An MD in Endocrinology Reveals: 3 Common Signs It’s Time To Start Ashwagandha for Women Over 40

“If you just turned 40, you might think that you’re nowhere near menopause.

And you might be 100% right.

However, that doesn’t mean your body isn’t changing,” states hormone expert Vivian Parker.

“Hot flashes, sleepless nights, constant fatigue, mood swings, and libido changes are just some of the symptoms of hormone imbalance. 

And, of course, what frustrates women the most is uncontrollable weight gain,” says Vivian Parker.

“And while I’m no herbalist, I believe in the healing power of nature,” she smiles.

“Throughout history, women have turned to all types of herbs for various ailments.

There’s one I love to recommend to anyone, but specifically women over 40.”

“The benefits are nearly endless. Let’s talk about it all,” she smiles.

“So, first thing’s first, what is Ashwagandha?”

“Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera or Indian Ginseng, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years,” explains Dr. Parker.

“Ashwagandha has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, dating back thousands of years,” begins Vivian.

“Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha helps the body resist stress, inflammation, and the effects of aging.

This herb is rich in over 50 bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and withanolides, that help improve immunity and overall well-being. ⁶

According to Parker, Ashwagandha has been used for a wide range of purposes, from boosting energy and stamina to enhancing cognitive function and promoting longevity.

“It was even once used as an aphrodisiac,” Parker smiles. ⁷

“3 common signs you could benefit from Ashwagandha”

In recent years, Ashwagandha has gained popularity as a way to support women’s health, particularly during the menopausal transition.

“It turns out, it can positively impact blood estrogen levels,” Parker states.

“Healthy estrogen levels mean less mood swings, better sleep, and easier weight management.

See, we often fail to notice that our hormones are actually changing. But there are a couple of symptoms to keep an eye on.

“First, you’re finding it impossible to lose weight.”

“Scales tipping in the wrong direction is a sign that something is out of balance,” she explains.

According to her, it’s a clear indication that our bodies are experiencing too much stress.

“Ashwagandha can help by regulating cortisol, which may reduce stress-related weight gain,” she explains.

“Furthermore, its adaptogenic properties support thyroid function. ⁶

And we know how quickly our thyroid can affect our weight.

I will always advise to keep an eye on what your scales are telling you,” Parker concludes.

“Number two, you feel on edge all the time.”

“If you find yourself constantly irritated, anxious, or unable to relax…

It could be a sign that your hormones are going wild.

This also applies if you suddenly started having sleep issues.”

Parker notes that lower estrogen levels can affect serotonin and dopamine production, which are crucial for mood and sleep. ⁸

“With Ashwagandha, you should feel way less tension and anxiety.

Trust me, if anyone tells you you’re ‘acting crazy’…

They have no idea what a rollercoaster ride this is.

I’ve experienced a change myself,” Parker smiles.

“Number three, you hate being touched.”

According to Parker, women in their 40s may start experiencing feelings of isolation, loneliness, irritation, and withdrawal.

“We feel disconnected from others and don’t want physical affection.

Our sex drives plummet, family starts driving us mad, and we’re burnt out from social interactions,” she highlights.

“As we’ve discussed, Ashwagandha supports healthy hormone levels.

From ‘happy hormones’ to stress hormones, it all affects how we perceive being touched.

Specifically for cortisol, I will always recommend Ashwagandha which is fortified with Isoflavones.

That’s because Isoflavones have been shown to inhibit cortisol production. ⁹

When you have less cortisol in your system, it’s much easier to reconnect with yourself and your partner,” Parker concludes.

“I’ve seen this in action with many of my clients. It doesn’t hurt to try.

It’s better to start supplementing sooner rather than later.”

Why Parker recommends only this one type of Ashwagandha

“There’s a specific type called KSM-66 Ashwagandha that I always recommend,” Parker advises.

Often, the Ashwagandha you find in retail stores is advertised as ‘full-spectrum’.

It is extracted from the leaves and the roots of the plant.

While it sounds good in theory, this extraction method actually makes most regular Ashwaganda supplements less potent.

KSM-66 Ashwagandha is derived specifically from the root of the plant.

This way, the potency of the root is not ‘diluted’ with leaf extracts.

“Just make sure to look for supplements that specifically mention KSM-66 Ashwagandha,” Parker highlights.

“Although it may be more expensive than the ‘mixed’ types, it’s worth it. 

Otherwise, why spend money on something that just won’t work?”

“Also, always pay attention to the label.”

“Most brands provide KSM-66 Ashwagandha in doses less than 600 mg,” Parker explains.

This often leads to subpar effectiveness…

And when women don’t feel Ashwagandha working, they waste money on additional supplements.

Instead of trying to stomach multiple different capsules, look for a one-stop solution.”

“That’s why, for the best effects, always choose your supplement wisely.”

There is one I turn to, and it’s called Her Bodhi.

The base of this supplement is KSM-66 Ashwagandha in the optimum dosage, the importance of which we already discussed.

However, what I love about it is that it adds other natural extracts like Red Clover and Soy Isoflavones to further enhance the effectiveness of Ashwagandha.

I stand behind it because it’s a women-led project with a very precise formulation. 

It uses only the highest quality ingredients and follows stringent extraction methods.

I suggest this supplement to women who feel impacted by moodiness, weight gain, and loss of intimacy, and the results have been very encouraging,” Parker smiles.

Before making a purchase, you’re asked to take a quick 1-minute quiz. 

This allows them to understand your goals and determine if their supplement is a good match for you. Plus, you gain valuable insights into your hormones and metabolism — all for free!

But make sure to check availability, as they’re often out of stock. 

My clients usually stock up in advance just to secure their bottles.”