Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it is considered a "rasayana" or rejuvenating herb. In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is often recommended for balancing vata and kapha doshas, which are sometimes implicated in menstrual irregularities. Traditional practitioners have used ashwagandha to support overall reproductive health, reduce stress, and promote hormonal balance, all of which can indirectly influence menstrual cycles.

The proposed mechanism, according to traditional usage, is that ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen, helping the body manage stress. Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, potentially leading to irregular periods. By reducing stress and supporting general endocrine function, ashwagandha is believed to help restore regular menstrual cycles in some women.

Scientific studies specifically evaluating ashwagandha for menstrual irregularity are limited, and most clinical evidence is indirect—focusing on its effects on stress reduction, anxiety, and general hormonal balance. A few small studies and case reports suggest potential benefits, but robust clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, while there is a strong traditional basis for its use, scientific validation for ashwagandha in the treatment of menstrual irregularity is currently insufficient.