HomeBenefitsMenopause

Tongkat Ali for menopause

In women aged 40 to 55, menopause symptom scores fell 33.9% on 100mg a day for 12 weeks, against 23.3% on placebo.*

Reviewed by the Biotropics research team · Updated October 2026

The evidence

What the studies found

Studied in women. Evidence: 2 placebo-controlled trials.

−33.9%Menopause symptom score, against 23.3% on placebo*138 women aged 40 to 55, 100mg a day, 12 weeksMuniandy et al. 2025, World Journal of Clinical Cases
−36.4%Physical symptoms*The same studyMuniandy et al. 2025, World Journal of Clinical Cases
−36.3%Sexual symptoms*The same studyMuniandy et al. 2025, World Journal of Clinical Cases
In plain terms

What the research means

Menopause brings hot flashes, poor sleep, low energy, joint pain and lower desire. The 2025 study measured all of these together, and women taking Tongkat Ali improved more than those on placebo, especially on physical and sexual symptoms.

A 24-week study combined Tongkat Ali with Kacip Fatimah, a Malaysian herb traditionally used by women. Hot flashes improved 73%, but placebo improved 66%, so that result was not significant. LH and FSH, hormones that rise as the ovaries slow down at menopause, fell in the active group only. Chinnappan et al. 2020, Food and Nutrition Research

What the studies used

Daily dose
100mg
Who took part
Women aged 40 to 55
How long
12 weeks
Extract
Standardized water extract of root
Good to know

Before you start

  • Hormone-sensitive conditionsSpeak to a doctor first if you have a history of breast cancer or another hormone-sensitive condition.
  • Medication and health conditionsSpeak to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take prescription medicine or have a long-term health condition.
  • PregnancyAvoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Common questions

Can women take Tongkat Ali?

Yes. It has been studied in women for menopause symptoms, at 50 to 100mg a day.

Does it replace hormone therapy?

No. It is a plant extract with human research behind it. Discuss treatment options with a doctor.

How long until it helps?

The study measured results at 12 weeks of daily use.

Published by Biotropics Malaysia Berhad, maker of Physta®. Most studies on this page tested Physta, and several were funded by Biotropics. How this guide is written

Other areas of research

Studied in menEnergy and fatigue1 placebo-controlled trialFatigue scores fell by about half in men aged 50 to 70 taking 200mg a day for 12 weeks.Studied in men and womenTestosteroneA meta-analysis and 4 placebo-controlled studiesTestosterone rose against placebo, most clearly in men with low testosterone.Studied in men and womenStress and mood3 placebo-controlled studiesCortisol fell 16% against placebo in stressed adults taking 200mg a day for 4 weeks.Studied in men and older adultsStrength and exercise2 placebo-controlled studies and 1 uncontrolledMen aged 40 to 59 who trained for 6 months gained more strength on 200mg a day.Studied in men and womenSexual health3 placebo-controlled trialsErectile function and sexual desire improved against placebo in men aged 40 to 59 over 6 months.Studied in men and womenHealthy aging2 placebo-controlled trials and 1 uncontrolledOverall immune cell score rose 5% in middle-aged adults taking 200mg a day for 4 weeks.