Ashwagandha For PCOS? Does It Have Potential Benefits?
Can Ashwagandha be helpful for PCOS patients? Dr. Basma Faris, a Board Certified Ob Gyn with training in nutrition and Culinary Medicine breaks down the science behind Ashwagandha for PCOS symptoms.
Ashwagandha For PCOS: What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is also known as Withania somnifera. It is a popularly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha may also sometimes be called referred to as “Indian ginseng” or “winter cherry.”
Potential Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used in alternative medicine for its adaptogenic properties. This means it could potentially help the body manage stress and maintain equilibrium. Although people have been using it for hundreds of years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration, there is limited scientific evidence to support its use.
This herb has a range of bioactive compounds, including steroidal lactones which come under the category of withanolides. These withanolids are thought to account for the therapeutic effects of Ashwagandha. These compounds may have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. However, again, the clinical evidence to support all these potential benefits varies in quality and extent.
How Is Ashwagandha Consumed?
The herb is typically taken as a powder which is made from the root or the leaves of the plant. This ashwagandha powder is then mixed into water or milk. The powder can also be placed into a capsule and then be taken in pill form.
Are Herbs Always Safe?
Many people falsely assume that herbs can not be toxic or harmful. This is not true. The difference between herbs and FDA-approved drugs is that the drugs have gone through rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials to prove their benefits. The dosages of these drugs have been well-established and studied scientifically.
Herbs can be generally safe, but they do have the potential for toxicity based on dosage as well as by interacting with other drugs. Their efficacy or usefulness is also not well known.
Side Effects Of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha can have some unwanted side effects. These include nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness.
Potential Medication Interactions
This herb can interact with certain medications so use caution if you have another medical condition. Also, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any natural supplements.
- Medications that decrease immune system response (Immunosuppressants): Ashwagandha could stimulate the immune system. This could counteract the effects of immunosuppressants that are used to prevent organ rejection after transplants or to treat autoimmune diseases.
- Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines and CNS Depressants): Both ashwagandha and these medications can cause drowsiness and slowed breathing. Taking them together might increase these effects to an unsafe level.
- Thyroid hormone medications: Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels, potentially interfering with medications used to regulate an overactive or underactive thyroid.
- Medications for diabetes: Ashwagandha can have blood sugar-lowering effects. If you combine this herb with medications for diabetes could lead to excessively low blood sugar levels.
- Medications for high blood pressure : Ashwagandha might also have blood pressure-lowering effects. Taking it with medications for high blood pressure could lead to an additive effect, causing blood pressure to drop too low.
There may be others beyond this list as well.
Ashwagandha For PCOS: Can PCOS Patients Potentially Benefit?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects about 10% of women during their reproductive years. While we do not know the exact cause of PCOS, we do know that PCOS patients face hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and sometimes have cysts on the ovaries.
Limitations Of Current Options For PCOS Patients
PCOS patients are often recommended to take birth control. Sometimes birth control can not alleviate all the symptoms of PCOS. PCOS patients also suffer from insulin resistance, weight gain and increased inflammation. Metformin may also help PCOS patients in battling insulin resistance.
Looking into alternative treatments like herbal supplements for these patients is important. It is also important to remember that alternative medicines and supplements are not well studied. Therefore, using them should only be done after talking to your doctor.
Lifestyle Changes Can Be Hard
Lifestyle interventions are also a big part of managing and treating PCOS. Weight loss can be more challenging in patients due to the insulin resistance. Diets that have a low glycemic index can be very helpful and reducing chronic stress can also be helpful in managing inflammation.
Lifestyle changes take time and can be tough to maintain. An herbal supplement could potentially help PCOS patients as they go through these lifestyle changes.
Ashwagandha For PCOS: What Does The Science Say?
Unfortunately, when it comes to using Ashwagandha for PCOS, the studies are very limited. In fact, a 2024 literature review by Patibandla, et al on Ashwagandha stated that the existing studies are very limited.
Some benefits could exist despite limited evidence. Let’s take a look at some of the potential benefits and the studies that are out there.
Helping With Scalp Hair Loss?
Case Report
There is a case report that was published in the British Journal Of Medicine in 2012 by Kalani, et al. This report was actually not about a patient with PCOS but rather a patient with adrenal hyperplasia. The conclusion of the case report was that after 6 months of this patient self-treating themselves with WS or Ashwagandha, there was an improvement in her biochemical profile which also corresponded with a reduction in scalp hair loss.
Though this case report did not specifically discuss PCOS and the use of Ashwagandha, it is possible that the herb could be somewhat helpful in managing the range of symptoms associated with it like hair loss on the scalp.
Study Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4543599/
Managing Cortisol Levels?
Ashwagandha could potentially help with managing cortisol levels. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. High cortisol levels are often associated with PCOS.
The adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha help in regulating cortisol levels, which may aid in alleviating adrenal PCOS symptoms.
Helping With Fertility?
Patients with PCOS often have more difficulty conceiving than those patients who do not have PCOS. This is often due to irregular menstrual cycles which make it difficult to predict ovulation, as well as insulin resistance which can also impact fertility.
A more recent study done in 2022 showed that women of reproductive age taking Ashwagandha had an increase in their follicle size. Increase in follicle size can be helpful for conception. However, this same study failed to show a positive difference in actual conception rates, and the study size was very small.
Study Link: https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/431245-two-arm-open-labelled-randomized-standar-d142028a.pdf
Another case study found that a woman became pregnant after 2 months of using medicinal herbs. She had previously been trying to get pregnant for 2 years and had signs of PCOS.
Study Link: https://journals.lww.com/joay/Fulltext/2022/16020/Ayurvedic_Management_of_Infertility_Due_to.15.aspx
Remember that case studies are just about one patient. They are not large studies that can be generally applied to the population as a whole.
Anti Inflammatory Properties Of Ashwagandha?
Inflammation is closely related to several health issues, including PCOS. Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation and potentially improve PCOS symptoms.
Helping With Hormonal Imbalances?
Ashwagandha has a unique ability to help the body adapt to different types of stress, both physical and mental. As an adaptogen, it can harmonize hormone levels and improve stress resilience without causing negative side effects.
Helping With Stress And Anxiety?
Ashwagandha is believed to act on GABA receptors. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a neurotransmitter that inhibits the stress response, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. By positively modulating GABA receptor activity, Ashwagandha may further contribute to regulating stress hormone levels and improving overall hormonal balance in women with PCOS.
Ashwagandha For PCOS: Should You Try It?
If you want to try using herbal supplements to help with your PCOS symptoms, here are a few important things to keep in mind.
Talk To Your Doctor
Remember that this article is for educational purposes only. If you are thinking about trying this herb, or any herbal supplement, first seek medical advice from your doctor. A women’s health doctor can help you to evaluate the pros and cons of using any herbs.
Especially for women of childbearing age or anyone who is on medical treatment for another condition, medicinal herbs can be potentially harmful. Any potential benefits of medicinal herbs must be weighed against the potential risks and talking to a medical professional is important.
Herbs Alone Are Unlikely To Work
It is important to note that any positive effect of this herb is going to be limited. It is not well studied and the science behind it is not extremely strong. Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome will have to also incorporate lifestyle changes (managing stress levels, eating well, improving sleep quality) as well as traditional allopathic medicine to assist with symptom control.
There are many things that are going on in the female body when it comes to PCOS. From high levels of androgens to high to unwanted hair growth, treating PCOS requires a multidisciplinary approach. It is important to set expectations when using any herbal supplement as its potential health benefits are likely to be limited.
Dosage Of Ashwagandha
If you are thinking of adding ashwagandha into your daily routine, the suggested amount ranges from 300 to 500 milligrams daily. But, it is very important to remember that supplements are not well regulated. This means that one ashwagandha supplement could be very different from another in terms of potency and effectiveness. This is why talking to your doctor is important.
Watching For Side Effects
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people when taken in appropriate doses. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive upset, drowsiness, or allergic reactions. Immediately stop taking the herb or go to the emergency room if you feel like you are having an allergic reaction.
Good Safety Profile
Keeping all of above in mind, this herb generally has a good safety profile. Talk to your doctor before using and stop using if you experience any unwanted side effects. Remember to continue other scientific based interventions that are proven to help.
Ashwagandha For PCOS: Summary
Ashwagandha for PCOS symptoms is an area of active interest. PCOS is characterized by insulin sensitivity, increased levels of androgens, including testosterone levels, irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, hair loss on the scalp, increased acne, among other symptoms. Some studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of using Ashwagandha for improving folliculogenesis and reducing the symptoms of PCOS. These findings suggest that incorporating this herb into a holistic treatment plan for PCOS may yield positive results. However, it is very important to talk to your personal doctor and seek professional guidance before incorporating this into your routine. While generally safe, there are situations when taking ashwagandha may not be a good idea.
Sources:
Kalani A, Bahtiyar G, Sacerdote A. Ashwagandha root in the treatment of non-classical adrenal hyperplasia. BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Sep 17;2012:bcr2012006989. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006989. PMID: 22987912; PMCID: PMC4543599.
Patibandla S, Gallagher JJ, Patibandla L, Ansari AZ, Qazi S, Brown SF. Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines: A Literature Review of Their Applications in Female Reproductive Health. Cureus. 2024 Feb 29;16(2):e55240. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55240. PMID: 38558676; PMCID: PMC10981444.
Arentz S, Abbott JA, Smith CA, Bensoussan A. Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Dec 18;14:511. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511. PMID: 25524718; PMCID: PMC4528347.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwagandha
Merck Manuals – Ashwagandha: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/ashwagandha
