Ashwagandha side effects for female
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Ashwagandha Side Effects for Females
Introduction to Ashwagandha and Its Uses
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress. It is widely used to enhance general well-being, improve physical endurance, and support sexual health in both men and women 234.
Thyrotoxicosis: A Serious Side Effect
One of the significant side effects of Ashwagandha in females is thyrotoxicosis, a condition characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones in the body. This condition was observed in a 32-year-old woman who developed thyrotoxicosis after increasing her dosage of Ashwagandha capsules, which she was taking for chronic fatigue. Her symptoms resolved after discontinuing the supplement, indicating a direct link between Ashwagandha and thyrotoxicosis . Another case involved a 73-year-old woman who experienced supraventricular tachycardia and hyperthyroidism symptoms after using Ashwagandha for two years. Her condition improved upon stopping the supplement .
General Safety and Tolerability
Despite the cases of thyrotoxicosis, several studies have shown that Ashwagandha is generally safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. A randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 80 healthy participants (40 males and 40 females) found no significant adverse effects on vital signs, hematological parameters, or thyroid function after eight weeks of Ashwagandha supplementation . Another study focusing on physical endurance and muscle strength also reported no adverse events among participants .
Sexual Health Benefits and Safety
Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sexual function in women. In a study involving 80 women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), those who took Ashwagandha reported significant improvements in sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, compared to the placebo group. The study also noted that adverse events were minimal and comparable between the Ashwagandha and placebo groups . Another pilot study with similar findings confirmed the safety and efficacy of Ashwagandha in enhancing sexual health in women .
Conclusion
While Ashwagandha is generally safe for most women and offers various health benefits, including improved sexual function and physical endurance, it can cause serious side effects like thyrotoxicosis in some cases. Therefore, it is crucial for women to consult healthcare providers before starting Ashwagandha, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic