Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been a staple of traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, primarily used to promote vitality and resilience. Its increasing popularity has led to questions about its specific biological effects, particularly concerning hormone balance. A common query revolves around whether this potent botanical can increase estrogen levels. Understanding Ashwagandha’s influence requires looking at its direct effects on sex hormones versus its broader role in modulating the body’s stress response system.
Ashwagandha’s Direct Relationship with Estrogen
Research does not generally support the concern that Ashwagandha significantly increases estrogen levels across all populations. Studies investigating the herb’s impact on estradiol, the main form of estrogen, in aging, overweight men found no substantial difference compared to a placebo group. This suggests the herb does not possess a potent, widespread estrogenic effect comparable to certain other plant compounds.
However, one specific study on women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms reported a significant increase in serum estradiol levels after eight weeks of supplementation. This estrogen increase was also accompanied by a reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This effect suggests that in women undergoing the hormonal transition of menopause, Ashwagandha may help to balance reproductive hormones.
The observed increase in estradiol in perimenopausal women is likely related to the herb’s overall endocrine balancing properties rather than a direct estrogen-mimicking action. The herb’s primary steroidal compounds, the withanolides, do not appear to act as strong phytoestrogens. Therefore, Ashwagandha exhibits a hormone-normalizing effect that can include increasing estrogen only in specific contexts like perimenopause.
Primary Hormonal Modulation: The Cortisol Connection
The hormonal action of Ashwagandha centers on its adaptogenic capacity, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. This effect is mediated through its influence on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the stress response. By modulating this system, Ashwagandha helps to temper the body’s reaction to chronic stress.
Clinical trials involving chronically stressed adults have repeatedly shown that Ashwagandha supplementation can significantly reduce morning cortisol levels. In some studies, this reduction has been reported to be between 20% to 50% compared to baseline values. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone.
Chronic elevation of cortisol can disrupt the delicate balance of other hormones, including sex hormones, a phenomenon sometimes called “cortisol steal.” By effectively lowering high cortisol levels, Ashwagandha indirectly fosters a more favorable environment for sex hormone production and balance. This HPA axis modulation is often the underlying reason for speculation regarding the herb’s effects on estrogen and other reproductive hormones.
Influence on Other Sex Hormones
Beyond its influence on cortisol, Ashwagandha has documented effects on other hormones involved in the reproductive system, notably testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). In men, multiple studies show that supplementation can increase testosterone levels, with some reporting an average increase of nearly 15%. This effect is particularly pronounced in men experiencing infertility or who are overweight.
Ashwagandha also consistently increases levels of DHEA-S, a precursor hormone the body converts into testosterone and other sex steroids. Increases in DHEA-S have been reported to be around 18% in some male populations. The herb may also help boost Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in men, which signals the testes to produce testosterone.
The hormonal effects in women are more variable and less consistently documented. While some clinical trials in women have found no significant change in testosterone, case reports document significant elevations of both DHEA-S and total testosterone after taking the supplement. These increases in androgen precursors are likely a downstream effect of the herb’s primary action in normalizing the stress response and HPA axis activity.
Safety Considerations for Hormone-Sensitive Individuals
Given its ability to modulate the endocrine system, Ashwagandha is not suitable for everyone and requires careful consideration, especially for individuals with pre-existing hormone-sensitive conditions. The herb should be avoided entirely during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and historical concerns regarding its abortifacient properties.
Individuals with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer should exercise caution, as the herb’s known ability to increase testosterone levels could potentially interfere with treatment or the progression of the disease. Furthermore, the herb is known to stimulate the thyroid gland, which can be problematic for people with thyroid disorders. Ashwagandha can increase the active thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and decrease Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
The mixed data on estrogen, coupled with the potential for increased DHEA-S and testosterone, suggests caution for those with other hormone-sensitive conditions. Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) involve complex hormonal dynamics. Any individual managing a hormone-sensitive condition should consult with a physician before starting supplementation to ensure safety and avoid unintended hormonal disruption.