Adaptogens & Menopause: What They Are and How They Help

We all know that midlife women who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause periods are having difficulties in addressing the symptoms as well because of their imbalanced hormones.

The symptom issues that really annoy them are the root problems, which won’t disappear or even get worse if we don’t take action to get rid of them.

So, to overcome this, midlife women must rearrange their life habits. They can take care of their bodies by incorporating these, such as exercising regularly, drinking enough water, getting good quality sleep every day, and managing their diet and food intake.

Along with their good quality of food, here’s where I will explain more specifically about some herbs that can help reduce hormonal imbalance during the perimenopause and menopause periods. We can call them “Adaptogens.”

Adaptogens help your body adapt to physical, emotional, and hormonal stress, a big deal during perimenopause and menopause, when hormonal fluctuations can overwhelm your nervous and endocrine systems.

But what exactly are adaptogens? Let’s break it down.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are a class of herbs and natural substances that help the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Used for centuries in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these plants are now backed by modern research for their ability to:

• Support adrenal function

• Regulate cortisol (the stress hormone)

• Improve resilience to fatigue and anxiety
  
  

Adaptogens don’t force a specific outcome. Instead, they balance your body’s response to stress, which is especially helpful when hormones fluctuate wildly during perimenopause and menopause.

Why Adaptogens Matter During Menopause

During menopause, estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone levels begin to decline. These shifts can lead to

• Mood swings and irritability

• Poor sleep and anxiety

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Lowered libido and immune health

Adaptogens support the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system), helping your body better cope with these changes. By improving stress resilience, they can also ease hormone-related symptoms without adding synthetic hormones.

The Top Adaptogens for Menopause

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Known as the “Queen of Adaptogens,” ashwagandha is famed for calming the nervous system. Research suggests it may help reduce:

• Anxiety and stress

• Sleep disturbances

• Cortisol levels
  
  

It’s particularly helpful for women feeling wired but tired, exhausted but unable to fully rest.

2. Rhodiola Rosea

A powerful adaptogen from cold climates, Rhodiola is often used to boost:

• Physical stamina

• Mental clarity

• Emotional resilience
  
  

It’s ideal for menopausal women experiencing brain fog or a loss of motivation. Unlike sedatives, Rhodiola enhances energy without overstimulation.

3. Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)

This root is known for improving energy, libido, and cognitive function. It can help ease:

• Menopausal fatigue

• Low mood

• Reduced sexual drive
  
  

Some studies suggest “Ginseng” may also support vaginal health and estrogen balance, making it a comprehensive ally during midlife.

Because of its great benefits, Menoplus uses red Korean Ginseng as one of the main ingredients of its products, MPlus Facial Soap and MPlus Cooling Face Mist, which can make women’s skin feel smooth, soft, and nourished.

How to Use Adaptogens Safely

Adaptogens are generally safe for long-term use, but here are a few tips:

• Start small: Use a lower dose and build gradually.

• Consistency is key: Most benefits appear after 2–4 weeks.

• Check interactions: Consult a healthcare provider if you’re on medication.
  
  

You can find adaptogens in capsules, powders, teas, or tinctures, or choose a menopause-specific blend that includes them in synergistic doses.

So, What Is The Connection Between Adaptogens And The Other Hormonal Balancing Herbs?

There are many herbs that support hormonal balance that also belong to a special class of plants called adaptogens. However, not every herb is classified as an adaptogen but has many benefits in regulating hormonal balance for midlife women.

Here’s How They Work Together:

We can say that stress and hormones are interlinked, so when you're under chronic stress (emotional or physical), your cortisol levels rise, and this can disrupt other hormones such as

• Estrogen

• Progesterone

• Thyroid hormones

• Insulin

By regulating cortisol, adaptogens and other hormone-balancing herbs indirectly support a more stable hormonal environment.

We may learn more from the table below, which examines the benefits of adaptogens and other herbs utilized in Menoplus products, especially MPlus Balance, for hormone balancing:

 

Note:

While some of these herbs are adaptogens, others support hormonal balance through different mechanisms such as phytoestrogenic activity, support of adrenal function, or modulation of neurotransmitters. The combination of these ingredients in MPlus Balance aims to provide comprehensive support for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations during midlife.

 

You don’t need to push through menopause with willpower alone. Adaptogens offer a nurturing, time-tested way to restore balance, reduce stress, and support vitality from the inside out.

Your journey through midlife deserves grace, strength, and support. Let nature lend a hand.

Sources:

https://edicanaturals.com/blogs/ingredients/the-benefits-of-wilford-s-cynanchum-for-menopause

https://naturalfoodseries.com/ginkgo-biloba-benefits

https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/balancing-hormones-pomegranate-remove-seeds

https://www.thip.media/diet-and-nutrition/can-carrots-help-with-menopause

https://naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-oranges

https://nootropicsplanet.com/how-ginkgo-biloba-may-influence-testosterone-levels

https://scottsdalenaturopathic.com/pomegranate-pcos/