I've been reviewing ashwagandha's impact on thyroid function, and honestly I think the risk of hyperthyroidism from taking it is overblown
The only studies I've found showing it increases thyroid function are in patients that already have hypothyroidism, not in healthy adults
The only studies I've found showing it increases thyroid function are in patients that already have hypothyroidism, not in healthy adults
It's well-known that cortisol has an antagonistic effect on every step in thyroid hormone synthesis, and ashwagandha is one of the most potent herbs at reducing cortisol, so from this perspective it makes sense that ashwagandha could have therapeutic value in hypothyroidism
However, I don't think this indicates a general ability to stimulate thyroid function in and of itself
Ashwagandha has some of the most impressive benefits I've ever seen that make it well worth consuming for many individuals
Ashwagandha has some of the most impressive benefits I've ever seen that make it well worth consuming for many individuals
Among these is its ability to increase testosterone, which outpaces many other testosterone boosting herbs by a significant margin
It may increase testosterone in men with low testosterone by as much as 22%, with an average increase of 15% above baseline in healthy adults
It may increase testosterone in men with low testosterone by as much as 22%, with an average increase of 15% above baseline in healthy adults
This again likely stems from its effect on cortisol, as cortisol is catabolic and antagonizes testosterone directly
Beyond that, ashwagandha has also been shown to increase power output and endurance, and while this effect is not extremely potent it is consistent
Beyond that, ashwagandha has also been shown to increase power output and endurance, and while this effect is not extremely potent it is consistent
There are many more benefits, but its ability to promote neurogenesis also really stuck out to me
Some of its primary actives have been shown to promote neural stem cell proliferation in cell studies, and general neurogenesis in rodent studies
Some of its primary actives have been shown to promote neural stem cell proliferation in cell studies, and general neurogenesis in rodent studies
If you are concerned about ashwagandha increasing thyroid function I would still get a regular thyroid panel while on it, but based on the existing research I think the risk is low
Personally I find I get the most benefit from it when I cycle it 5 days on 2 days off as well
Personally I find I get the most benefit from it when I cycle it 5 days on 2 days off as well
Note: there are some reports of rebound anxiety symptoms after use of high doses, so start with a lower dose if you're prone to this effect from GABAergic substances
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