Ashwagandha is excellent support for your menopause symptoms! It balances your body, calms your mind and keeps your body functioning in harmony.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb for women. It’s widely studied for its libido and fertility-boosting effects. Ashwagandha is a true wellness promoter that I love!
Relieve menopause discomforts, regain hormone balance, boost your energy and make your menopause journey more enjoyable by tapping into 6 of the best Ashwagandha benefits!
Mood swings, Anxiety and Depression. Ashwagandha balances your emotion-regulating hormones, like serotonin and dopamine. These hormones make you calmer, which helps us gain better control of our emotions. This aids mood swings, anxiety and depression during menopause.
Sleep troubles. Elevated cortisol, caused by stress, impedes sleep and causes serious sleep problems such as insomnia. When your cortisol is high, your body is always on alert mode, which explains your sleep troubles. Ashwagandha stimulates melatonin production, a hormone that aids in better sleep, as well as releasing calming hormones!
Sluggish metabolism. Your metabolism usually slows down during menopause. As a result, you tend to gain weight. Ashwagandha increases the conversion of T4 hormone into active T3 hormone, which is responsible for boosting metabolism.
Low libido. Loss of sexual desire is a common menopause symptom. There are many reasons for this. Vaginal dryness, anxiety, depression and stress are some of the culprits. Ashwagandha is a powerful aphrodisiac according to the Kama Sutra. It increases reproductive health by promoting better blood circulation to your vagina. This can promote better lubrication and increased sexual sensitivity. You don’t need to go through a long dry spell even if you hit menopause!
Hot flashes and night sweats. Although the herb does not affect estrogen production, Ashwagandha can decrease the occurrence of vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Stress has a profound effect on the frequency and severity of these vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Taking Ashwagandha reduces stress, thereby allowing you to manage these symptoms better.
Memory lapses. Ashwagandha helps in reducing memory decline according to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health. The herb protects the brain from oxidative stress and halts neuro-degeneration. To experience memory improvement, you need to take this herb daily.
Used for over 3,000 years, Ashwagandha is a revered botanical in Ayurveda and a go-to herb in menopause. Click To TweetWhat is Ashwagandha?
This herb has many names. It’s also known as the “winter cherry” or “Indian ginseng”. Ashwagandha is a popular Ayurvedic herb from India, but women all over the world use it for a variety of health reasons.
If you translate the word Ashwagandha, it means “odor of horse”. Sounds pretty weird, right? But there’s a logical explanation for this!
According to many herb users, the prepared Ashwagandha powder and tablets normally don´t smell. But it can be intolerable in its raw form! Aside from this, Ashwagandha gives you so much energy, endurance and strength – pretty much like a horse!
In Ayurveda, this herb is known as “Rasayana”. It helps calm the mind and body and lengthens life. Ashwagandha falls under the class of small shrubs called “Solanaceae”, where tomatoes and eggplants also belong. You can identify this herb because of its red berries and five-petal flowers.
Although most of its parts are usable, the roots are the most important part of the plant. They are made into powders, tinctures and extracts.
Dr. Axe highly recommends Ashwagandha to his patients, and he has a great video where he talks about Ashwagandha benefits and how you can use it to improve overall health and well-being [8:04]:
How Ashwagandha Works
Ashwagandha is rich in adaptogens, natural compounds in plants that fight off stress. Sometimes, we blame our menopausal discomforts and symptoms on hormonal imbalance, but the reason can be as simple as stress. Contrary to what many of us believe, adaptogens are not plant-based estrogens, nor do they directly affect estrogen levels.
According to freelance health and nutrition writer Edward Wallace, an adaptogen enhances the body’s ability to resist a stressor. Ashwagandha, promotes a normalizing influence on the body, without over-stimulating or inhibiting the normal body function — instead, it gives off an overall tonifying effect!
This means that the herb doesn’t really have a specific effect, but it is effective in maintaining our body’s balance. So, how can this herb help us in menopause?
First, Ashwagandha acts on our adrenal glands by recharging them. During menopause, the dance of hormones can come in full swing. Our hormones can drop or increase at any given time, causing menopause symptoms. Ashwagandha helps our adrenal glands to function at an optimum level, preventing hormonal imbalance. Our adrenal glands produce just enough estrogen, progesterone and cortisol (stress hormone) with the help of this herb.
According to a study by the University of Buffalo, menopausal women who experienced hot flashes had high IL-8 (Interleukin-8). This is a type of protein that the body releases when it is under stress. This also happens when estrogen decreases. Ashwagandha neutralizes this protein. This can be a potential explanation why the herb is an effective solution to hot flashes.
Aside from all these, healthy adrenal glands mean that they can balance the secretion of our emotion-regulating hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphin. These three hormones, when imbalanced, can cause anxiety, depression and mood swings, which are common menopause symptoms.
In a study by the Indian Journal of Medical Research, Ashwagandha mimics the activities of GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid). This neurotransmitter is a natural tranquilizer. It relaxes the mind and body. Since Ashwagandha can stimulate GABA activity, menopausal women will generally feel calmer and better.
Ashwagandha delays degenerative changes in our bones. When we go through menopause, or as we age, we tend to be more prone to osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. And more than men for that matter! Estrogen fluctuation is not the only explanation. One study claims that women have preconditions that can place them at more risk of osteoporosis or osteoarthritis.
Before we reach menopause, we have regular periods every month and we lose about 70 ml of blood each time. To replenish this loss and maintain enough circulating blood, our body increases hematopoietic activity ─ the creation of new blood.
For hematopoietic cells to create new blood, it needs spaces inside our bones where it can work. To accommodate this need, our osteoclasts responsible for breaking down our bones will also increase their activity. This is to provide a space for hematopoiesis. With many holes or spaces forming within our bones, we can develop osteoporosis. However, by taking Ashwagandha, you can balance bone breakdown and bone formation, thus preventing the condition.
A study by the National Institutes of Health also explained how taking ashwagandha can combat osteoporosis. The herb delays degeneration in our chondroblasts. The main function of chondroblasts is to support the bones and fill in spaces caused by bone breakdown. Apart from this, it also has Withaferin A, which stimulates a rapid increase in cells, that can synthesize the bones.
Balance Your Hormones
Dr. John Douillard is a natural medicine expert! He is an advocate of Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient healing system that I truly believe in. Natural herbs like Ashwagandha are a big part of Ayurvedic medicine. Dr. Douillard even calls Ashwagandha the “herbal intelligence” because of its strong adaptive properties.
Dr. Ray Sahelian says there are unknown severe side effects, related to the use of Ashwagandha. However, those who are going to operate machinery and go on long drives must observe proper caution because Ashwagandha supplements have sedative effects.
Sometimes, supplements may also give you too much energy and you may become hyperactive. You may want to take the supplement in cycles!
In some rare cases, the herb can cause some minor digestive problems. If this happens, reduce your dose and gradually increase once you get more used to it. Pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking Ashwagandha.
More Ashwagandha Benefits!
Ashwagandha is more than just a hormone balancer! It also strengthens your immune system by activating fighter or killer cells. This makes it easier for the body to fight off allergens or antigens (toxins).
According to a write-up by drugs.com, the herb also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. It prevents swelling, redness and pain, which are characteristics of inflammation. Arthritis pain is reduced with the help of this superfood. With its antipyretic property, it can relieve fevers and regulate body temperature.
Have you tried Ashwagandha? Did it help you feel better? Check out a full list of the best herbs for menopause in our article!
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References:
Sanders, Karen: “Ashwagandha can cure insomnia and anxiety”
www.naturalhealth365.com/0887_ashwagandha.html
University Health News: “Ashwagandha Benefits: Ease Stress and Anxiety by 44%” universityhealthnews.com/daily/depression/ashwagandha-benefits-ease-stress-and-anxiety-by-44-percent/
Hi
Yes I found the ASWAGANDHA really amazing.
For calm and sleep.
I personally buy the best brands and find it worth it as you don’t need much.
I think its one of the best products .
Hi @Karen,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’m happy to know that Ashwagandha is working well for you. It’s a wonder herb indeed, also great for relieving stress! 😊
All the best,
Gita 💜
WHAT DOSE OF ASHWAGANDHA do I need for menopause relief? Doest it need to be the root and taken with anything else?
Thank you
Hi Susie,
Both the roots and berries of Ashwagandha are used to make medicine.
They can come in different forms such as powders, capsules or tinctures.
I haven´t heard that you must take it with something else, but please, always read the label! The recommended dose is usually stated on the product label too.
More importantly, you must always check with your practitioner first, especially if you are taking any medication! Some supplements might interfere or cause certain interactions.
Thank you and all the best!
Gita
When you say have test done do you mean bloods to see the level of oestrogen in the blood. I have been peri menopausal for two and half years and I am still waking regular at 4am . I have a herbalist and her medicine has helped with many of my symptoms anxiety worrying poor concentration etc . I did suggest I get bloods done she did not think this necessary .
Lois age 49
Hi Lois,
I’m referring to both hormone and nutrient tests. You’re not required to take tests, but it’s always good to know your hormone or vitamin and mineral levels.
Tests will narrow down what is happening in your body, and it is better to understand what´s missing or not.
Good to hear that herbs have relieved some of your symptoms! 🙂
All the best,
Gita
I am a year and a half into menopause and the crushing fatigue and brain fog are hard to deal with. No matter how much I rest, I am still exhausted and very weak. I live in a constant brain fog, I can’t remember anything and have trouble recalling even common words. I know my children think I am losing my mind and it sometimes feels like I am. What specific herbs, adaptogens, etc. would you recommend I try for the severe fatigue, brain fog and memory problems? Thanks.
Hi Maria,
I think you should see your health practitioner and have tests done.
Supplementing without knowing what is lacking is not advisable.
When we hit menopause our body needs a bit slower pace to deal with
all the hormonal changes. Stress makes our symptoms a lot worse.
We also need to fuel our body with really good food.
Taking care of ourself should be a top priority.
I myself take B-vitamins, Magnesium, D3+K2 and some Ashwagandha and
Maca when I need extra support.
All the best,
Gita
I found that I felt great on Ashgawandha, but found I gained weight around the hips and thighs. This was not a problem until I took this herb. This is the only thing that has changed in my diet. Sad cause I like the energy and being alert on this product. SO, now I am only taken this before a meeting…
Hi Renee,
Good to hear that you like Ashwagandha! The herb helps with weight loss, so you might want to consult your doctor about the weight gain on your hips and thighs. It may be caused by other things. Sometimes, even if we’re eating healthy, it’s good to be active too.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Come back anytime.
Take care,
Gita
I haven’t started using Ashgawandha yet and wanted to know if it is safe to use with Depakote which I use for seizures.
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for sharing your concern with us. However, we don’t give medical advice on our site.
Please see your doctor for proper guidance.
Don’t hesitate to come back and share how it goes for you.
Best Regards,
Gita
I just discovered Ashgawandha yesterday . I was looking for something to help control my Anxiety and postmenopausal depression and sleeplessness.
Have taken twice so far.
After taking yesterday ,I instantly but subtely felt normal again. That tight feeling melted away.. And I slept better too. I will let you know how this journey pans out. I’m hopeful that I’ve finely found a solution.
I’ve used other natural remedies including a product called’ Hotflash ” and vitamin b complex. Exversise. Also Estrogen. These only provided minimal releif. VERY minimal. So we shall see.
I just discovered Ashgawandha yesterday . I was looking for something to help control my Anxiety and postmenopausal depression and sleeplessness.
Have taken twice so far.
After taking yesterday ,I instantly but subtely felt normal again. That tight feeling melted away.. And I slept better too. I will let you know how this journey pans out. I’m hopeful that I’ve finely found a solution.
I’ve used other natural remedies including a product called’ Hotflash ” and vitamin b complex. Excersise. Also a product “Estroven”. These only provided minimal releif. VERY minimal. So we shall see.
Hi Carol,
Yes, please share with us how it will work out for you.
Check out our article about anxiety and depression as well to get some more ideas. You find it here https://mymenopausejourney.com/anxiety-depression/
Take care!
I’ve been suffering with insomnia for years now due to the excessive use of caffeine and working the grave yard shift. A friend of mine recommended Ashwagandha, and trust me, so far these supplements are working wonders for me. I am now getting my full night’s rest thanks to these supplements.
Good to hear that you found Ashwagandha to be helpful Jason :-). Getting that full night sleep is very important for your overall health.