If you’re in the midst of menopause and noticing stubborn weight gain, especially around the belly, you’re not alone. Hormonal changes during this phase of life can make weight management feel frustrating and unpredictable. But what if a natural herb could help rebalance your body from the inside out?

Enter ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen that’s gaining traction in the wellness world for its ability to support hormonal health, reduce stress, and even influence weight regulation.

Why Menopausal Weight Gain Happens

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and decline. These hormonal shifts can:

• Slow down metabolism
• Increase fat storage, especially abdominal fat
• Disrupt sleep
• Raise cortisol (stress hormone) level

These changes can make it harder to lose weight and easier to gain it, even without changing your diet or activity level.

How Ashwagandha Can Help

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to restore balance and vitality. Here’s how it may specifically help with menopausal weight challenges:

1. Supports Balanced Cortisol Levels

Cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone, can contribute to weight gain when chronically elevated. Studies show that ashwagandha helps lower cortisol, which may reduce stress-related cravings and belly fat.

According to the Mayo Clinic “ashwagandha has been given to people who report living with chronic stress and has shown improvement in their PSS, or perceived stress score, which is a validated tool that measures the level of stress in the respondent. Studies also show improvement in cortisol levels, a biologic marker of stress burden” (1)

2. Improves Sleep Quality

Menopause often brings insomnia or disrupted sleep. Poor sleep is directly linked to weight gain and poor metabolic health. Ashwagandha has natural calming properties that support deeper, more restorative sleep.

3. Boosts Energy and Mood

Fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings can zap motivation to stay active or make healthy choices. Ashwagandha has been shown to improve energy, focus, and resilience, making it easier to stay on track.

A Holistic Approach Works Best

Ashwagandha isn’t a magic pill, but it can be a powerful partner in your wellness routine when combined with:

• A whole-foods diet tailored to hormonal health
• Regular movement (especially strength training and walking)
• Quality sleep habits
• Stress-reducing practices like breathwork, journaling, or gentle yoga

What to look for in a Supplement:

• Not all ashwagandha is created equal. Look for – KSM-66® standardized extracts (backed by research).
• Studies show that KSM-66 Ashwagandha reduces stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels.
• Studies demonstrate that KSM-66 Ashwagandha helps reduce stress-related food cravings and aids in weight management (2)
• A blend of nutrients works well together like magnesium, hops and green tea when looking at losing the weight around the middle.

The Bottom Line

Menopausal weight gain is real, but it’s not something you have to accept as inevitable. With the right tools including adaptogens like ashwagandha you can rebalance your body, reclaim your energy, and feel strong in this next phase of life.

Need help finding the right supplement or creating a plan tailored to your body? That’s what we’re here for – click here for more information.

References  

1. Mayo Clinic – https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/ashwagandha-supplements/ June 2023
2. Whole Foods Magazine KSM-66® Ashwagandha: The Industry Leader in Ashwagandha Clinical Researchhttps://www.wholefoodsmagazine.com/articles/16554-ksm-66-ashwagandha