Tongkat Ali: Benefits for Women’s Health

Key Takeaways

• Tongkat Ali is a traditional Southeast Asian herb increasingly used worldwide for its health benefits
• It can help balance key female hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol
• Research shows Tongkat Ali may improve libido, energy, mood, and menopause symptoms
• Suggested dosage is 100-400 mg extract daily for women
• Tongkat Ali is generally safe with few side effects when used appropriately

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. This herbal remedy has a long history of use as an “anti-aging” tonic and energy booster.

Today, Tongkat Ali is growing in popularity around the world as both men and women discover its potential health benefits. An abundance of scientific research now confirms many of the traditional uses of Tongkat Ali.

This article explores how Tongkat Ali may benefit women’s health specifically. We’ll look at what the science says about Tongkat Ali’s effects on female hormones, libido, menopause, mood, energy levels, and more.

Overview: How Tongkat Ali Works

The medicinal effects of Tongkat Ali come from bioactive compounds found in the root of the plant, which is the part primarily used to make extracts.

These include glycosaponins, eurycomanone, eurycopeptides, and polysaccharides. The most biologically active and potent compound is eurycomanone.

Tongkat Ali is considered an “adaptogen” herb, meaning it helps bring the body into homeostatic balance and optimize physiological functioning. It is known to influence numerous hormones in both men and women.

Tongkat Ali’s effects on female hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol are likely responsible for many of its benefits for women’s health. Let’s look closer at the research:

Tongkat Ali and Female Hormones

Tongkat Ali and Testosterone

Although testosterone is typically considered a male hormone, it plays an important role in women’s health as well. Some key functions include:

• Regulating metabolism and body composition
• Influencing bone, breast, uterine, and vaginal health
• Affecting mood, thinking skills, and energy levels
• Promoting reproductive health and healthy fertility
• Boosting libido and sexual satisfaction

Testosterone levels peak in women during their 20s and gradually decline with age. Low testosterone in women has been linked to problems like fatigue, low libido, poor concentration, thinning bones, and weight gain.

Studies suggest Tongkat Ali may significantly increase testosterone levels in women. One study found 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily for 12 weeks increased total and free testosterone levels by up to 122% in women ages 50-65.

This boost in testosterone may be due to Tongkat Ali’s ability to reduce sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to testosterone, leaving less bioavailable in the body. Tongkat Ali releases more “free” testosterone.

The improved ratio of free to total testosterone promotes optimal health and vitality.

Tongkat Ali and Estrogen

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for developing and maintaining female characteristics during puberty and adulthood. Declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause causes well-known symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood disturbances.

Research indicates Tongkat Ali may help regulate estrogen. One study found 100 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily significantly increased estradiol (the strongest form of estrogen) levels in postmenopausal women.

Tongkat Ali may also improve the estrogen to androgen ratio and relieve menopausal symptoms. More human studies are still needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Tongkat Ali, Cortisol, and Stress

Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” for good reason – prolonged high cortisol has disastrous effects on health.

By directly lowering cortisol levels, Tongkat Ali helps women cope with chronic stress, anxiety, and mood disturbances. Studies show Tongkat Ali can reduce cortisol concentrations by over 16% in moderately stressed adults.

Lowering excess cortisol brings the body back into hormonal balance, improves stress resilience, and enhances overall wellbeing.

5 Evidence-Based Benefits of Tongkat Ali for Women

With these hormone-regulating effects in mind, let’s review some of the most promising research-backed benefits of Tongkat Ali for women:

1. Increased Sex Drive and Libido

Perhaps the most well-studied effect of Tongkat Ali in women is improving female libido and sexual function.

In a study of over 200 peri- and postmenopausal women, 100 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily significantly improved sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and overall sexual satisfaction compared to placebo. Improvements were seen after only 6-12 weeks of use.

For women with very low libido, Tongkat Ali may be even more effective. Women with “hypoactive sexual desire disorder” were given 200 mg of Tongkat Ali daily. After 8 weeks, over 71% of women reported “very large” increases in sexual desire.

Researchers believe these pro-libido effects stem from Tongkat Ali’s testosterone and DHEA boosting properties. Low DHEA and testosterone are strongly linked to low sex drive in women.

With daily use, Tongkat Ali may restore desire and passion by bringing these key hormones back into balance.

2. Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms

In peri- and postmenopausal women, Tongkat Ali shows potential for relieving uncomfortable menopausal symptoms.

In one study of over 100 women, 100 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Improvements were seen as early as 4 weeks.

Another trial of 125 menopausal women found similar positive effects. After 8 weeks, those taking Tongkat Ali reported significant decreases in hot flushes, night sweats, mood disturbances, and other menopausal complaints.

Researchers believe this is due to Tongkat Ali’s estrogen-regulating effects combined with stress and tension relief from lower cortisol levels. More studies are underway to confirm these promising findings.

3. Boosting Energy, Endurance and Exercise Performance

Through its testosterone boosting powers, Tongkat Ali shows exciting potential to enhance physical performance in women.

One study had active female seniors take 400 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily for 5 weeks. At the end, the Tongkat Ali group showed notable improvements in muscular strength – including a 57% increase in grip strength!

Anecdotal evidence from female athletes also suggests Tongkat Ali improves stamina, endurance, training capacity, and lean muscle mass when paired with exercise. More research is still needed, but these early findings are promising.

4. Elevating Mood, Fighting Fatigue

By directly lowering cortisol and potentially raising dopamine levels, Tongkat Ali seems to provide a welcome mood boost for stressed out women.

In a study of over 60 adults with moderate stress, 200 mg of Tongkat Ali extract daily for 4 weeks significantly improved mood. Notable decreases were seen in anger, confusion, and tension.

This stress-protective, anti-anxiety effect may also combat fatigue. Women report feeling more energized, focused and refreshed after starting Tongkat Ali.

5. Anti-Aging and Rejuvenation

Some early evidence in rats suggests Tongkat Ali may offer anti-aging effects by increasing collagen production and levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – a hormone that typically declines with age.

More human research is still needed, but anecdotally many women report looking and feeling more youthful on Tongkat Ali with added skin glow and vitality.

While stem cell research is uncovering more about slowing aging, Tongkat Ali’s potential rejuvenating powers show promise as a more natural anti-aging ally.

Proper Tongkat Ali Supplementation

To enjoy the benefits outlined above, finding a quality Tongkat Ali supplement is crucial. Due to the herb’s rising popularity, the market is flooded with inferior products.

Ideally look for a standardized water extract with at least 5% eurycomanone content – the most potent quassinoid responsible for Tongkat Ali’s benefits. Avoid supplements with excessive “filler” ingredients.

The clinically studied dosage for women is 100-400 mg extract daily. Start low and increase slowly while monitoring effects. Cycling 5 days on, 2 days off allows the body to reset sensitivity.

Take Tongkat Ali supplements with food to increase absorption. Morning is best as the energizing effects may disrupt sleep if taken too late in the day.

Is Tongkat Ali Safe? Side Effects and Precautions

For most healthy women, Tongkat Ali is very safe when used appropriately. Mild side effects like restlessness, anxiousness, or insomnia may occur if overly high doses are taken.

Rare but more serious side effects include fever, rapid heart rate, and confusion. Stop use immediately if any concerning or allergic reactions develop.

Due to hormonal effects, Tongkat Ali is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or teenagers. Those with a hormone-sensitive medical condition like breast cancer should avoid Tongkat Ali unless approved by a doctor.

Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking Tongkat Ali supplements, especially if you take any medications or have an underlying health condition.

Conclusion: A Promising Herbal Ally for Women

While more human research is still needed, the current evidence clearly suggests Tongkat Ali offers a multitude of promising benefits for women’s health.

From sexual vitality to balanced hormones to elevated mood, this traditional remedy may help restore wellbeing in natural ways conventional medicine often overlooks.

More women are now discovering Tongkat Ali as a safe, non-hormonal option for supporting energy levels, feminine radiance, and optimal aging. When used appropriately, this time-tested herbal ally has much to offer modern women in search of their best selves.

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Q: Can women take tongkat ali?

A: Yes, women can take tongkat ali.

Q: What are the benefits of tongkat ali for women’s health?

A: Tongkat ali can benefit women’s health by improving sexual health, boosting libido, and providing potential health benefits such as improved bone health and natural health and wellness.

Q: How should women consume tongkat ali?

A: Women can consume tongkat ali in the form of tongkat ali extract or tongkat ali products available in the market.

Q: Are there any potential side effects of taking tongkat ali for women?

A: There is no evidence of any negative effects of tongkat ali on women’s health. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal supplement.

Q: Can tongkat ali benefit women with low libido?

A: Yes, taking tongkat ali may help improve libido in women.

Q: Is there any clinical trial evidence to support the health benefits of tongkat ali for women?

A: While there are limited clinical trials specifically focused on the effects of tongkat ali on women’s health, some studies show that tongkat ali may have potential benefits for sexual health and overall well-being in both males and females.

Q: Can women with high blood pressure take tongkat ali?

A: There is no direct evidence to suggest that tongkat ali negatively affects women with high blood pressure. However, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming tongkat ali or any other herbal supplement.

Q: How does tongkat ali boost testosterone in women?

A: Tongkat ali has been found to have a mechanism of action that may help boost testosterone levels in both males and females. However, more research is needed to fully understand how tongkat ali affects hormone levels in women.

Q: Are there any studies showing the effects of tongkat ali on women’s fertility?

A: While there are limited studies on the effects of tongkat ali specifically on women’s fertility, some research suggests that tongkat ali may have positive effects on male fertility. Further studies are required to determine its potential benefits for female fertility.

Q: Are there any other potential health benefits of tongkat ali for women?

A: Some studies suggest that tongkat ali may have potential benefits for women’s sexual health, overall well-being, and bone health. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these potential benefits.