Can ashwagandha increase fertility?
Ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. As an adaptogen, it may help your body manage stress, improve your overall sense of well-being, and even increase your energy levels.
More recently, people have begun asking whether ashwagandha may also improve fertility. Some studies have shown that it could increase sperm count and motility, while others suggest that it could balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles in women.
Could ashwagandha be a fertility booster? That’s what we’ll explore in this article. We’ll look at the potential benefits and risks of using ashwagandha to increase fertility and highlight the importance of talking with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. “Adaptogen” is a term for herbs and other substances that help your body resist stressors of all kinds and bring the body back into balance.
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve vitality, reduce stress levels, and support overall health. It’s become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions.
Ashwagandha and Male Fertility
While more research is needed, many studies suggest ashwagandha could be a promising herb for boosting male fertility.
Impact on Sperm Count and Concentration
Some research indicates that ashwagandha can increase sperm count in men. For instance, in one triple-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants who took ashwagandha experienced a 12.5% mean increase in sperm count.
Other studies suggest that ashwagandha can also boost sperm concentration. Researchers have observed increased sperm concentration in men who take ashwagandha supplements.
Influence on Sperm Quality and Motility
Sperm quality and motility are also key factors in fertility. Sperm motility refers to the sperm’s ability to move efficiently, while quality refers to the sperm’s overall health and structure. Studies show that ashwagandha may improve both.
That same triple-blind RCT mentioned above showed a 21% improvement in progressive motility and sperm morphology (the size and shape of sperm) in participants who took ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha’s antioxidant properties may also play a role by protecting sperm from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage sperm, so reducing it may improve sperm quality and, therefore, fertility.
Effects on Testosterone Levels
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a crucial role in sperm production. Some research suggests that ashwagandha can increase testosterone levels in some men.
For example, in studies involving overweight, aging men, researchers observed increased testosterone levels in participants who took ashwagandha over an 8-week period, with some men turning to natural testosterone boosters. A 2022 RCT also demonstrated increased testosterone levels with ashwagandha supplementation.
Ashwagandha and Female Fertility
While much of the research on ashwagandha and fertility focuses on male fertility, there’s growing interest in its potential benefits for women as well.
Stress Reduction and Hormonal Balance
One of the most well-known benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha can help the body cope with stress by potentially lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol and DHEA. Studies have even shown that ashwagandha may reduce anxiety ratings by up to 70%.
Why is this important for fertility? Stress can wreak havoc on hormonal balance, which is absolutely essential for a healthy reproductive system. By reducing stress, ashwagandha may help to create a more favorable hormonal environment for conception.
Potential Impact on Sexual Function
Some research suggests that ashwagandha may improve sexual function in women. Studies indicate that it might enhance sexual arousal, lubrication, and the ability to achieve orgasm. This is significant because sexual dysfunction affects a considerable percentage of women – around 40%, according to some estimates.
Other Potential Benefits
Beyond stress reduction and improved sexual function, ashwagandha offers other potential benefits that could indirectly support female fertility. For example, preclinical studies suggest that ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for overall reproductive health.
Additionally, ashwagandha may improve sleep quality. Studies indicate that it can boost sleep quality by 30-72%, potentially offering relief for those struggling with insomnia. Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall well-being and hormonal balance, both of which play a role in fertility.
Other potential benefits of ashwagandha (besides fertility)
Ashwagandha is being studied for a wide range of potential health benefits, not just fertility. Here’s a brief rundown:
- Cognitive function: Some research suggests ashwagandha can boost cognitive abilities like visual and new learning, and improve attention span.
- Neuropsychiatric conditions: Ashwagandha is also being researched as a potential aid in managing symptoms related to neuropsychiatric conditions like ADHD, substance use disorders, and schizophrenia.
- Sleep Improvement: It may help you sleep better.
- Stress Reduction: Many people take ashwagandha specifically to help manage stress.
- Sports Performance: Some studies suggest it could even enhance athletic performance.
Keep in mind that much of this research is still preliminary, and more studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Dosage, safety, and considerations
Recommended dosage and duration
The amount of ashwagandha you should take depends on what you’re using it for and how your body responds to it. In scientific studies, dosages have ranged from 125 mg to 2,000 mg per day. In one 90-day study, participants took a single dose of 300 mg per day.
It may take some time before you notice any effects from taking ashwagandha. You may have to take it for weeks or months to see a change.
Potential side effects and safety
For most healthy adults, ashwagandha is considered safe. However, like all supplements, it can cause side effects. Some people who take ashwagandha report blurred vision, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
Ashwagandha is not safe for everyone. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take ashwagandha. High doses have been linked to miscarriages. It’s also not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
Interactions with medications
Ashwagandha may interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before you start taking ashwagandha, especially if you’re on any other medications.
Importance of consulting a healthcare professional
Before you start taking ashwagandha, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. They can help you figure out if ashwagandha is right for you and what dose you should take. They can also watch for any potential side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ashwagandha linked to pregnancy?
Currently, there isn’t enough reliable research to definitively say whether ashwagandha is safe to use during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid ashwagandha if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Why take magnesium when pregnant?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. During pregnancy, adequate magnesium intake is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting bone health, and potentially reducing the risk of preterm labor. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine if magnesium supplementation is right for you.
Can you take ashwagandha every day?
Some studies suggest that ashwagandha can be taken daily for a certain period, often several weeks to a few months. However, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Can ashwagandha cause hormonal imbalance?
Ashwagandha may influence hormone levels, particularly thyroid hormones. While this can be beneficial for some, it could potentially disrupt hormonal balance in others. Individuals with pre-existing hormonal conditions should exercise caution and seek professional medical advice before using ashwagandha.
Does ashwagandha kick in right away?
Ashwagandha typically doesn’t provide immediate effects. Most studies suggest that it may take several weeks or even months of consistent use to experience the potential benefits, such as reduced stress and improved sleep quality. Individual responses can vary.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha could be a natural way to support fertility. Some studies suggest it might help men by boosting sperm quality and hormone balance. It could also help women by reducing stress and supporting a healthy reproductive system.
But before you start taking ashwagandha, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor or another healthcare professional. They can help you decide whether it’s a safe and appropriate choice for you, especially if you’re already taking medications or have underlying health conditions.
While the early research looks promising, we need more studies to fully understand how ashwagandha affects fertility and how best to use it. So, while it might be a helpful supplement, like green tea for fertility, it’s not a guaranteed fix. It’s just one piece of the puzzle when you’re trying to conceive.