Unbeknown to many, one of the most difficult phases of women is perimenopause and menopause. Just like pregnancy and menstruation, the body goes through numerous hormonal changes and even the mental state of the individual goes haywire. But menopause doesn’t come in a day - the ovaries stop functioning slowly and that condition is known as perimenopause.
This is not a disorder- in fact, every woman has to undergo the physical and emotional turmoils of this state, which is why there is no cure. But of course, ayurveda has its wonderous ways to ease the symptoms so that women can feel at ease.
Among all the ayurvedic herbs available, Ashwagandha helps with perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mental blur, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and mood swings. Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry, is an Indian native shrub whose root is supposed to contain miraculous health benefits. It interacts with the female reproductive system and controls hormonal imbalances to a great extent. No wonder it is the primary ingredient of the Lifetree Ashwagandha supplement.
The In and Outs of Perimenopause
The worst thing about perimenopause is probably the fact that the symptoms can last for several years. The body is slowly advancing toward the end of its reproductive state and the signs can interfere with your daily life. It might seem a little surprising but a woman can experience the symptoms as early as in their late thirties. But note that even during this phase, conceiving is possible. During this time, one can experience at least one among several symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and irregular menstruation.
How Exactly Does Ashwagandha Comes Into Play?
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, has been studied for ages and has also been induced in Lifetree medicines to relieve women suffering from the perimenopausal effect. But what exactly makes this herb so special? Ashwagandha enhances the level of GBA neurotransmitter, which is effectively prescribed to fight hot flashes. Another study suggests that it can also alleviate stress- and it is another primordial effect of menopause.
Salient Effects of Ashwagandha On the Body
There are indeed numerous drugs available in the market that can help mitigate the problems associated with perimenopause and menopause but due to the high dose of chemical composition present, it also comes with numerous side effects. But Ayurveda comes with a no-side-effect policy and is therefore an entirely safe option to go for. Now let us discuss the working mechanism of Ashwagandha on the body.
Effect on GABA receptors- Some call this herb a nightshade because of its tranquilizing effects. During menopause, many women complain about insomnia which leaves them tired throughout the day. Ashwagandha can provide them with the much-needed sleep and the sedation comes without any damage to the nerves.
Some studies indicate that ashwagandha may affect hormone levels, including estrogen. This is noteworthy because lower estrogen levels are a primary factor in many symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
In one particular study, women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms who consumed daily doses of ashwagandha saw a notable increase in their circulating estrogen levels after eight weeks.
The same research also revealed that ashwagandha reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates estrogen production in the ovaries. Elevated FSH levels are typically linked to perimenopause and menopause.
Additionally, levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which is released alongside FSH, were also found to be lower.
On the other hand, testosterone levels remained unchanged. While some research indicates that ashwagandha can boost testosterone in men, this study and others suggest it does not significantly impact levels in women.
Six Menopause Symptoms That Ashwagandha Might Alleviate
- Feeling Anxious and Stressed- Heightened stress and anxiety are frequently encountered during perimenopause and menopause. You may find yourself facing unwarranted feelings of fear and apprehension, and could even experience panic attacks. In a study, participants with a background of chronic stress, both women and men, were given either 300 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha root or a placebo twice daily. After 60 days, those taking ashwagandha experienced an average reduction of 44% in their stress scores and showed significant decreases in anxiety compared to the placebo group. Therefore it is always worth a try to complete the course of Lifetree Ashwagandha supplement at least once.
- Sleep Deprivation- In one of the studies examining the effects of ashwagandha on stress and anxiety, researchers also discovered that it enhanced sleep quality, as reported by participants upon waking each morning. Additionally, larger doses of ashwagandha resulted in more significant improvements.
- Frequent mood swings- In addition to stress and anxiety, menopause and perimenopause frequently bring about other mental health challenges, such as feelings of low mood, mood swings, and irritability. Ayurveda says ashwagandha can help regulate the mood swings to a great extent.
- Cognitive disorientation- Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as "brain fog," are commonly experienced by women in perimenopause. This may include challenges with concentration, clear thinking, and short-term memory. Some studies indicate that ashwagandha might be beneficial for addressing these cognitive concerns.
- Hot flashes- Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most prevalent symptoms of perimenopause, affecting 75–80% of women at some stage. In a study examining the impact of ashwagandha on various perimenopausal symptoms, participants who took daily supplements reported a notable decrease in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.
Final Verdict
Ashwagandha root is a time-honored herbal remedy that is currently being researched for its potential health advantages. While it is generally considered safe for most individuals, it is advisable to avoid it if you are pregnant, have specific health issues, or are taking certain medications.
