Ashwagandha may make an impact on female sexual health and fertility, thanks to its effect on hormone balance and stress control.

• Boosting sexual function

This herb has long been praised for its aphrodisiac traits. It is said to improve libido, arousal, lubrication, and overall sexual satisfaction. This is achieved probably because Ashwagandha’s proposed ability to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and balance hormones may be responsible for it.

• Promoting fertility

Ashwagandha has shown the potential to enhance female fertility in various ways. This may be by regulating hormone levels, enhancing ovarian function, cutting down inflammation, and fostering a healthy reproductive environment.

• Supporting ovarian health

By managing hormones like FSH, LH, and estrogen, Ashwagandha may help maintain optimal ovarian function and support healthy follicle development. This is a crucial aspect of fertility.

• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the reproductive system

Ashwagandha may exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These may help combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the reproductive system. This leads to a healthier environment for conception.

Ashwagandha and Menopause

As women approach menopause, changing hormone levels can lead to different discomforts and disrupt overall well-being. Ashwagandha offers several benefits that may assist women transition through this stage more smoothly.

• Reducing menopause symptoms

The hormone-balancing qualities of Ashwagandha is said to make it effective in relieving common menopause symptoms. These symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

• Improving mood and sleep

Ashwagandha’s proposed adaptogenic effects and ability to regulate stress responses are of benefit for women grappling with mood swings, irritability, and sleep issues during menopause.

• Regulating hot flashes

The herb’s proposed ability to balance hormonal levels may contribute to more stable body temperature regulation. This in turn may lessen the severity and frequency of hot flashes experienced during menopause.

• Strengthening bone health

As estrogen levels decline during menopause, women become more prone to bone density loss and conditions like osteoporosis. By helping to maintain hormonal balance, Ashwagandha may indirectly support bone health during menopause.

Although a lot of studies have revealed the benefits of ashwagandha in women, further large-scale human research is needed to confirm these findings.

Ad* You May Also Explore: Everherb Ashwagandha Capsules

Other Potential Health Benefits of Ashwagandha for Women

Besides the specific potential benefits we’ve so far discussed, ashwagandha also offers a range of other possible health advantages. These may be especially beneficial for women.

1. Enhancing athletic performance

Ashwagandha has shown potential to improve muscle strength, power output, and endurance. So, it may help competitive sportswomen.

2. Supporting mental health

Due to its proposed ability to regulate cortisol levels and adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. This contributes positively to overall mental well-being.

3. Regulating blood sugar levels

Some research has hinted that Ashwagandha may help control blood glucose levels. This is beneficial for those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to corroborate these potential benefits.

4. Reducing inflammation

With proposed anti-inflammatory properties, Ashwagandha may help mitigate inflammation in the body. This promotes overall health and may lower the risk of chronic disease. Further research will be helpful to corroborate this benefit.

5. Improving brain function and memory

Ashwagandha has shown promise in supporting brain function, neuron rebuilding, and combating memory loss effects. This may be especially applicable to those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments. More research is needed in this regard.

Inspite of several benefits, some studies have found a link between ashwagandha usage and severe side effects, such as detrimental effects on liver function. I recently read a case of ashwagandha-related liver damage combined ashwagandha with many antianxiety medications, resulting in liver malfunction and hyperbilirubinemia.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D

Safety and Side Effects

While Ashwagandha is mostly seen as safe and well-tolerated, some individuals may still experience mild side effects or need to steer clear from the herb altogether.

Potential side effects

Possible side effects of Ashwagandha supplementation include stomach discomfort, drowsiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, these effects are usually rare and mild.

• Precautions and contraindications

Certain individuals should take care with or avoid Ashwagandha entirely, including pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with liver issues, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or bleeding disorders. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding Ashwagandha to your regimen.

• Recommended dosage

Though dosages can differ based on individual requirements and product formulation, a typical suggested daily dose goes from 300 to 500 milligrams of Ashwagandha extract. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice.

Also Read: Can Ashwagandha Increase Height: An Evidence-Based Review

Conclusion

The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda illuminates the many advantages of Ashwagandha for females, and modern research is starting to slowly validate these. It is proposed to balance hormones and improve menstrual health, enhance sexual function, ease menopause, and is said to possess adaptogenic capabilities that may boost overall well-being.

Always remember that getting advice from a healthcare professional is always the first step before you add any supplement to your routine. With their guidance, you can figure out if Ashwagandha is the right choice for you.

Also Read: Maca Root: Unveiling Its Research-Backed Benefits and Uses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) root extract in improving sexual function in women: A pilot study. BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:1–9. doi:10.1155/2015/284154

2. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (withania somnifera) in aging, overweight males. American Journal of Men’s Health. 2019 Mar;13(2):155798831983598. doi:10.1177/1557988319835985

3. Durg S, Bavage S, Shivaram SB. withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application. Phytotherapy Research. 2020 Jan 23;34(5):1041–59. doi:10.1002/ptr.6589

4. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Bose S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (withania somnifera (L.) dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2017 Feb 21;14(6):599–612. doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970

5. Khare CP, Vikram Naharwar A. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal): A Scientific Review with respect to Ayurvedic Perspectives. Annals of Phytomedicine: An International Journal. 2020 Dec;9(2). doi:10.21276/ap.2020.9.2.11

6. Ajgaonkar A, Jain M, Debnath K. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract for improvement of sexual health in healthy women: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Cureus. 2022 Oct 28; doi:10.7759/cureus.30787

7. Ashwagandha [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2019 [cited 2024 Feb 7]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548536/#:~:text=Extracts%20of%20ashwagandha%20are%20often,irritation%20to%20the%20intestinal%20mucosa.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisem*nts of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisem*nts do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Recommended Topics

Comments

Leave your comment...