We need to talk about PMDD. That darkness that makes 3-8% of us feel like we’re losing our minds for up to two weeks every month¹.  If you’re nodding along, you know exactly what I’m talking about—the mood storms consume your days, the fatigue that coffee can’t touch, and the physical symptoms that make you want to curl up in a blanket fort until your period arrives.

I’ve been there. And if you’re reading this, chances are you have too.

After years of searching for answers beyond “just deal with it” or “here’s another prescription,” I found unexpected allies in adaptogens—nature’s stress-management herbs. These aren’t trendy wellness fads; they’re plants with centuries of use and growing scientific backing that work with your body to create balance.

I’m sipping on one of my favorites (tulsi tea) while I write this!

The PMDD-Stress Connection Nobody’s Talking About

Let’s get real about what’s happening in your body during PMDD. During the luteal phase (those 7-14 days before your period), your body isn’t just dealing with normal hormone fluctuations—it’s having an abnormal reaction to them². Research shows many of us with PMDD have an altered stress response system, with normal hormone changes triggering a cascade of inflammatory and neurochemical reactions that the body processes as “danger.” ³,⁴

This is where adaptogens come in. These herbs work primarily by regulating your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—basically your body’s stress command center⁵,⁶. When this system gets support, your PMDD symptoms can pipe down making them more manageable.

6 Powerful Adaptogens To Add to Your PMDD Toolkit

1. Ashwagandha: Your Stress & Sleep Supporter

Meet the OG Ayurvedic stress-fighting adaptogen that’s about to become your hormonal ride-or-die. This ancient herb is like a Swiss Army knife for your nervous system, ready to slash stress, regulate cortisol, and tell your anxiety to take a backseat. When PMDD is turning you into an emotional tornado, ashwagandha steps in like a calm friend who’s like, “Nope, not happening.” Ashwaganda is a botanical ally that can help you go from wanting to burn everything down to feeling like you can hold your life somewhat together.

This powerhouse adaptogen:

• Naturally helps regulate cortisol levels – particularly beneficial for women with PMDD who have been shown to have a blunted cortisol response to stress⁷.
• Supports thyroid function (which often gets wonky with PMDD)⁸,⁹,¹⁰,¹¹.
• Improves sleep quality when your mind won’t stop racing¹²,¹³
• Helps stabilize mood swings through its effect on GABA-A receptors -crucial since research indicates PMDD symptoms are driven by suboptimal GABA-A receptor response to fluctuating allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels across the menstrual cycle ¹⁴,¹⁵

Several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have found that ashwagandha can reduce perceived stress and anxiety while improving both quality and duration of sleep¹⁶. More recent studies continue to validate these findings, with a 2021 study showing that participants taking either 225 mg/day or 400 mg/day of ashwagandha root and leaf extract reported positive effects on stress, anxiety, depression, food cravings and had lower saliva cortisol levels than the placebo group¹⁷.

How to use it: 300-600mg standardized extract daily (I prefer KSM-66) with a meal that contains some fat (hello, avocado toast). It works best when taken consistently, not just during symptoms.

2. Kava: Your Anxiety Emergency Response

Welcome to the herbal equivalent of a chill pill that doesn’t require a prescription. This root from the South Pacific is like a vacation for your nervous system when PMDD is trying to turn you into a rage monster. It’s basically a natural tranquilizer that helps you stay cool when your brain is screaming, offering a sense of calm without making you feel completely checked out.

This powerhouse adaptogen:

• Provides safe and quick anxiety relief without dependency concerns ¹⁸
• Melts away the muscle tension that builds up premenstrually ¹⁹,²⁰
• Helps with sleep disruptions without the morning hangover ²¹
• Creates a gentle calming effect through GABA receptor activity- crucial since research indicates PMDD symptoms are driven by suboptimal GABA-A receptor response to fluctuating allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels across the menstrual cycle ²²

Research looking at seven different studies found that kava works better than placebo for reducing anxiety. In fact, when scientists measured anxiety using a standard rating scale, people taking kava showed significantly greater improvement than those taking placebo.²³ This means kava isn’t just a folk remedy – it’s proven to help calm anxiety.

How to use it: Opt for high-quality, noble kava preparations (this matters for safety!), 100-200mg of kavalactones, taken as needed when symptoms peak. Think of it as your “break glass in case of emotional emergency” herb.

3. Holy Basil (aka Tulsi): Your Balanced Mood Maintainer

Also known as Holy Basil, Tulsi (another Ayurvedic herb) is like an stress-fighting ninja. Imagine an herbal remedy that can help you go from feeling like you might stab something to calm as a cucumber. It’s basically nature’s chill pill, supporting your adrenal system and helping you keep your emotional sh*t together when your hormones are trying to convince you that the world is ending.

This powerhouse adaptogen:

• Stabilizes blood sugar (which often goes haywire during the luteal phase) ²⁴,²⁵
• Calms the inflammation that worsens premenstrual symptoms²⁶
• Clears mental fog when you can’t remember where you put your phone—again²⁷
• Provides mood support without making you feel sedated²⁸

A clinical study explored using tulsi to tackle generalized anxiety disorder. Researchers worked with 35 participants, giving them a simple twice-daily dose of plant extract and tracking their progress over two months. Participants experienced significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression, along with improved ability to cope and focus²⁹. While more research is needed, this study offers hope for those of us seeking natural alternatives to traditional anxiety treatments, suggesting that sometimes, the most powerful medicines might be growing right in our gardens.

How to use it: 300-600mg extract daily or—my personal favorite—enjoy as a delicious tea, 1-3 cups throughout the day. It makes a great coffee replacement when you’re trying to avoid caffeine during PMDD flares.

4. Shatavari: Your Hormonal Harmony Helper 

This is the herbal bestie your reproductive system has been begging for, especially during the perimenopausal transition. Imagine an adaptogen that’s like that friend who shows up with wine and a shoulder to cry on, but in plant form. Straight from Ayurvedic medicine (aka ancient wellness wisdom), Shatavari is here to tell your hormonal chaos, “Not today.”

This powerhouse adaptogen:

• Reduces anxiety and nerousness without pharmaceutical side effects.³⁰
• Helps you say goodbye to night sweats so you can finally stop turning your bed into a personal swimming pool.³¹
• Can give you a boost in libido and support vaginal dryness.³²

Researchers conducted a double-blind controlled clinical trial with 70 women, comparing a Shatavari-based supplement against a placebo. The women taking Shatavari experienced significant improvements across multiple menopausal symptoms, including reduced hot flashes, decreased night sweats, better sleep, and lower anxiety. Importantly, the supplement improved overall quality of life with no significant side effects³³.

How to use it: 500-1000mg daily in capsule form, or as a powdered root mixed into smoothies or tea. Start with lower doses and adjust based on individual response.

Safe for breastfeeding!

5. Rhodiola: Your Emotional Equilibrium Ally

Originating from the cold, harsh mountain regions of Europe and Asia, this remarkable root has survived extreme conditions, and now it’s here to help you survive your hormonal rollercoaster. Rhodiola steps in like a calm, compassionate friend, offering support when your hormones are throwing the most chaotic party in your body.

This powerhouse adaptogen:

• Has a stimulating effect that can boost your mood and energy levels.³⁴
• Proved just as effective as Zoloft in reducing depression symptoms, but with significantly fewer side effects – offering a gentler, more natural approach to mood support.³⁵
• Boosts energy and mental clarity during times when hormonal changes might leave you feeling foggy, exhausted, and emotionally drained. It’s like a natural espresso shot for your mood and motivation, minus the jitters and crash.³⁶

An old but shocking study investigated Rhodiola’s potential in addressing amenorrhea by administering a 100 mg oral supplement twice daily to 40 women over two weeks, with some participants repeating the treatment 2-4 times. The results were remarkable: 25 women experienced the restoration of their menstrual cycles, and 11 of these women successfully conceived after the treatment. These findings suggest Rhodiola might offer a promising natural approach for women struggling with menstrual irregularities and fertility challenges³⁷.

Pro tip: Rhodiola works best when you’re consistent. It’s not a magical overnight fix, but more like a supportive friend who shows up day after day, helping you build emotional resilience one dose at a time.

How to use it: 100-300 mg daily in capsule form, or as a liquid extract added to water or tea. Start with lower doses and adjust based on individual response. Most studies recommend taking Rhodiola in the morning or early afternoon to support stress management without disrupting sleep.

Warning: Do not use rhodiola if you are taking an antidepressant, immunosuppressants, insulin, or are breastfeeding.

6. MACa: Your Mood Rescue Root

Meet the hormone-balancing superhero that’s about to become your luteal phase lifeline. Maca isn’t just another supplement – it’s a root that’s ready to wage war on your PMDD mood swings. This Peruvian powerhouse works like a hormonal thermostat, helping to dial down the emotional chaos and bring some much-needed stability to your internal storm. When your hormones are staging a full-blown revolt, Maca steps in like a calm, badass negotiator.

This powerhouse adaptogen:

• Has show to significantly boost mood enhancement and reduced emotional distress score when used for 12 weeks (specifically red and black maca).³⁸
• Is rich in fiber, a large number of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, iron, and calcium all essential nutrients for happy menstural cycles³⁹
• Helps restore sexual desire often impacted by hormonal imbalances and antidepressant use⁴⁰

Struggling with perimenopausal symptoms? In 2006 researchers conducted a rigorous four-month study. Women taking maca experienced significant relief from hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue. Unlike traditional menopause hormone therapy, this natural solution helped balance hormones gently and effectively, with the best results coming from consistent two-month use⁴¹.

How to use it: 500-3000mg daily in capsule form, or as a powdered root mixed into smoothies or tea. Start with lower doses and adjust based on individual response. There are many types of maca. The red and black forms have the most research showing that they support women’s health.

Why Adaptogens Make Sense for PMDD

Despite the lack of solid research on adaptogens for PMDD specifically, the condition’s biological mechanisms suggest these herbal compounds might help in BIG ways. Chaste tree berry, which some consider an adaptogen, is the only one that’s been looked at so far- I will do a separate post on this herb.

PMDD involves several key pathways that adaptogens are known to influence:

HPA Axis Dysregulation

Research shows that those of us with PMDD experience dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—our body’s primary stress response system. This dysregulation can manifest as abnormal cortisol patterns and heightened sensitivity to normal hormonal fluctuations. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Holy Basil specifically target and help normalize HPA axis function, potentially supporting this core aspect of PMDD pathophysiology.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances

PMDD is strongly associated with alterations in key neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and GABA. The cyclical nature of symptoms corresponds with changes in these brain chemicals during the luteal phase. Many adaptogens, especially Kava and Schisandra, have demonstrated effects on neurotransmitter systems, offering a gentler alternative for supporting mood stability without the side effects of pharmaceutical interventions.

GABA-A Receptor Sensitivity

The GABA-A receptor plays a crucial role in anxiety, mood regulation, and sleep—all commonly affected in PMDD. Research suggests that sensitivity of these receptors may change throughout the menstrual cycle in those of us with PMDD. Several adaptogens, most notably Kava and Ashwagandha, have been shown to modulate GABA-A receptor function, potentially addressing this key mechanism.

Trauma and Stress Response

There is substantial evidence linking PMDD with a history of trauma, particularly early life stress. This connection may explain why stressful life events can trigger or worsen PMDD symptoms. Adaptogens are uniquely positioned to address this aspect of PMDD through their ability to modulate stress response systems and promote resilience at both neurological and physiological levels.

The Stress-Symptom Connection

We know that premenstrual symptoms worsen under stress. This creates a vicious cycle where life stressors amplify PMDD symptoms, which in turn create more stress. Adaptogens directly interrupt this cycle by enhancing stress resilience and promoting homeostasis—making them particularly valuable for long-term PMDD management.

The science on adaptogens and PMDD is still catching up. But what we know so far is pretty exciting: these plant powerhouses can potentially tackle multiple PMDD symptoms at once, and do it more gently than traditional meds. They’re definitely worth exploring as part of your healing toolkit.

Creating Your Adaptogen Protocol for PMDD

Dealing with PMDD isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are so many ways to bring adaptogens into your wellness routine, and finding what clicks for your body can be a game-changer in managing those challenging symptoms.

The Targeted Relief Approach

This is your adaptogenic first aid kit! Some adaptogens work beautifully as needed during those challenging luteal phase days when PMDD symptoms intensify. Kava for anxiety, tulsi for inflammation, or schisandra for mood swings can be strategic additions right when you need them most. This approach acknowledges that sometimes we need extra support during specific windows.

Other adaptogens work best when used consistently. Maca for boosting libido, rhodiola for depression, and ashwaganda for supporting stress resilience. Remember, your body will tell you what’s working, so stay curious and responsive to how you feel as you experiment with individual adaptogens and their timing.

Tips for Success

When incorporating adaptogens for PMDD management, consider these tips:

1. Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with one herb at a time to monitor your body’s response. I always recommend this approach. Choose one to start with, see how it goes, and add, swap, or adjust depending on how you are feeling.
2. Cycle with Your Cycle: Some adaptogens work best when taken continuously, while others may be more effective when used only during the luteal phase.
3. Quality Matters: Choose organic, standardized extracts from reputable companies for consistency and safety. Shop my supplement directory for my recommendations + a discount.
4. Combine with Lifestyle Support: Adaptogens work best when paired with proper nutrition, stress management, and regular movement.
5. Track Your Results: Keep a symptom journal to identify which adaptogens provide the most benefit for your unique PMDD pattern.

AS ALWAYS: Be sure to loop in your practitioner before starting a new supplement, especially if you’re taking medications for PMDD or other conditions.

What matters most isn’t following a rigid protocol, but finding a rhythm that helps you reclaim more good days each month!

Looking for additional support?

While adaptogens can be powerful allies, remember that managing PMDD requires a multi-faceted approach.

• 10% OFF my favorite adaptogens for PMDD (US Residents Only)
• Join our PMDD Support Community
• Listen to the PMDD Pep Talk Podcast
• Work with Jes

Find @hermoodmentor for more education + resources.

Remember, managing PMDD isn’t about eliminating every symptom—it’s about creating resilience and finding your personal toolkit of supportive strategies. Adaptogens can be a valuable part of that toolkit, offering gentle yet effective support for your PMDD journey.

…..

[Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.]

1. Reilly TJ, Patel S, Unachukwu IC, Knox CL, Wilson CA, Craig MC, Schmalenberger KM, Eisenlohr-Moul TA, Cullen AE. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2024 Mar 15;349:534-540. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.066. Epub 2024 Jan 8. PMID: 38199397. ↩︎
2. Hantsoo L, Payne JL. Towards understanding the biology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: From genes to GABA. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2023 Jun;149:105168. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105168. Epub 2023 Apr 12. PMID: 37059403; PMCID: PMC10176022. ↩︎
3. Hantsoo L, Jagodnik KM, Novick AM, Baweja R, di Scalea TL, Ozerdem A, McGlade EC, Simeonova DI, Dekel S, Kornfield SL, Nazareth M, Weiss SJ. The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in depression across the female reproductive lifecycle: current knowledge and future directions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Dec 12;14:1295261. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1295261. PMID: 38149098; PMCID: PMC10750128. ↩︎
4. Matsumoto T, Ushiroyama T, Kimura T, Hayashi T, Moritani T. Altered autonomic nervous system activity as a potential etiological factor of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Biopsychosoc Med. 2007 Dec 20;1:24. doi: 10.1186/1751-0759-1-24. PMID: 18096034; PMCID: PMC2253548. ↩︎
5. Gerontakos SE, Casteleijn D, Shikov AN, Wardle J. A Critical Review to Identify the Domains Used to Measure the Effect and Outcome of Adaptogenic Herbal Medicines. Yale J Biol Med 2020;93:327-46. ↩︎
6. Panossian AG, Efferth T, Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Kuchta K, et al. Evolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases. Med Res Rev 2021;41:630-703 ↩︎
7. Hamidovic A, Davis J, Soumare F. Blunted Cortisol Response to Acute Psychosocial Stress in Women With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2024 Mar 1;27(3):pyae015. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae015. PMID: 38451747; PMCID: PMC10965026. ↩︎
8. Girdler SS, Pedersen CA, Light KC. Thyroid axis function during the menstrual cycle in women with premenstrual syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinol. 1995;20:395–403. doi: 10.1016/0306-4530(94)00068-9. ↩︎
9. Schmidt PJ, Grover GN, Roy-Byrne PP, et al. Thyroid function in women with premenstrual syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993;76:671–74. doi: 10.1210/jcem.76.3.8445024 ↩︎
10. Gannon JM, Forrest PE, Roy Chengappa KN. Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014;5:241-5.  ↩︎
11. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2018;24:243-8. ↩︎
12. Kappen M, Raeymakers S, Weyers S, Vanderhasselt MA. Stress and rumination in Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Identifying stable and menstrual cycle-related differences in PMS symptom severity. J Affect Disord. 2022 Dec 15;319:580-588. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.052. Epub 2022 Sep 24. PMID: 36162688. ↩︎
13. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2018;24:243-8. ↩︎
14. Candelario M, Cuellar E, Reyes-Ruiz JM, Darabedian N, Feimeng Z, Miledi R, Russo-Neustadt A, Limon A. Direct evidence for GABAergic activity of Withania somnifera on mammalian ionotropic GABAA and GABAρ receptors. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Aug 2;171:264-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.058. Epub 2015 Jun 9. PMID: 26068424. ↩︎
15. Hantsoo L, Epperson CN. Allopregnanolone in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Evidence for dysregulated sensitivity to GABA-A receptor modulating neuroactive steroids across the menstrual cycle. Neurobiol Stress. 2020 Feb 4;12:100213. doi: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100213. PMID: 32435664; PMCID: PMC7231988. ↩︎
16.  Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) for the treatment and enhancement of mental and physical conditions: A systematic review of human trials. Journal of Herbal Medicine 2021;28:100434. ↩︎
17. Remenapp A, Coyle K, Orange T, Lynch T, Hooper D, et al. Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult’s cognition and mood. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2022;13:100510. ↩︎
18. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000 Feb;20(1):84-9. doi: 10.1097/00004714-200002000-00014. PMID: 10653213. ↩︎
19. Singh YN. Effects of kava on neuromuscular transmission and muscle contractility. J Ethnopharmacol. 1983 May;7(3):267-76. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(83)90002-8. PMID: 6308355. ↩︎
20. Martin HB, McCallum M, Stofer WD, Eichinger MR. Kavain attenuates vascular contractility through inhibition of calcium channels. Planta Med. 2002 Sep;68(9):784-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-34443. PMID: 12357387. ↩︎
21. Lehrl S. Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS 1490 in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. J Affect Disord. 2004 Feb;78(2):101-10. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00238-0. Erratum in: J Affect Disord. 2004 Dec;83(2-3):287. PMID: 14706720. ↩︎
22. Savage KM, Stough CK, Byrne GJ, Scholey A, Bousman C, Murphy J, Macdonald P, Suo C, Hughes M, Thomas S, Teschke R, Xing C, Sarris J. Kava for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (K-GAD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2015 Nov 2;16:493. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5. PMID: 26527536; PMCID: PMC4630875. ↩︎
23. Smith K, Leiras C. The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018 Nov;33:107-117. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.003. Epub 2018 Sep 15. PMID: 30396607. ↩︎
24. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996 Sep;34(9):406-9. PMID: 8880292. ↩︎
25. Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9217567. doi: 10.1155/2017/9217567. Epub 2017 Mar 16. PMID: 28400848; PMCID: PMC5376420. ↩︎
26. Kamelnia E, Mohebbati R, Kamelnia R, El-Seedi HR, Boskabady MH. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-oxidant effects of Ocimum basilicumL. and its main constituents: A review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2023;26(6):617-627. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2023.67466.14783. PMID: 37275758; PMCID: PMC10237160. ↩︎
27. Sampath S, Mahapatra SC, Padhi MM, Sharma R, Talwar A. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract enhances specific cognitive parameters in healthy adult volunteers: A placebo controlled study. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015 Jan-Mar;59(1):69-77. PMID: 26571987. ↩︎
28. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Metse AP, Drummond PD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (Holixer^TM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. Front Nutr. 2022 Sep 2;9:965130. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.965130. PMID: 36185698; PMCID: PMC9524226. ↩︎
29. Bhattacharyya D, Sur TK, Jana U, Debnath PK. Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders. Nepal Med Coll J. 2008 Sep;10(3):176-9. PMID: 19253862. ↩︎
30. Gudise VS, Dasari MP, Kuricheti SSK. Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2024 Apr 8;16(4):e57879. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57879. PMID: 38725785; PMCID: PMC11079574.
    ↩︎
31. Gudise VS, Dasari MP, Kuricheti SSK. Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2024 Apr 8;16(4):e57879. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57879. PMID: 38725785; PMCID: PMC11079574. ↩︎
32. Gudise VS, Dasari MP, Kuricheti SSK. Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2024 Apr 8;16(4):e57879. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57879. PMID: 38725785; PMCID: PMC11079574. ↩︎
33. Gudise VS, Dasari MP, Kuricheti SSK. Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2024 Apr 8;16(4):e57879. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57879. PMID: 38725785; PMCID: PMC11079574. ↩︎
34. Ivanova Stojcheva E, Quintela JC. The effectiveness of Rhodiola rosea L. Preparations in alleviating various aspects of life-stress symptoms and stress-induced conditions-encouraging clinical evidence. Molecules. 2022;27(12):3902. doi:10.3390/molecules27123902 ↩︎
35. Mao JJ, Li QS, Soeller I, Xie SX, Amsterdam JD. Rhodiola rosea therapy for major depressive disorder: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial. J Clin Trials. 2014 Jun 20;4:170. doi: 10.4172/2167-0870.1000170. PMID: 25610752; PMCID: PMC4297663. ↩︎
36. Li Y, Pham V, Bui M, Song L, Wu C, Walia A, Uchio E, Smith-Liu F, Zi X. Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention. Curr Pharmacol Rep. 2017 Dec;3(6):384-395. doi: 10.1007/s40495-017-0106-1. Epub 2017 Sep 14. PMID: 30393593; PMCID: PMC6208354. ↩︎
37. Gerasimova H.D. Effect of Rhodiola rosea extract on ovarian functional activity; Proceedings of the Scientific Conference on Endocrinology and Gynecology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Sverdlovsk, Russia. 15–16 September 1970; pp. 46–48. ↩︎
38. Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6):1157-62. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953. PMID: 18784609. ↩︎
39. da Silva Leitão Peres N , Cabrera Parra Bortoluzzi L , Medeiros Marques LL , Formigoni M , Fuchs RHB , Droval AA , Reitz Cardoso FA . Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review. Food Funct. 2020 Jan 29;11(1):83-92. doi: 10.1039/c9fo02732g. PMID: 31951246. ↩︎
40. Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, Parkin SR, Walker RS, Fehling KB, Fava M, Mischoulon D. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi: 10.1155/2015/949036. Epub 2015 Apr 14. PMID: 25954318; PMCID: PMC4411442. ↩︎
41. Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, Mrozikiewicz P, Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska T, Kedzia B, Lowicka A, Barchia I. Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) Clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to Maca in double blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study. Int J Biomed Sci. 2006 Dec;2(4):375-94. PMID: 23675006; PMCID: PMC3614644. ↩︎