What does ashwagandha research show for women?

What the evidence shows

The trials studied different populations and preparations for eight or 24 weeks. Sexual-function scores and hormone measurements cannot substitute for reproductive outcomes.^{[1], [2], [3]}

Menopause studies

In an eight-week randomized placebo-controlled trial of 100 perimenopausal women with climacteric symptoms, 300 mg ashwagandha root extract twice daily was associated with lower total Menopause Rating Scale and menopause-specific quality-of-life scores than placebo; 91 participants completed the study. Both total-score comparisons were reported at p<0.0001. The available abstract does not supply absolute score differences. This short, selected-population trial does not establish long-term benefit, effects of other extracts or equivalence to menopausal hormone therapy.^[1]

In a 24-week six-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial enrolling 127 postmenopausal women aged 40–55, the ashwagandha-only Sensoril groups at 250 or 500 mg/day reported lower total menopause-specific quality-of-life scores than placebo; 123 women completed, including 20 and 22 in the ashwagandha-only groups. The studied formulation was an aqueous extract of roots and aerial parts, split morning and evening after meals. The total MENQOL finding does not establish a benefit on every individual symptom. Small homogeneous groups, normal thyroid/liver/kidney entry criteria, medical exclusions, unmonitored diet/activity and manufacturer funding limit generalization. This is not a hormone-therapy comparison or evidence of fracture prevention or long-term safety.^[2]

Sexual function and reproductive limits

An eight-week randomized placebo-controlled trial enrolled 80 women aged 18–50 with hypoactive sexual desire disorder who also met FSFI below 26 and/or FSDS above 11 criteria, without hormonal disturbances; KSM-66 root extract 300 mg twice daily was associated with greater improvements in sexual-function and sexual-distress scores than placebo in the 72-woman efficacy analysis. FSFI increased from 14.20 to 22.62 with ashwagandha versus 14.17 to 19.25 with placebo. The GHQ-28 quality-of-life comparison was nonsignificant (p=.078). The selected cohort excluded menopausal women and hormonal abnormalities, and per-protocol analysis and eight-week follow-up limit generalization; this is not a fertility or hormonal-treatment finding.^[3]

The three selected women’s trials reported menopause-related scores or sexual-function outcomes; they did not establish effects on pregnancy rates, PCOS, PMS, menstrual-cycle regulation or contraceptive effectiveness. This is a limit of these cited trials, not a claim that a complete search has found no research on every reproductive question. Sexual-function scores and serum hormone measurements cannot be substituted for fertility or contraceptive outcomes.^{[1], [2], [3]}

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

NCCIH advises avoiding ashwagandha during pregnancy and not using it while breastfeeding. Short-term studies in other adults do not establish safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding; discuss any exposure or supplement plans with a qualified healthcare professional.^[4]

Read the supporting evidence summaries

The linked research pages provide study populations, formulations, doses, outcomes, and limitations in greater detail.

• Ashwagandha for Women: Menopause and Sexual Health →
• Ashwagandha Safety and Tolerability →
• Ashwagandha and Thyroid Function →

Related questions

• What are the safety cautions for ashwagandha?