Hormonal Balance
Endocrine steadiness, gently supported.
Hormones are signal molecules. The body's ability to make and use them well depends on minerals (iodine, magnesium, zinc), adaptogenic support (ashwagandha, maca), and the broader rhythm of sleep and stress.
Ingredients that support this
Products for Hormonal Balance
EVIDENCE
The studies behind this
Maca has the best replicated subjective effect on libido and sexual function — independent of testosterone. Ashwagandha contributes via the HPA axis (cortisol).
What the studies say
Maca's most replicated finding is on subjective sexual function — particularly libido — independent of testosterone. Fertility and mood data are smaller and more variable.
Honest caveatOriginal studies are mostly small. The Cochrane-style review noted the trials are limited in size and methodological quality.
- 01SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review
Shin B-C, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim H-S, Ernst E · BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2010
“The reviewed RCTs suggest that maca improves sexual function, with effects observed in healthy adults and in those with sexual dysfunction.”
Plain EnglishPooled RCTs show maca improves sexual function in both healthy and dysfunction populations — though trials are small.
- 02PEER-REVIEWED REVIEW
Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review
Peres NSL, et al. · Food & Function (RSC) · 2020
“Maca demonstrates beneficial effects on sexual function, energy and mood, with a favourable safety profile across the reviewed clinical and pre-clinical literature.”
Plain EnglishModern review extends the signal beyond libido to energy and mood, with no major safety concerns.
All citations link to PubMed, PubMed Central or the original publisher. We do not reproduce full study text. References last verified by SACRAHAUS editorial.
What the studies say
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has the deepest human evidence base of any adaptogen we use. Multiple meta-analyses now show meaningful reductions in cortisol and anxiety scores at standardised doses of 250–600 mg/day for 6–12 weeks.
Honest caveatEffect on subjective stress is more variable than on cortisol. Most trials use standardised KSM-66 or Shoden extracts — raw root powder may not behave the same.
- 01META-ANALYSIS
Effects of Ashwagandha Supplements on Cortisol, Stress, and Anxiety Levels in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Houssaini MA, El Radad M, et al. · BJPsych Open · 2025
“Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced cortisol levels and improved stress and anxiety scores compared with placebo across the included randomised controlled trials.”
Plain EnglishPooled across RCTs, ashwagandha lowers serum cortisol and improves anxiety scale scores versus placebo.
- 02META-ANALYSIS
Safety and efficacy of Withania somnifera for anxiety and insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Della Porta M, et al. · Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental · 2024
“Withania somnifera supplementation appears safe and shows beneficial effects on anxiety and sleep quality, with a favourable adverse-event profile across included trials.”
Plain EnglishAcross pooled RCTs, ashwagandha improves anxiety and sleep quality with a safety profile comparable to placebo at studied doses.
- 03META-ANALYSIS
The effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on mental health symptoms in individuals with mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis
De Micheli E, Galeazzi GM, et al. · BJPsych Open · 2025
“In adults with diagnosed mental-health conditions, ashwagandha was associated with statistically significant improvements on standardised symptom scales versus control.”
Plain EnglishIn clinical (not just sub-clinical) populations, ashwagandha shows measurable symptom improvement on validated scales.
All citations link to PubMed, PubMed Central or the original publisher. We do not reproduce full study text. References last verified by SACRAHAUS editorial.
Questions
- Do these work for both men and women?
- Yes. Maca and ashwagandha have studied benefits for both, though specific dosing and outcomes differ.