Allison Sayre, MSN, WHNP and Corey Schuler, PhD, FNP, CNS
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is often described as an adaptogen, a term that can feel vague or overly broad. But when viewed through the lens of modern endocrinology, its effects appear anything but generic. A growing body of research suggests that ashwagandha supports key endocrine pathways in specific, measurable ways, particularly during periods of physiological stress or increased hormonal demand.*
So, what does it mean for an herb to “benefit” the endocrine system? From a physiological standpoint, benefit does not necessarily mean forcing hormones higher or lower. It means supporting signaling efficiency, helping maintain feedback sensitivity, and assisting the body’s response to stress-related interference across hormonal (neuroendocrine) axes.* In that context, the question becomes less about whether ashwagandha “boosts” hormones, and more about whether it supports the endocrine system’s ability to function optimally.*
A 2023 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences provides a systems-level examination of how ashwagandha may influence endocrine regulation, with particular attention to the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA), hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT), and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axes.* [1] When these findings are viewed together, a coherent picture begins to emerge.
Endocrine Benefit as Systems Optimization
The endocrine system operates through interconnected feedback loops, with signals originating in the hypothalamus, relayed through the pituitary, and coordinating activity across downstream glands such as the adrenal glands, thyroid, and gonads. [1] Stress, inflammation, and increased energetic demand can influence how these signals are expressed, resulting in hormonal patterns that remain within reference ranges while reflecting adaptive shifts in system efficiency.
Ashwagandha contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including withanolides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Withanolides, in particular, are structurally similar to steroid hormones and are thought to interact with multiple regulatory pathways.* [1] Rather than acting as a hormone substitute, ashwagandha appears to support the regulatory processes that influence endocrine signaling, especially at the level of central regulation.*
In endocrine terms, that is where supportive benefit begins.
Stress Physiology and the HPA Axis
The clearest evidence for endocrine support comes from ashwagandha’s relationship with the HPA axis.* Cortisol is essential for stress adaptation, but persistent activation of the stress response taxes the entire endocrine network. Variations in cortisol levels are linked to coordinated changes across multiple systems, including thyroid signaling, reproductive hormone communication, sleep regulation, and how energy is distributed throughout the body. [1]
Human clinical trials show that ashwagandha supplementation is associated with supporting healthy cortisol and DHEA-S levels.* [1–3] These hormonal patterns occur alongside outcomes in validated measures, suggesting that the benefits of ashwagandha are associated with measurable physiological responses rather than nonspecific calming effects.*
Mechanistically, ashwagandha is thought to exert GABA-mimetic activity at the hypothalamic level, influencing central stress signaling pathways.* [1][4] By modulating GABAergic tone, ashwagandha may help support a balanced stress response, influencing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling and downstream endocrine activity.* [3]
This matters because cortisol does not act in isolation. It plays a key role in shaping broader neuroendocrine communication.
Thyroid Function and the HPT Axis
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolic pace, mitochondrial activity, and energy availability. Even subtle changes in thyroid signaling can be associated with occasional fatigue, cognitive slowing, cold intolerance, and weight changes. Subclinical hypothyroidism, defined by elevated TSH with normal T3 and T4, illustrates how endocrine inefficiency can exist without overt disease.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha root extract was associated with changes consistent with support of healthy thyroid hormone levels over an eight-week period.* [5] Participants receiving placebo showed no comparable changes.
From an endocrine systems perspective, this pattern suggests support for healthy HPT-axis signaling rather than simple hormonal stimulation.* An observed reduction in TSH alongside rising thyroid hormones is consistent with improved feedback signaling, a hallmark of neuroendocrine support rather than override.* [5]
Animal studies summarized in the 2023 review show similar patterns, with ashwagandha supporting thyroid hormone profiles and markers associated with thyroid tissue function.* [1] Together, these findings suggest that ashwagandha may help support thyroid homeostasis by influencing bioregulation rather than bypassing it.*
Reproductive Hormones and the HPG Axis
The reproductive axis is exquisitely sensitive to stress. Cortisol directly suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which reduces downstream secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and sex steroids. [6] From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense. Reproduction is energy-intensive, and stress signals scarcity.
By supporting healthy cortisol signaling, ashwagandha may help reduce stress-related inhibitory pressure on the HPG axis.* This relationship is supported by clinical studies showing associations with healthy luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels in men experiencing chronic stress or altered reproductive hormone patterns following ashwagandha supplementation.* [1] These hormonal patterns are accompanied by changes in sperm quality markers, antioxidant status, and parameters associated with male reproductive health, consistent with support of normal reproductive physiology.*
What’s interesting here is that the reproductive “benefit” appears to be permissive rather than forceful.* Ashwagandha does not appear to override endocrine feedback mechanisms, but rather supports the physiological conditions that allow normal signaling to occur.* That distinction matters when evaluating endocrine support versus endocrine manipulation.
Defining Endocrine Benefit More Precisely
Across these axes, a consistent theme emerges. Ashwagandha appears to support the endocrine system by helping maintain signal clarity, feedback responsiveness, and resilience during periods of stress.* Its effects are most evident under conditions of strain.* Thus, ashwagandha is not a blanket hormone booster, but it functions as a context-dependent modulator of endocrine signaling.*
From a systems biology perspective, that may be exactly why its effects span stress resilience, metabolic efficiency, thyroid signaling, and reproductive health.* When central regulation is supported, downstream hormonal communication often follows.*
A Bold but Grounded Answer
So, can ashwagandha benefit the endocrine system?
Based on current evidence, the answer appears to be yes, particularly when benefit is defined as supporting healthy endocrine coordination rather than indiscriminate hormonal stimulation.* By acting at the level of central regulation and stress physiology, ashwagandha may help support how endocrine axes communicate, adapt, and respond to physiological demand.*
That framing moves the conversation beyond hype and into physiology. And for a plant that has long been described as an adaptogen, that may be the most scientifically satisfying explanation of all.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
Allison Sayre, MSN, WHNP is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner with advanced expertise in hormonal health, integrative gynecology, and patient-centered care across the lifespan. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing and has served as both a clinical provider and educator in functional and conventional women’s health settings. At ARG, Allison contributes to medical education, clinical protocol development, and strategic content that supports the evolving needs of women's healthcare practitioners.
Corey Schuler, PhD, FNP, CNS has dedicated his career to advancing the science and clinical art of integrative medicine and serves as director of medical affairs for Allergy Research Group. He is a family nurse practitioner and practices holistic primary care at Synergy Family Physicians in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.