Is Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) a Safe and Effective Treatment for Reducing Perimenopausal Symptoms?

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is shown to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing perimenopausal symptoms, as evidenced by a review of 14 clinical trials. The herb improved various symptoms such as vasomotor issues, psychological well-being, sleep quality, cognition, stress resilience, fatigue, and sexual function. It also had positive effects on hormonal profiles, immune function, joint pain, weight management, and hair health, with only mild side effects reported. Specifically, the aqueous root extract KSM-66 was effective in reducing symptoms like androgenic alopecia and stress resilience without safety risks for up to 12 weeks. A study with 61 participants noted significant improvements in hair growth and density. The review calls for further research with diverse groups and longer trials to better understand the herb's potential benefits.