Hormone Balancing
Ashwagandhamay help regulate hormone levels and function in the body.
The hormones that affect menstruation includefollicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Ashwagandha may also improve hormone balance in people with chronic health conditions, such as:
3.
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PMS Symptom Relief
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include bloating, headaches, and mood changes.
Ashwagandha also promotes relaxation and may improve feelings of anxiety or depression.
This herb also has anti-inflammatory properties tohelp with bloatingand muscle aches.
Enhanced Sexual Function
Research shows ashwagandha can help lower stress and improve mood.
One research review found that these effects mayboost libidoand sexual drive in women.
Study participants who started taking ashwagandha twice daily reported increased sexual arousal, orgasms, and lubrication.
Fertilty Support
Ashwagandha may improve fertility by improving hormonal balance and function.
Ashwagandha may also lower the risk of vaginal infections, which can negatively affect fertility.
It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to protect against bacterial infections.
Because ashwagandha may mimic estrogen in the body, it can improve menopausal symptoms.
Improved Sleep
Ashwagandha promotes a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
This can improve sleep in people who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.
Research has found that taking ashwagandha may enhance sleep quality, efficiency, and latency.
It may help youfall asleep fasterand stay asleep rather than wake up throughout the night.
Enhanced Skin Health
The anti-inflammatory effects of ashwagandha may improve the look and feel of your skin.
They also experienced fewer wrinkles and more brightness.
Stress Reduction
Studies show that taking ashwagandha lowers stress andfeelings of anxiety.
Ashwagandha has been found to lowerserum cortisol levelsin the blood.
Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone, and high levels cause inflammation in the body.
Ashwagandha also improves sleep quality, which may have a positive effect on mood.
Whats the Best Way to Consume Ashwagandha?
Talk with a healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement regimen.
Keep in mind that results vary from person to person.
How Long Does It Take to Notice the Benefits?
It may take time to notice the benefits of ashwagandha.
Experts report health benefits after eight weeks of daily use.
Ashwagandha seems to be well-tolerated for up to three months.
More research is needed to determine if long-term use is safe.
Therefore, safety and efficacy (the ability to produce a desired effect) are not guaranteed.
Possible side effects of ashwagandha include:
Is Ashwagandha Safe for Everyone?
Ashwagandha is not safe for everyone.
Consult a healthcare provider for any questions before trying a new supplement.
Do not take ashwagandha if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.
Ashwagandha may also have adverse effects on the thyroid gland.
It may interact with thyroid medications or hormones.
It is also known to increasetestosterone levelsand is not safe for people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Medical research on ashwagandha is relatively new, and more studies are needed.
Ashwagandha is not for everyone.
Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Ashwagandha is not safe for people with liver disease, thyroid disease, or certain types of cancer.
Talk with your healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement regimen.
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same.
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