Ashwagandha is an herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential health benefits. While research on the specific effects of ashwagandha on thyroid function, menstrual cycles, stress reduction, cortisol levels, fertility, and pregnancy in women is limited, there are some studies and insights that suggest potential positive effects. Here is what the available research suggests:

Regulating Thyroid Function and Menstrual Cycles in Women:

Ashwagandha may help manage an underactive thyroid by increasing levels of thyroid hormones and reducing fatigue and joint pain. (2,4)
A small placebo-controlled study found that supplementing with 600 mg of ashwagandha daily for eight weeks improved blood levels of TSH, T3, and T4 in patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism. (4) However, ashwagandha may worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism. (6)
Ashwagandha helps regulate reproductive hormones that aid in PCOS and period cramps. (1,5)
It improves hormonal imbalances while strengthening the functioning of the adrenal glands, which can improve fertility and regularize the menstrual cycle.(1)
Ashwagandha can also act as a sexual stimulant, improving sexual arousal, orgasm, and lubrication. (1)

It is important to note that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking ashwagandha as its compound may lead to uterine contraction causing premature birth or even miscarriage. (5) Additionally, one should be very particular with its use and seek a doctor’s recommendation to avoid any side effects. (1,5)

Reducing Stress and Cortisols level in Women

Ashwagandha is known to help reduce cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals by an average of 30%. (7,10,11) Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands when you are under stress.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb – it has natural substances that can help the body adapt to stress and gain homeostasis (balance). It is also known to be a fabulous mood elevator. In particular, Ashwagandha helps activate GABA, or Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, receptors in the brain to block signals of anxiety and stress.
It also contains tryptophan, a building block of serotonin, that helps elevate mood. (7, 9) A study found that “Ashwagandha root extract.
Safely and effectively improves an individual’s resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life”. (7)
The stress-reducing effects of ashwagandha are not immediate, but can be felt within a couple of hours. (8)
Ashwagandha helps deal with period issues, PCOS, skin, body weight, sleep, and many more issues. It even regulates reproductive hormones that aid in PCOS and period cramps. (12)
Ashwagandha can augment thyroid function by increasing the levels of thyroid hormones and reducing fatigue and joint pain. (8,10).

However, one should be very particular with its use and seek a doctor’s recommendation to avoid any side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking ashwagandha as its compound may lead to uterine contraction causing premature birth or even miscarriage. (12)

Supporting Fertility and Pregnancy in Women

Ashwagandha helps balance female hormones, normalises blood cortisol levels, and thyroid hormones, which can help boost fertility. (14,15)
It regulates reproductive hormones that aid in PCOS and period cramps.Ashwagandha helps relieve PCOS, which suppresses ovulation and often causes infertility (15)
A 2018 study suggests that ashwagandha may increase sperm quality across several parameters, possibly increasing the chance of pregnancy. In animal studies, ashwagandha seemed to improve the balance of female hormones and follicle growth. (17)
In one human study, it increased sexual function in women. (18)
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking ashwagandha as its compound may lead to uterine contraction causing premature birth or even misscarriage.There is insufficient research on using ashwagandha while pregnant, so caution should be exercised. (14, 17, 18)

Ashwagandha and Sexual Health in Women

Ashwagandha has been studied for its potential effects on sexual health in women including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction.

Enhancing Libido and Sexual Satisfaction in Women

Improving sexual function: A randomised controlled trial published in Cureus found that supplementation with KSM-66 Ashwagandha led to significant improvements in measures of sexual function in healthy women, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. (19, 21)

Reducing stress: Ashwagandha may help improve female sexual dysfunction by reducing stress, which can have a negative impact on sexual health. (22, 23)
Increasing androgens: Ashwagandha may also increase androgens in women, which can have a positive effect on sexual function. (22).
Enhancing blood flow: Ashwagandha has been indicated as a potent sexual stimulant as it supports sexual health by enhancing blood flow. (19)

Improving Vaginal Health and Preventing infections in Women

Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties: Ashwagandha is rich in antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which may help deal with vaginal infections, including yeast infections. (24, 26, 28)
Reducing stress: Ashwagandha can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on vaginal health. (27)
Regulating blood sugar levels: Ashwagandha can help regulate blood sugar levels, which can help prevent diabetes and other hormonal imbalances that can affect vaginal health. (24, 26, 28)

Increasing Testosterone and muscle mass in Women

Increasing testosterone: Ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels in women, which can lead to increased muscle mass. A study involving men aged 40 to 70 showed that subjects given a supplement of ashwagandha extract showed an increase in testosterone by about 15 percent on average. (29) However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on testosterone levels in women.
Enhancing muscle strength and mass: Supplementation with KSM-66 ashwagandha resulted in a 15.3% increase in testosterone level compared to a 2.7% increase in the placebo group. In a study, researchers evaluated the ability of 8 weeks of KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract supplementation on muscle strength and recovery in 80 participants. KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract supplementation produced a significant improvement in muscle strength, muscle mass, endurance, and muscle recovery. (30)

Ashwagandha and Cognitive Health in Women

Ashwagandha may have potential benefits for cognitive health in women.

Boosting Learning and Memory in Women

Improving cognitive function: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in healthy adults. One study showed that ashwagandha improved working memory and reaction time in healthy adults, while another study found that ashwagandha improved performance on a test of attention and concentration in medical students during periods of high stress. (31, 35)
Reducing stress: Ashwagandha can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on cognitive function and memory.
Enhancing blood flow: Ashwagandha has been indicated as a potent sexual stimulant as it supports sexual health by enhancing blood flow. This increase in blood flow may also help improve cognitive function and memory. (32,33,34)

Protection against neurodegenerative diseases in women

Ashwagandha may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases in women by its neuroprotective properties. Here are some of the neuroprotective properties of ashwagandha:

Slowing, stopping, reversing, or removing neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss. (36)
Promoting neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth via upregulated expression of BDNF, ARC, NF200, MAP2, PSD95, GAP43. (38)
Enhancing memory and cognitive function(36,37)
Reducing stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on cognitive function and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases (39)

Overall, ashwagandha may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases in women by its neuroprotective properties, including promoting neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth, enhancing memory and cognitive function, and reducing stress and anxiety.

Improving Mood and Mental Health in Women

Reducing stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, which can help reduce stress and its symptoms like elevated blood pressure and heart rate. It also helps block nervous system activity associated with conditions like generalised anxiety disorder, insomnia, and clinical depression. (40)
Improving cognitive function and memory: Ashwagandha has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in healthy adults, which can have a positive impact on mental health. (39)
Enhancing mood: Ashwagandha has mood-lifting effects and has been shown to treat clinical depressive disorders. Studies show that its effects are comparable to common prescription antidepressants. (40)

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to improve mood and mental health, boost memory and learning, protect against neurodegenerative diseases, enhance sexual health, and increase testosterone and muscle mass. Ashwagandha has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve cognitive function and memory. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment regimen. Overall, ashwagandha has shown promise as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions and may be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle.

FAQ’s about ashwagandha for women.

How do I take Ashwagandha supplements?

Answer: Ashwagandha supplements are available in various forms like capsules, powders, or tinctures. Follow the recommended dosage on the product label or consult a healthcare professional.

Is Ashwagandha safe to use?

Answer: When taken in recommended dosages, Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people. However, it may interact with certain medications or have contraindications for specific health conditions.

Can Ashwagandha improve sleep quality?

Answer: Yes, Ashwagandha’s calming effects may help promote better sleep and alleviate insomnia in some individuals.

Does Ashwagandha have adaptogenic properties?

Answer: Yes, Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.

Can Ashwagandha help with anxiety and depression?

Answer: Ashwagandha may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by modulating neurotransmitters and stress hormones.

Is Ashwagandha suitable for athletes or fitness enthusiasts?

Answer: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from Ashwagandha’s ability to enhance physical performance, stamina, and muscle strength.

Can Ashwagandha support immune health

Answer: Yes, Ashwagandha has immune-modulating properties that can help strengthen the body’s natural defence mechanisms.

Is Ashwagandha safe for long-term use?

Answer: Ashwagandha is generally safe for long-term use in recommended doses. However, it’s advisable to take breaks from continuous use to prevent tolerance buildup. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Rebalancing Hormones: The Power of Ashwagandha for Women