Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefits in WomenOther BenefitsEgg Preservation & FertilityWho Should Avoid Turmeric?How Much to Take?Best Forms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits in Women
Other Benefits
Egg Preservation & Fertility
Who Should Avoid Turmeric?
How Much to Take?
Best Forms
A daily dose of turmeric may offer benefits to women with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in addition to benefiting various conditions such as arthritis, depression, and skin health.Turmeric is a spice produced from theCurcuma longa(C. longa) plant. It is known for its signature golden-yellow color and medicinal properties. Turmeric can be used in various forms, such as root, powder, pill, or tea.Turmeric has been used for centuries inAyurvedaandtraditional Chinese medicine. Recently, there has been a developing body of research on its various health benefits, many of which researchers attribute tocurcumin, an antioxidant compound found in turmeric.dovis sangkuto / Getty ImagesGender TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female," “male,” “woman," and “man” as the sources use them.1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)Turmeric may help alleviatepremenstrual syndrome, which involves symptoms such as cramping, nausea, vomiting, mood fluctuations, and diarrhea.A 2024 systematic review found evidence that consuming curcumin, the main bioactive ingredient in turmeric, could significantly reduce the severity ofdysmenorrhea(painful periods) and overall PMS symptoms.The authors concluded that curcumin might offer this benefit through its anti-inflammatory and antidepressant qualities and its ability to reduce the production ofprostaglandin(hormones that respond to pain and inflammation).2. PCOSPolycystic ovary syndromeis a collection of symptoms found in between 6% and 25% of women, involving cystic ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles,hirsutism(excess hair growth), and weight gain—among other symptoms. PCOS can also contribute to metabolic irregularities (abnormal chemical reactions in your body), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.In a 2022 systematic review, researchers found that people with PCOS who consumed curcumin had weight loss, lowered cholesterol, lowered blood sugar, lowered insulin, and reduced inflammation. The study participants did not report any adverse effects.While the results showed promise, the review researchers called for a more extensive and definitive study to confirm the results. They also did not recommend the total amount or type of curcumin required to achieve these benefits.3. EndometriosisEndometriosisis an inflammatory disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pain, infertility, bowel and bladder issues, and fatigue.The gold standard for treating endometriosis is excision surgery; however, these surgeries can be expensive and involve long wait times. In the meantime, people living with endometriosis should seek treatment for their symptoms.Scientists have theorized that curcumin could be an effective treatment for endometriosis symptoms due to its well-established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic (the prevention of the formation of blood vessels, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer) properties.However, it’s unclear if curcumin could affect the endometriosis lesions themselves.Some animal studies found that curcumin reduced the size of artificial endometriosis lesions.However, human studies on the subject are lacking, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the benefits for humans.4. Perimenopause and MenopausePerimenopauseis the stage leading up to menopause in which you may develop symptoms such as mood fluctuations, hot flashes, night sweats, and menstrual irregularity.Menopauseis when you haven’t had a menstrual period for a year.In one study, researchers divided 93 menopausal women into three groups who took 500 milligrams (mg) of curcumin daily, 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E daily, and a control group.The researchers found that the curcumin and vitamin E groups had significantly fewer hot flashes than the control group after eight weeks. However, only the curcumin group had fewer hot flashes at four weeks, indicating that it could lead to faster benefits.However, the study found no change in other menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety or sexual function.5. Ovarian CancerOvarian cancer is prevalent among postmenopausal women—50% of cases occur in women over age 63—and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women.Curcumin has anticancer and antitumor properties, and research is ongoing on its use in cancer treatment.In the case of ovarian cancer, research shows that curcumin can delay ovarian cancer, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and increase the cancer’s sensitivity to chemotherapy.6. Breast CancerBreast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States.Researchers have studied turmeric’s anticancer properties in relation to breast cancer.A 2022 systematic review of 60 studies found that curcumin could inhibit the spreading and viability of breast cancer cells.Curcumin also inducedapoptosis(cell death) among human and animal breast cancer cells.Another study examined curcumin benefits in 60 people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The study participants took a low dose (2 grams/day) of curcumin for 21 days and experienced improvements in chemotherapy-associated symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia, and appetite loss.Based on this initial research, turmeric may be a beneficial supplement for people undergoing conventional breast cancer treatments.7. Thyroid HealthThyroid disorders are more common among women than men. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones that influence metabolism. Thyroid disorders includeHashimoto’s disease,hypothyroidism,hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and more.Research has found that curcumin can prevent the growth of and also destroy thyroid cancer cells, indicating its possible future use as a supportive treatment for thyroid cancer.In an older study of 2,335 participants, consuming turmeric was associated with a lower likelihood ofgoiter(an enlarged thyroid that is a sign of either hyper or hypothyroidism).Researchers still have more to learn about turmeric’s effect on thyroid health, but initial studies indicate it could be helpful.Other Possible Health BenefitsTurmeric has a wide range of other possiblehealth benefits. Some areas that may benefit include:ArthritisDiabetesDigestive healthHeart healthSkin healthAre There Benefits to Egg Preservation or Fertility?The research on turmeric, fertility, and egg preservation is somewhat mixed.A case series found that turmeric may adversely affect fertility because it can shrink the ovarian lining, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant into the uterine wall.As a result, experts recommended that people going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) not take turmeric supplements. This study involved just two participants, so more research is needed to make a conclusion.In contrast, an animal study of aging mice found that long-term treatment with 100 mg of curcumin improved ovarian reserve. This finding could have possible implications for the treatment ofpremature ovarian insufficiency(POI) and fertility preservation.However, more research needs to be done in humans to make any definitive conclusions.Who Should Avoid Turmeric?Turmeric is generally safe for most people, with no harmful side effects.People who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those taking certain medications are the exception to this rule.While the spice is considered safe in moderate proportions, like what you might use when cooking, you should avoid supplementation if you’re pregnant.This is due to the possibility of heavy metal contamination and a lack of research on the effects of high quantities of turmeric on fetuses.There can also be interactions between turmeric and some medications. You might want to avoid turmeric supplements if you are taking:AntibioticsAnticoagulants (blood thinners)AntidepressantsAntihistaminesCardiovascular (heart) drugsChemotherapy drugsAlways talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement like turmeric.What Adding Turmeric Supplements Can Do for Your HealthHow Much Should You Take per Day?There is no standard recommendation for how much turmeric you should take daily to receive its purported benefits. Like other supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate turmeric supplements.Currently, turmeric supplements tend to contain between 350 to 1,000 mg of turmeric.One study found that 1,000 mg of turmeric was equivalent tononsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) when treating arthritis.Experts don’t have enough reliable research to recommend a specific amount for the conditions above, like PMS or PCOS.Best Form to Optimize BenefitsTurmeric is a root commercially sold in powder, pill, and tea forms. Similar to dosage, researchers do not know enough to prescribe specific forms of turmeric for particular health problems. Nevertheless, it is known that many of turmeric’s health benefits are from the compound curcumin found within it.Whole turmeric contains low curcumin levels (2% to 9%). Turmeric extracts, on the other hand, contain much higher amounts of curcumin (95%).Extracts are usually the type that is studied in the research discussed above.What you eat with turmeric can also affect the health benefits. Turmeric has limited bioavailability (rate at which it enters circulation in the body), making it hard for the body to absorb it. Piperine (black pepper) can improve the bioavailability of turmeric. Eatingturmeric alongside healthy fatscan alsoimprove absorption.Turmeric Tea: 6 Benefits of This Anti-Inflammatory WonderSummaryTurmeric has thousands of years of history of being used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, including for women’s health issues like PCOS, endometriosis, and menopause. Modern science is catching up, and research is ongoing about its benefits. While it seems certain that turmeric and its antioxidant curcumin have many benefits for women’s health, it is unclear what dosage, frequency, or form you should take for optimal effects.
A daily dose of turmeric may offer benefits to women with reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in addition to benefiting various conditions such as arthritis, depression, and skin health.
Turmeric is a spice produced from theCurcuma longa(C. longa) plant. It is known for its signature golden-yellow color and medicinal properties. Turmeric can be used in various forms, such as root, powder, pill, or tea.
Turmeric has been used for centuries inAyurvedaandtraditional Chinese medicine. Recently, there has been a developing body of research on its various health benefits, many of which researchers attribute tocurcumin, an antioxidant compound found in turmeric.
dovis sangkuto / Getty Images
Gender TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female," “male,” “woman," and “man” as the sources use them.
Gender Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female," “male,” “woman," and “man” as the sources use them.
1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Turmeric may help alleviatepremenstrual syndrome, which involves symptoms such as cramping, nausea, vomiting, mood fluctuations, and diarrhea.
A 2024 systematic review found evidence that consuming curcumin, the main bioactive ingredient in turmeric, could significantly reduce the severity ofdysmenorrhea(painful periods) and overall PMS symptoms.
The authors concluded that curcumin might offer this benefit through its anti-inflammatory and antidepressant qualities and its ability to reduce the production ofprostaglandin(hormones that respond to pain and inflammation).
2. PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndromeis a collection of symptoms found in between 6% and 25% of women, involving cystic ovaries, irregular menstrual cycles,hirsutism(excess hair growth), and weight gain—among other symptoms. PCOS can also contribute to metabolic irregularities (abnormal chemical reactions in your body), high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
In a 2022 systematic review, researchers found that people with PCOS who consumed curcumin had weight loss, lowered cholesterol, lowered blood sugar, lowered insulin, and reduced inflammation. The study participants did not report any adverse effects.
While the results showed promise, the review researchers called for a more extensive and definitive study to confirm the results. They also did not recommend the total amount or type of curcumin required to achieve these benefits.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosisis an inflammatory disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pain, infertility, bowel and bladder issues, and fatigue.
The gold standard for treating endometriosis is excision surgery; however, these surgeries can be expensive and involve long wait times. In the meantime, people living with endometriosis should seek treatment for their symptoms.
Scientists have theorized that curcumin could be an effective treatment for endometriosis symptoms due to its well-established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic (the prevention of the formation of blood vessels, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer) properties.However, it’s unclear if curcumin could affect the endometriosis lesions themselves.
Some animal studies found that curcumin reduced the size of artificial endometriosis lesions.However, human studies on the subject are lacking, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the benefits for humans.
4. Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopauseis the stage leading up to menopause in which you may develop symptoms such as mood fluctuations, hot flashes, night sweats, and menstrual irregularity.Menopauseis when you haven’t had a menstrual period for a year.
In one study, researchers divided 93 menopausal women into three groups who took 500 milligrams (mg) of curcumin daily, 200 international units (IU) of vitamin E daily, and a control group.The researchers found that the curcumin and vitamin E groups had significantly fewer hot flashes than the control group after eight weeks. However, only the curcumin group had fewer hot flashes at four weeks, indicating that it could lead to faster benefits.
However, the study found no change in other menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety or sexual function.
5. Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is prevalent among postmenopausal women—50% of cases occur in women over age 63—and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women.
Curcumin has anticancer and antitumor properties, and research is ongoing on its use in cancer treatment.
In the case of ovarian cancer, research shows that curcumin can delay ovarian cancer, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, and increase the cancer’s sensitivity to chemotherapy.
6. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States.Researchers have studied turmeric’s anticancer properties in relation to breast cancer.
A 2022 systematic review of 60 studies found that curcumin could inhibit the spreading and viability of breast cancer cells.Curcumin also inducedapoptosis(cell death) among human and animal breast cancer cells.
Another study examined curcumin benefits in 60 people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The study participants took a low dose (2 grams/day) of curcumin for 21 days and experienced improvements in chemotherapy-associated symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia, and appetite loss.
Based on this initial research, turmeric may be a beneficial supplement for people undergoing conventional breast cancer treatments.
7. Thyroid Health
Thyroid disorders are more common among women than men. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones that influence metabolism. Thyroid disorders includeHashimoto’s disease,hypothyroidism,hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and more.
Research has found that curcumin can prevent the growth of and also destroy thyroid cancer cells, indicating its possible future use as a supportive treatment for thyroid cancer.
In an older study of 2,335 participants, consuming turmeric was associated with a lower likelihood ofgoiter(an enlarged thyroid that is a sign of either hyper or hypothyroidism).
Researchers still have more to learn about turmeric’s effect on thyroid health, but initial studies indicate it could be helpful.
Other Possible Health Benefits
Turmeric has a wide range of other possiblehealth benefits. Some areas that may benefit include:
Are There Benefits to Egg Preservation or Fertility?
The research on turmeric, fertility, and egg preservation is somewhat mixed.
A case series found that turmeric may adversely affect fertility because it can shrink the ovarian lining, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant into the uterine wall.As a result, experts recommended that people going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) not take turmeric supplements. This study involved just two participants, so more research is needed to make a conclusion.
In contrast, an animal study of aging mice found that long-term treatment with 100 mg of curcumin improved ovarian reserve. This finding could have possible implications for the treatment ofpremature ovarian insufficiency(POI) and fertility preservation.However, more research needs to be done in humans to make any definitive conclusions.
Turmeric is generally safe for most people, with no harmful side effects.People who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those taking certain medications are the exception to this rule.
While the spice is considered safe in moderate proportions, like what you might use when cooking, you should avoid supplementation if you’re pregnant.This is due to the possibility of heavy metal contamination and a lack of research on the effects of high quantities of turmeric on fetuses.
There can also be interactions between turmeric and some medications. You might want to avoid turmeric supplements if you are taking:
Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement like turmeric.
What Adding Turmeric Supplements Can Do for Your Health
How Much Should You Take per Day?
There is no standard recommendation for how much turmeric you should take daily to receive its purported benefits. Like other supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate turmeric supplements.
Currently, turmeric supplements tend to contain between 350 to 1,000 mg of turmeric.One study found that 1,000 mg of turmeric was equivalent tononsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) when treating arthritis.Experts don’t have enough reliable research to recommend a specific amount for the conditions above, like PMS or PCOS.
Best Form to Optimize Benefits
Turmeric is a root commercially sold in powder, pill, and tea forms. Similar to dosage, researchers do not know enough to prescribe specific forms of turmeric for particular health problems. Nevertheless, it is known that many of turmeric’s health benefits are from the compound curcumin found within it.
Whole turmeric contains low curcumin levels (2% to 9%). Turmeric extracts, on the other hand, contain much higher amounts of curcumin (95%).Extracts are usually the type that is studied in the research discussed above.
What you eat with turmeric can also affect the health benefits. Turmeric has limited bioavailability (rate at which it enters circulation in the body), making it hard for the body to absorb it. Piperine (black pepper) can improve the bioavailability of turmeric. Eatingturmeric alongside healthy fatscan alsoimprove absorption.
Turmeric Tea: 6 Benefits of This Anti-Inflammatory Wonder
Summary
Turmeric has thousands of years of history of being used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, including for women’s health issues like PCOS, endometriosis, and menopause. Modern science is catching up, and research is ongoing about its benefits. While it seems certain that turmeric and its antioxidant curcumin have many benefits for women’s health, it is unclear what dosage, frequency, or form you should take for optimal effects.
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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