Why Is Ashwagandha Bad for Thyroid? Understanding the Risks and Benefits

Ashwagandha has gained widespread popularity as a natural supplement for various health conditions, including thyroid disorders. However, while this ancient herb may benefit some people, it can be potentially harmful for others with specific thyroid conditions. Understanding when ashwagandha is bad for your thyroid is crucial before adding it to your wellness routine.

This comprehensive guide explores the relationship between ashwagandha and thyroid health, explaining why this supplement might be problematic for certain individuals and when it could be beneficial.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic herb commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. For thousands of years, it has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to help the body manage stress and promote overall wellness.

The root extracts of ashwagandha are typically used in supplements and are available in various forms including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha is believed to help regulate the body’s stress response and support various bodily functions.

Beyond stress management, ashwagandha has been studied for its potential effects on muscle strength, cognitive function, sleep quality, and hormonal balance. However, its impact on thyroid function has generated both interest and concern among healthcare professionals.

Understanding Thyroid Function and Disorders

Before exploring why ashwagandha might be problematic for certain thyroid conditions, it’s essential to understand how the thyroid gland works.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, and numerous other vital functions throughout your body.

Key Thyroid Hormones

Three primary hormones are central to thyroid function:

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH signals the thyroid to produce more hormones when levels are low
• Triiodothyronine (T3): The active form of thyroid hormone that affects almost every cell in your body
• Thyroxine (T4): The primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which converts to T3 in your body

Types of Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Common causes include autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, or certain medications. Symptoms often include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, and depression.

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production. People with this condition may experience rapid heartbeat, unintentional weight loss, anxiety, tremors, heat sensitivity, increased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Graves’ disease is a common cause of hyperthyroidism.

Why Ashwagandha Can Be Bad for Thyroid: The Hyperthyroidism Risk

The primary reason ashwagandha can be harmful for certain thyroid conditions relates to its effect on thyroid hormone levels. Research suggests that ashwagandha may stimulate thyroid hormone production, increasing levels of both T3 and T4.

The Danger for Hyperthyroidism Patients

For individuals with hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid, taking ashwagandha can be particularly problematic. Since the supplement may boost thyroid hormone production, it could:

• Worsen existing hyperthyroidism symptoms
• Lead to dangerously high thyroid hormone levels
• Potentially trigger thyrotoxicosis, a severe condition caused by excessive thyroid hormones
• Interfere with treatment efforts to normalize thyroid function

Understanding Thyrotoxicosis Risk

Thyrotoxicosis is a serious medical condition characterized by extremely elevated levels of circulating thyroid hormones with suppressed TSH levels. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications including:

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Heart failure
• Severe weight loss
• Bone loss
• Vision problems
• Thyroid storm (a life-threatening emergency)

While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between ashwagandha and thyrotoxicosis, the potential risk is significant enough that individuals with hyperthyroidism should avoid this supplement.

When Ashwagandha May Actually Help: The Hypothyroidism Connection

Interestingly, while ashwagandha can be harmful for hyperthyroidism, research suggests it may benefit those with hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid.

Research on Ashwagandha and Hypothyroidism

Several studies have examined ashwagandha’s effects on thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism. One notable eight-week study involving 50 participants with hypothyroidism found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily resulted in:

• Significant increases in T3 levels (approximately 41.5%)
• Notable improvements in T4 levels (around 19.6%)
• Reduction in TSH levels (about 17.5%)

These changes suggest improved thyroid function in individuals with underactive thyroid conditions.

The Stress-Cortisol-Thyroid Connection

The mechanism behind ashwagandha’s potential benefits for hypothyroidism may relate to its effects on stress hormones. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can suppress thyroid hormone production and conversion.

Ashwagandha is known for its cortisol-lowering properties. By reducing stress and cortisol levels, the supplement may indirectly support thyroid function by:

• Removing the suppressive effect of cortisol on thyroid hormone production
• Improving the conversion of T4 to the more active T3
• Supporting overall endocrine system balance

Who Should Avoid Ashwagandha for Thyroid Health?

Given the potential risks, certain individuals should avoid ashwagandha or use it only under close medical supervision:

People with Hyperthyroidism

Anyone diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, or any condition involving excessive thyroid hormone production should not take ashwagandha without explicit approval from their healthcare provider.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause complications. The effects during breastfeeding are not well-studied, so it’s best avoided during this time as well.

Individuals on Thyroid Medications

If you’re taking medications to manage thyroid conditions, ashwagandha may interact with these treatments. This is particularly important for those taking:

• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• Anti-thyroid medications
• Medications to manage hyperthyroidism symptoms

Always consult your healthcare provider before combining ashwagandha with any thyroid medications.

People with Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions

Both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (causing hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (causing hyperthyroidism) are autoimmune conditions. Ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system, potentially affecting autoimmune disease activity.

While some people with Hashimoto’s report benefits, others experience symptom worsening. The response can be highly individual, making medical supervision essential.

Additional Safety Concerns and Drug Interactions

Beyond thyroid-specific concerns, ashwagandha may interact with various medications and conditions:

Medication Interactions

Ashwagandha may interact with:

• Immunosuppressants: May counteract medications used to suppress immune function
• Sedatives and anxiety medications: May enhance sedative effects
• Blood pressure medications: May lower blood pressure too much when combined
• Diabetes medications: May affect blood sugar levels
• Anticonvulsants: May interfere with seizure medications

Other Autoimmune Conditions

Because ashwagandha may stimulate immune system activity, it could potentially worsen symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lupus
• Type 1 diabetes

Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

Ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels and affect other hormones, so it should be used cautiously by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, including certain types of prostate cancer.

Signs That Ashwagandha May Be Affecting Your Thyroid Negatively

If you’re taking ashwagandha and experience any of the following symptoms, it may be negatively impacting your thyroid function:

Symptoms of Excessive Thyroid Stimulation

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating
• Increased anxiety or nervousness
• Trembling hands
• Excessive sweating or heat intolerance
• Difficulty sleeping
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
• Muscle weakness

If you notice any of these symptoms after starting ashwagandha, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider.

How to Safely Use Ashwagandha If You Have Thyroid Concerns

If you’re considering ashwagandha and have thyroid concerns, follow these safety guidelines:

1. Get Proper Testing First

Before starting ashwagandha, have your thyroid function tested. A complete thyroid panel should include TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies if autoimmune disease is suspected.

2. Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Discuss your interest in ashwagandha with a healthcare professional who understands your complete medical history, current medications, and thyroid status. Never start ashwagandha without medical approval if you have any thyroid condition.

3. Start with Lower Doses

If approved to try ashwagandha, start with a lower dose than typically recommended and gradually increase only if tolerated well and with medical supervision.

4. Monitor Thyroid Function Regularly

Have your thyroid function tested regularly (every 4-6 weeks initially) when starting ashwagandha to monitor for any changes in hormone levels.

5. Watch for Symptoms

Pay close attention to how you feel. Keep a symptom diary noting energy levels, weight changes, mood, sleep quality, and any other physical changes.

6. Choose Quality Supplements

Select ashwagandha supplements from reputable manufacturers that undergo third-party testing for purity and potency. Look for products standardized to contain specific amounts of withanolides, the active compounds.

Alternative Approaches for Thyroid Health

If ashwagandha isn’t appropriate for your thyroid condition, consider these alternative approaches:

Nutritional Support

• Selenium: Important for thyroid hormone conversion and may benefit both hypo- and hyperthyroidism
• Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormone production, but should be supplemented carefully and only if deficient
• Zinc: Supports thyroid hormone production and immune function
• Vitamin D: Often deficient in people with thyroid disorders
• B vitamins: Support energy metabolism and may help with hypothyroidism symptoms

Lifestyle Modifications

• Stress management through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
• Regular moderate exercise appropriate for your condition
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)
• Balanced diet rich in whole foods
• Avoiding excessive processed foods and refined sugars

Other Adaptogenic Herbs

Some adaptogens have different effects on thyroid function and may be more appropriate depending on your condition. However, always consult a healthcare provider before trying any supplements.

The Importance of Individualized Thyroid Care

Thyroid health is highly individualized. What works for one person may be harmful for another. The same supplement that helps someone with hypothyroidism could worsen symptoms in someone with hyperthyroidism.

This is why blanket recommendations about ashwagandha and thyroid health can be misleading. The answer to whether ashwagandha is good or bad for your thyroid depends entirely on:

• Your specific thyroid diagnosis
• Current thyroid hormone levels
• Presence of autoimmune conditions
• Other medications you’re taking
• Overall health status
• Individual biochemistry and response

Current Research Limitations

While research on ashwagandha and thyroid health shows promise, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations:

• Most studies are relatively small in scale
• Long-term effects (beyond 8-12 weeks) are not well-studied
• Optimal dosing for thyroid conditions isn’t established
• Research focuses primarily on hypothyroidism, with minimal data on hyperthyroidism
• Individual variation in response isn’t well understood
• Quality and standardization of supplements vary widely

More extensive, long-term research is needed to fully understand ashwagandha’s effects on various thyroid conditions.

Key Takeaways: When Ashwagandha Is Bad for Thyroid Health

To summarize when and why ashwagandha can be harmful for thyroid health:

• Primary Risk: Ashwagandha may significantly increase thyroid hormone production, making it potentially dangerous for anyone with hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid
• Thyrotoxicosis Concern: In people with already elevated thyroid hormones, ashwagandha could contribute to thyrotoxicosis, a serious medical emergency
• Autoimmune Complications: The immune-stimulating effects may unpredictably affect autoimmune thyroid conditions
• Drug Interactions: Ashwagandha may interfere with thyroid medications and other treatments
• Individual Variation: Response to ashwagandha varies greatly between individuals, making medical supervision essential

The Bottom Line

Ashwagandha is not universally bad for thyroid health. In fact, it may benefit some people with hypothyroidism by supporting healthy thyroid hormone levels. However, it can be potentially harmful—even dangerous—for individuals with hyperthyroidism, as it may worsen their condition by further increasing thyroid hormone production.

The relationship between ashwagandha and thyroid health is complex and highly individual. What makes this supplement beneficial for one person can make it harmful for another with a different thyroid condition.

If you’re considering ashwagandha for any reason and have thyroid concerns, the most important step is consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific thyroid status, assess potential risks and benefits, and provide personalized guidance on whether ashwagandha is appropriate for your situation.

Never self-prescribe ashwagandha or any supplement for thyroid issues without professional medical advice. Your thyroid health is too important to risk, and proper diagnosis and monitoring are essential for safe and effective management of any thyroid condition.

Remember, natural doesn’t always mean safe for everyone. When it comes to your thyroid health, informed decisions made in partnership with healthcare professionals are always the best approach.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Ashwagandha Root Extract and Thyroid Function
• PubMed – Thyroid Hormone Regulation and Disorders
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Ashwagandha Information
• PubMed Central – Ashwagandha and Thyrotoxicosis
• PMC – Hyperthyroidism Symptoms and Management
• NCBI Books – Thyroid Function and Development
• PubMed – Withania somnifera: Traditional Medicine and Modern Research