Ashwagandha Benefits for Females: Enhancing Health with Research-Based Insights
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024Table of Contents
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ashwagandha may make an impact on female sexual health and fertility, thanks to its effect on hormone balance and stress control.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Ashwagandha has shown potential to improve muscle strength, power output, and endurance. So, it may help competitive sportswomen.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Possible side effects of Ashwagandha supplementation include stomach discomfort, drowsiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, these effects are usually rare and mild.
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.
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A few potential benefits of Ashwagandha for women include hormone balance, better menstrual health, reduced PMS symptoms, boosted sexual health and fertility, support for easing menopause, enhanced athletic performance, and improved mental and physical health.
In general, Ashwagandha is considered safe for everyday use at recommended dosages. However, it is vital to get advice from a healthcare professional before you start supplementation, especially if you have specific health worries or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The effects of Ashwagandha may take time to fully manifest, with some benefits noticeable in weeks while others need steady supplementation over months. Individual responses to Ashwagandha can differ, so it’s crucial to keep track of your reaction and adjust the dosage if needed. Always start the supplement after consulting your doctor as they will assess your condition, carry out tests to find out your hormone levels, and advise accordingly.
Ashwagandha may interact with certain medicines, including those for thyroid disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood thinners. Always get advice from a healthcare professional before using Ashwagandha, especially if you are taking other medicines.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised not to use Ashwagandha, due to limited research on its impacts during pregnancy and lactation. Always get advice from a healthcare professional before using any supplement when pregnant or breastfeeding.
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