“Hormone balancing” is one of the most common claims for ashwagandha aimed at women. The research is narrower than that. Here is what has actually been studied, and what the evidence can and can’t tell you.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against randomized controlled trials, a meta-analysis and NIH guidance
Is ashwagandha good for women?
For everyday stress, trials that included women found lower stress and anxiety scores than placebo[1]. Small trials in women also reported improvements in sexual function scores and perimenopause symptoms[2][3]. But NCCIH says there isn’t enough evidence for menopause or female infertility, and ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding[4].
Caveat: “Balances hormones” is not a finding from these trials. Each women-specific study was small and lasted about 8 weeks.
Sources: Akhgarjand 2022 · Dongre 2015 · Gopal 2021 · NCCIH · Verified 2026-09-27
In this article
Does ashwagandha help women with stress?
Most stress trials enrolled both men and women. Pooled together, they showed lower stress and anxiety scores with ashwagandha than with placebo[1]. There’s no strong evidence that the effect differs by sex. For the full picture, see Ashwagandha for Stress: What the Research Actually Shows.
Why does stress matter so much here? Many of the things women hope ashwagandha will fix, such as poor sleep, low libido or feeling “off,” can be tangled up with stress. So if ashwagandha helps, it may be by easing stress rather than acting directly on reproductive hormones. That’s a more modest claim than “hormone balancing,” but it’s the one the evidence actually supports. For sleep specifically, see Does Ashwagandha Make You Sleepy?.
Does ashwagandha help with libido and sexual function?
One pilot trial looked at this directly. Fifty women with sexual dysfunction took 300 mg of root extract twice daily or placebo for 8 weeks. The ashwagandha group showed greater improvements in sexual function scores than the placebo group[2].
It’s encouraging but it’s a single pilot study. If low libido is bothering you, it’s worth talking to a clinician, since many things, from medications to hormones to stress, can play a role.
Can ashwagandha help with perimenopause or menopause?
In a randomized trial of women in perimenopause, 300 mg of root extract twice daily for 8 weeks reduced menopause symptom scores, including hot flashes, more than placebo; 91 women completed the study[3].
That is one trial. NCCIH lists menopause among the uses where there isn’t enough evidence to know whether ashwagandha helps[4]. It’s a reasonable topic to raise with your doctor, not a replacement for proven menopause care.
Does ashwagandha affect women’s hormones?
It may affect some hormones, which is why “hormone balancing” marketing needs care. In a small trial of adults with subclinical hypothyroidism, ashwagandha raised thyroid hormone levels and lowered TSH compared with placebo[5]. The NIH notes case reports of thyrotoxicosis and possible interactions with thyroid medication[6]. If you have, or suspect, a thyroid condition, this is worth taking seriously.
What hasn’t been shown: that ashwagandha fixes irregular cycles, PCOS or fertility. NCCIH says there isn’t enough evidence for female infertility[4].
Which women should avoid ashwagandha?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding. NCCIH says to avoid it during pregnancy and not to use it while breastfeeding[4]. France’s food safety agency has also advised against use in pregnancy and breastfeeding[6].
- Trying to conceive. Talk to your provider first.
- Thyroid or autoimmune conditions[4].
- Taking medication, including thyroid, blood pressure, diabetes or sedative medications[6].
More detail in Is Ashwagandha Safe?.
The honest summary
- Stress: the best-supported use, for women and men alike.
- Sexual function and perimenopause: one small trial each, both positive.
- “Hormone balancing,” PCOS and fertility: not supported by current evidence.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding; get advice if you have a thyroid condition.
Our option
Vita Globe Ashwagandha Gummies
One tart-cherry gummy a day with 25 mg of a 30:1 ashwagandha root extract, plus vitamin D (100 mcg) and zinc (2 mg). Pectin-based, gluten-free and non-GMO, with no artificial flavors or colors, and tested by an independent third-party lab. It’s a simple daily option for occasional stress, not a hormone or menopause product, and its 25 mg of 30:1 extract is below the doses in the trials above. As noted above, ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.*
Frequently asked questions
Does ashwagandha increase estrogen?
There isn’t good human evidence that it does. The women’s trials measured symptoms, not a clear estrogen effect.
Can ashwagandha help with PMS?
It hasn’t been well studied for PMS. Its best evidence is for everyday stress[1].
Is ashwagandha safe while trying to get pregnant?
Talk with your provider first. NCCIH advises avoiding it in pregnancy[4], and you may not know right away that you’re pregnant.
Does ashwagandha cause weight gain in women?
There’s no good evidence that ashwagandha causes weight gain. If you notice changes, mention them to your provider, particularly if you have a thyroid condition[6].
Can women take ashwagandha every day?
Trials gave it daily for about 8 weeks[2][3]. Longer-term data are limited, so check in with your doctor if you plan to continue.
Sources
- Akhgarjand C, Asoudeh F, Bagheri A, et al. Does ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2022;36(11):4115-4124. doi:10.1002/ptr.7598
- 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 Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. doi:10.1155/2015/284154
- Gopal S, Ajgaonkar A, Kanchi P, et al. Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021;47(12):4414-4425. doi:10.1111/jog.15030
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ashwagandha: Usefulness and Safety. Updated March 2023. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
- Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(3):243-248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Health Professional Fact Sheet. Updated May 2, 2025. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
