Tongkat Ali isn't only marketed to men. Here's what's actually known about women using it, who should be cautious, and how to approach it sensibly.
A Root Used by Both Genders, Traditionally
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) has centuries of traditional use across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam — and it was never used exclusively by men. Traditionally, it's been taken by both women and men as a general tonic, particularly for energy and resilience during physically demanding periods of life. Modern supplement marketing has leaned heavily male-focused, largely because most clinical research has centred on testosterone and male fertility outcomes. That research gap doesn't mean women can't use it; it just means the evidence base looks different.
Why Some Women Consider It
Interest from women in Tongkat Ali usually falls into a few categories:
- Stress and mood support — Tongkat Ali has been studied for its effect on cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, in both men and women. Some smaller studies report improvements in stress-related mood scores after several weeks of use.
- Energy and fatigue — as an adaptogen-type herb, it's traditionally associated with reduced fatigue, which is part of why it appears in general wellness tonics rather than only performance supplements.
- Perimenopause and menopause interest — some women explore it during hormonal transition years out of interest in its traditional "balancing" reputation, though clinical evidence specifically for menopausal symptom relief in women is still limited compared to studies on men.
These are areas of traditional use and early-stage research interest — not established medical treatments. Tongkat Ali is a supplement, not a therapy for any diagnosed condition.
Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid It
Because Tongkat Ali is studied mainly for its influence on testosterone and hormone pathways, there are specific groups of women who should check with a doctor first, or avoid it altogether:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women — there isn't sufficient safety data for these groups, so it's best avoided entirely.
- Women with a hormone-sensitive condition — including a history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer, or endometriosis, since these conditions can be sensitive to anything that influences hormone pathways.
- Women on hormonal birth control or HRT — combining hormone-related medication with a hormone-influencing herb is worth discussing with a doctor rather than managing alone.
- Women with PCOS or other endocrine conditions — hormone-sensitive conditions warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider before adding any hormone-adjacent supplement.
- Under 18 — not recommended due to a lack of safety data in this age group.
Choosing a Quality Extract
If you and your doctor decide it's appropriate to try, the same quality principles apply regardless of gender:
- Look for a standardised extract, such as Tongkat Ali 200:1, so the potency is consistent batch to batch.
- Choose a product manufactured under GMP certification, ideally with clear labelling of extract ratio and dosage.
- Start at the lower end of the recommended dose and take it earlier in the day, the same guidance that applies to any first-time user.
- Vegetarian capsule options are widely available if that matters to you.
Reported Side Effects
Side effects reported in studies tend to be mild and uncommon, and aren't reported as gender-specific. They may include mild sleep disturbance if taken late in the day, occasional headache when starting out, or mild digestive discomfort. Most ease as the body adjusts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women take Tongkat Ali?
Many women do, and it has a long history of traditional use across genders. Because research is centred on hormone pathways, women with hormone-sensitive conditions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should speak with a doctor first.
Will it affect a woman's hormones?
It's most studied for its effect on cortisol and testosterone, both of which women have at different baseline levels than men. Hormone-specific research in women is still limited compared to studies in men.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't sufficient safety data for these groups, so it's best avoided.
Can it be taken with birth control or hormone therapy?
Check with a doctor first, since combining a hormone-influencing herb with hormonal medication is best reviewed by a healthcare professional rather than managed alone.
Related Reading
- Tongkat Ali Side Effects & Safety: The Honest Picture
- Tongkat Ali Benefits Guide — How to Choose a Quality Supplement in Singapore
- Tongkat Ali 200:1 — When Does It Start Working?
- Tongkat Ali vs Maca, Tribulus & Ashwagandha
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a hormone-sensitive condition, or are taking hormone-related medication.