According to Experts, You Can Majorly Improve Irregular Cycles, PMS, and Hormonal Imbalance by Doing This

When I went off hormonal birth control after taking it for years, my system felt entirely out of whack. I broke out horribly, my sleep wasn't great, and I felt pretty fatigued throughout the day. As an herbal enthusiast, I knew there had to be solutions out there that could get me back on the right track. After doing a bit of research, I found the key plant-powered formulas that worked wonders for all of the above.

I don't like to gatekeep, so I had to share what worked for me. I also asked experts for their advice to anyone with a cycle who might be dealing with the same issues. While herbal supplements, formulas, and tinctures are great supplemental tools, I also want to note that you should always talk to your doctor before starting any kind of supplement. This is especially true if you're on medication, as some herbs can interfere with it. That being said, if you've been given the okay by your physician, here's a rundown on helpful herbal formulas for women. Keep scrolling.

The Best Herbs for Women's Health

Adriana Ayales—clinical herbalist, herbal educator, and Anima Mundi Apothecary founder—and Casie Giroux, clinical herbalist and senior R&D manager of Apothékary, shared their expert advice. There are a number of helpful herbs out there that are utilized in both Eastern and Western herbalism, but they both came up with a list of their top picks for those with cycles.

1. Nettle: "Nettle is a must for all women in all stages of life. It's safe for pre- and post-pregnancy, before and after the menstrual cycle, [and] during menopause. Nettle is deeply nourishing for all body types, supporting the kidneys, liver, uterus, and more," Ayales says.

2. Chasteberry: Ayales considers this a "super herb" for women. Chasteberry directly enhances the function of the pituitary gland, which is a primary gland that regulates hormone secretion. It's used as a fertility aid and is safe to use in the first stage of pregnancy for miscarriage prevention if there is a history of miscarriages. It also greatly harmonizes the onset of menopause.

3. Shatavari: According to both Ayales and Giroux, shatavari is a beloved adaptogen native to India that supports hormone balancing and the reproductive system. "It can help curb physical and psychological stress often associated with hormonal imbalances," says Ayales. "Shatavari has been successfully used to increase fertility, as a galactagogue, for vaginal dryness, for hot flashes during and around the onset of menopause, and for supplementation post-menopause." Giroux adds, "It has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to support the female reproductive system. It is highly nourishing and considered a rejuvenating herb. Specifically, it can help lubricate tissues throughout the body, support healthy fertility, and even promote lactation for new moms."

4. Black Cohosh: "This is one of my all-time favorite plants for wombcare in all stages of life. This precious herb has gained immense popularity, as it's often used as hormone replacement therapy to support women during menopause with few adverse effects. It is often used for symptoms of menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and painful menstruation. Although often associated as an herb for women, Native Americans have used it for a wide array of purposes for centuries, such as colds, rheumatism, kidney disorders, menstrual disorders, to induce labor, lactation and more. Black Cohosh helps alleviate symptoms of hot flashes, sleep disorders, body pains, irritability, mood swings, and osteoporosis," Ayales says.

5. Red Raspberry Leaf: Ayales had a lot to say about this one: "The red raspberry is a unique medicinal food with a rich history. Raspberries are high in several powerful antioxidant compounds, including vitamin C, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These contain a variety of other nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, calcium, and iron. Red raspberry leaf is an herb commonly used during pregnancy, and studies show that it might not only improve the outcome, but it reduces the possibility of medical intervention. Although it's not technically a pain reliever, the leaves have helped a myriad of women in labor [and] those dealing with PMS, premenstrual bloating, heavy period flows, and endometriosis."

6. Ashwagandha: This widely known adaptogen improves both physical and psychological health, according to Giroux. It also supports a healthy stress response and can help with balancing hormone levels in the body. "Particularly, it is known for balancing cortisol levels," she says. "Women often experience chronically high cortisol throughout their lives, which can have health consequences such as brain fog, weight gain, and sleep issues. Getting cortisol levels in check is key for long-term wellness."

7. Schisandra: Giroux says that one of the many benefits schisandra provides is that it can act as a liver protectant: "A less well-known but important aspect of hormone health is proper elimination of excess hormones via the liver. Through this action, it also supports healthy skin, digestion, and heart health. Schisandra is also known to enhance overall cognitive function, including mental clarity, focus, and even memory. Women during menstruation and menopause report cognitive issues as a primary complaint."

8. Maca: Giroux picks this herb for its energizing abilities, and like ashwagandha, it can help manage your response to stress by providing stable energy levels over time. She says, "It can be used to balance hormone levels during all stages of womanhood—from menstruation through menopause."

For a few formulas with these herbs along with my own favorites, take a look below.