How to Use Tongkat Ali for Women: An In-depth Guide

Women use Tongkat Ali as a natural herbal supplement to achieve better well-being, health goals and hormonal benefits. However, women are more sensitive to hormonal changes than men.

This article shares useful information for women who are planning to use Tongkat Ali as a daily supplement to achieve various health goals.

Learn when and how to use Tongkat Ali for women across ages, dosage guide, side effects on women’s health, safety tips and when to avoid using Tongkat Ali.  

Overview

Tongkat Ali is a natural supplement that exists in capsules, loose powder and even in coffee that can be used daily or as needed mainly to help regulate hormonal balance for menopausal women, young active sportswomen, busy working mothers and full-time housewives.

The primary benefit of Tongkat Ali supplements for women is to restore energy, reduce fat loss, improve mood, reduce stress, strengthens the immune system, reduces hot flush in menopausal women and restores overall hormonal balance during menstrual cycle.

Knowing when and how much Tongkat Ali you should take help women achieve better well-being, including athletic performance. When paired with regular exercises, it reduces body fat, promotes higher endurance and develop more lean muscle.

51-year-old Nicola Brooks from London is amongst hundreds of active women who take Tongkat Ali to enhance sports performance. In the recent Battersea Half Marathon, she won 2nd place in a respectable 1 hour 39 minutes under the Veteran 50 category, trailing closely to a professional female runner.

It is common for women to use Tongkat Ali as a sports supplement (especially in the running community) to boost energy and endurance, helping them to clock longer distances without premature muscle fatigue. 

Best way to use Tongkat Ali: Women's Guide

Generally, Tongkat Ali can be taken daily supplement and safe for everyday use for women are not pregnant, lactating or those who are not diagnosed with chronic kidney, liver or cancer.

You may learn how to use Tongkat Ali during menstrual cycle and to achieve health goals using our guide below.

Using Tongkat Ali During Menstrual Cycle

Based on the fluctuations in testosterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, Tongkat Ali can be strategically dosed at various phases of menstrual cycle to support testosterone or hormonal balance.

The idea is to take Tongkat Ali during phases of the cycle when testosterone levels are naturally lower or when additional support may be beneficial.

The goal is to use Tongkat Ali to maintain or boost testosterone levels, particularly during the luteal phase (post-ovulation) and menstruation, when testosterone tends to dip. This will help elevate energy for women involved in physical activities such as exercises, particularly benefitting female athletes who are exposed to constant training.

Dosing Protocol Based on Phases of Menstrual Cycle

Phase of Menstrual Cycle

Testosterone Levels

Suggested Tongkat Ali Daily Dosage

Rationale

Menstrual Phase 

(Days 1–5)

Low

50mg–100mg

Testosterone levels are naturally lower, and support may help balance energy and mood.

Follicular Phase

 (Days 6–13)

Moderately Increasing

50mg–100mg

Moderate support, as testosterone begins to rise toward ovulation.

Ovulation 

(Day 14)

Peak

50mg–100mg

Testosterone is naturally at its highest, so lower doses are sufficient to maintain balance.

Luteal Phase 

(Days 15–28)

Decline / Low

100mg–200mg

Testosterone levels drop, and Tongkat Ali can support the natural decline by stimulating LH and supporting testosterone production.

Note: It’s important to adjust the dosage based on individual response. Some women may experience better results with a slightly higher dose, while others may find lower doses more effective. The recommended dosage can be gradually adjusted within the 50mg to 200mg range depending on individual tolerance and needs.

Strength and Energy:

For young active women below 30, it is advisable to take lower dose between 50mg to 200mg daily, and ideally Tongkat Ali supplementation should be accompanied by regular exercises to ensure the bioactive ingredients are fully absorbed in the blood. You may take a week before your menstrual cycle to optimize testosterone and estrogen levels.

For moderately active women above 30, pre-menopausal and menopausal women, take 200mg or 400mg capsule per day, an hour before your exercise for optimal energy support. Highly-trained female athletes, marathon female runners and women who indulge in long-distance endurance sports, you may take up to 400mg or small doses of 50mg for every 5km to 10km run, or as when needed to elevate your energy an hour before race or training.

Women are encouraged to use dosage-optimized Tongkat Ali capsules starting with lower dose and avoid taking loose Tongkat Ali powder extract to avoid overdosing. Tongkat Ali powder extract taken in large scoops in pre-workout drinks is not recommended as women are more sensitive to hormonal changes.

"50mg x 4 capsules of Tongkat Ali
works well for energy
if you are into 50k to 60k runs"
Fat Burn and Weight loss:

Women taking Tongkat Ali supplements to aid weight loss must be accompanied with a sugar-free diet, or keto-diet, accompanied with 3-day a week cardio exercises (a 60-minute run at moderate speed of 8 min/km or less, or 10,000 steps).

If you are overweight or obese, take 200mg to 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily for 12 weeks and ensure you are doing resistance, weight and cardio combo at least 4 days a week for optimal weight loss.

For women who are in healthy and already doing cardio regularly at least 5 days a week, it is advisable to take up to 400mg an hour before cardio exercises to enhance strength, stamina, endurance and faster muscle recovery. This protocol may help you burn fat more efficiently whilst building lean muscle.

"I take 200mg of Tongkat Ali at least an hour
before my weight training to restore my hormonal balance and strength"
Cancer and Immune System:

Women experiencing immune system imbalance due to fever, flu or bacterial infection (eg: from food poisoning), candida or general viral infection may take Tongkat Ali 200mg per capsule as and when needed for as long as you need it. Observe any improvements in your energy, negative adverse reaction or side effects when taking it with other medications.

Women recovering from COVID infection, COVID vaccination or cancer may take Tongkat Ali daily (200mg) between 2 to four weeks to enhance the immune system, building more T-cells in the body to prevent future virus attacks.

Combining Tongkat Ali with other vitamins or herbs.

Women may use Tongkat Ali together with Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Omega Fish Oil, Folic Acid and other multivitamins for added benefits as it contains nutrients such as alkaloids, quassinoids, glycosaponin, plant-based protein, anti-aging and anti-cancer properties that complement women’s dietary needs.

However, combining Tongkat Ali with Ashwagandha or Ginseng is not recommended for women as it may disrupt hormonal balance, causing emotional bluntness, disruption serotonin, anxiety and feeling disconnected. This may impair your overall mood if taken in high doses, or over a period of more than 4 weeks. 

Applications of Tongkat Ali for women

Tongkat Ali supplements are used by women across age groups to achieve various health goals that are associated with hormonal or nutritional deficiencies due to age, diet, weight and lifestyle factors.

Increased strength, endurance, energy and overall revitalization from Tongkat Ali supplementation are more impactful to older women (of above 40) who consume it long term, with noticeable benefits after 4 to 12 weeks.

Health goals

Used as

Age group

Strength & Endurance

Sports supplement to boost athletic performance

28 – 39 years

Energy & Revitalization

General Energy Support

28 – 65 years

Immune System

Immunity Booster

40 – 65 years

Testosterone Support

Testosterone booster for menopausal

40 – 65 years

Weight Loss

Weight management support for fat burn & lean muscle development

28 – 65 years

Mood and Anxiety

Stress management, mental focus, managing anxiety and post-natal depression

28 – 65 years

Sexual Desire (Libido)

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder

28 – 65 years

Is Tongkat Ali safe for women?

Tongkat Ali is generally safe for women when taken in small doses between 50mg to 200 mg daily over a short duration of between 12 to 24 weeks. Long term use of Tongkat Ali of more than 24 weeks has not been established although there are no reported cases of it causing kidney damage, liver issue or cancer.

It can be also taken in a weekly OFF and ON cycle when paired with multivitamins, Omega Fish Oil, Vitamin C and Vitamin D.

However women taking high doses of l-arginine supplements, Panax Ginseng an Ashwagandha may experience dizziness, nausea, jittery or even headaches when combining those supplements with Tongkat Ali.

As a safety precaution, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised not to consume Tongkat Ali as it may affect hormonal balance. There are no studies on the adverse side effects of Tongkat Ali on pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers and this may present risks if you are hormone sensitive.

Word on Safety: Clinically Tested Tongkat Ali 

It is recommended that women take Tongkat Ali supplements that are clinically tested and 3rd party lab-tested to avoid any adverse side effects. Clinically tested Tongkat Ali supplements are pharmaceutical-grade products that are clinically proven by scientists to work on women’s health based on human clinical trials and toxicology tests. This reduces the risks of Tongkat Ali side effects (if any).

Tongkat Ali Dosage For Women

Recommended Tongkat Ali daily dose for women ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg daily. These values are derived from various Tongkat Ali clinical studies on women ranging from 25 to 65 years of age. Menopausal women may take 200mg of Tongkat Ali pure extract daily, whilst women below 30 are advised to take lower dosages to avoid any unwanted side effects.

If you are a first-time user, it is recommended to start with a lower dosage of 50 mg to 100 mg daily for at least a few days before increasing the dose to 200 mg daily.

Dosage guide for women:

Age group

Lifestyle Status

Tongkat Ali Daily Dosage For Women

28 – 39 years

Active

100 mg to 200 mg

Non-active (Sedentary)

50 mg to 100 mg

40 – 65 years

Active

100 mg to 200 mg

Non-active (Sedentary)

50 mg to 100 mg

Note: Monitor the reaction for any side effects when taking Tongkat Ali if you are taking it for the first time. 

FAQ: User Guide for Women

Get more answers on how to use Tongkat Ali for women.

Can women use Tongkat Ali daily?

Tongkat Ali may be used as a daily supplement for women. A 2020 Tongkat Ali study conducted on 119 healthy women between 41 to 55 years showed improvements in hormone balance and lipid profile in peri-menopausal and menopausal women after 12 weeks based on 100mg daily intake. However, the long-term use of Tongkat Ali for women (more than 24 weeks) has not been established or studied.

Can I take collagen drink with Tongkat Ali?

Yes, there are no reported side effects or hospitalized cases of patients consuming collagen drinks or juice with Tongkat Ali. Most collagen drinks or juices are safe for general consumption as long it does contain any impurities or toxic substances that may interact negatively with Tongkat Ali.

Can women take Ashwagandha with Tongkat Ali?

Women taking Ashwagandha with Tongkat Ali to improve mood or stress should avoid taking both herbs together as it may suppress cortisol (i.e stress hormones) more than your body needs. Taking both Ashwagandha and Tongkat Ali at the same time may cause emotional numbness and increase the chances of developing anhedonia or depression. It is advisable to stop taking Ashwagandha before switching to Tongkat Ali and if for any reason that requires you to take both herbs, please ensure that you take Ashwagandha and Tongkat Ali in low doses to avoid side effects on your emotions.

Is Tongkat Ali safe for elderly women?

Currently, there is no Tongkat Ali safety or toxicology study on elderly women. However, women above 60 years may take Tongkat Ali between 200mg to 400mg daily for energy, strength and to restore aging hormones. Past Tongkat Ali studies on female seniors between 57 – 72 years showed an increase in testosterone and muscular force strength based on 400mg of Tongkat Ali daily intake after 5 weeks.

Can young female adults take Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali may be used by active young females (above 18 years of age) in small doses between 50mg up to 200mg daily to regulate mood, reduce mood swings, promote fat loss and increase strength. For women below 30, it is recommended to use Tongkat Ali short term, or with a monthly OFF / ON cycle to achieve specific health goals. For young females diagnosed with hormone-sensitive conditions or planning to use Tongkat Ali long term, please consult your nearest doctor before consuming Tongkat Ali supplements.

Does Tongkat Ali cause hormonal imbalance for women?

Taking high dosage of Tongkat Ali of more than 400mg may disrupt hormonal balance and is not suitable if you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer. Tongkat Ali may also cause hormonal imbalance if you have estrogen-dependent conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, breast fibroid or hyperestrogenism. It is best to avoid taking Tongkat Ali if you have hormonal imbalance symptoms or conditions.

Is Tongkat Ali good for vaginal health?

Tongkat Ali exhibits strong anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties to support a healthy vagina by preventing bacterial infections such as candida albicans, lactobacillus, streptococcus (or known as Group B strep, or GBS) and others. There are at least 17 well-documented research studies (out of 123 studies) that reported positive effects of Tongkat Ali against various bacteria and yeast infections. Tongkat Ali may be used as a daily herbal supplement for women to prevent vaginal yeast infection or thrush according to the recommended dosage.

Does Tongkat Ali cause vaginal discharge or yeast infection?

Pure Tongkat Ali extract exhibits anti-fungal properties and taking Tongkat Ali supplements does not cause abnormal vaginal discharge caused by candida albicans or vaginal candidiasis. If you experience vaginal discharge or symptoms of vaginal candidiasis, please consult your nearest doctor for further advice before taking Tongkat Ali supplements.

Does Tongkat Ali help vaginal candidiasis?

Yes, Tongkat Ali may help reduce symptoms associated with vaginal candidiasis by preventing the growth of candida albicans. Multiple research studies published in 2016, 2019 and 2021 showed that Tongkat Ali exhibits anti-fungal properties against candida albicans. Test results from various in-vitro studies showed inhibitory effects of Tongkat Ali in reducing the growth of candida albicans based on 25mg/ml to 31mg/ml of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) extract. Women are advised to observe the recommended Tongkat Ali dosage for optimal benefits.

Can I take Tongkat Ali with perimenopause supplements?

Tongkat Ali may be taken in low doses with most perimenopause supplements that contains Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Red Clover, Maca Root, Ashwagandha, Wild Yam and Primrose Oil, Cod liver Oil and collagen. However, please observe any side effects and consult your healthcare professional before consuming Tongkat Ali with high dosage perimenopause supplements.

Is Tongkat Ali safe for women over 40?

Based on clinical tests conducted on women between 41 to 55 years, Tongkat Ali is relatively safe for healthy adult women when taken in small doses, between 50mg to 200mg. Whilst it is unsafe to be used by pregnant and breast-feeding women, limited studies on the long-term consumption suggest that Tongkat Ali should not be taken if you are diagnosed with hormone-sensitive conditions. Kindly consult your nearest healthcare professional or doctor for advice before consuming Tongkat Ali supplements.

What is the best way to take Tongkat Ali for women?

Start with taking Tongkat Ali in small doses between 50mg to 200mg daily after morning breakfast or an hour before exercises. Use it daily or toggle between a week OFF and a week ON for  4 to 12 weeks. Please monitor any acute or adverse side effects such as nausea, mild headaches or jittery.

Related Article: How To Cycle Tongkat Ali

What is the maximum Tongkat Ali dosage limit for women?

For active women, female sports amateurs and women over 40, you may take up to 200 mg daily. It is recommended to observe any side effects when consuming Tongkat Ali in high doses (i.e above 400 mg daily).

How long should I take Tongkat Ali?

Whilst Tongkat Ali can be taken daily to achieve your health goals, it is not recommended to use continuously over a prolonged period in high doses of more than 12 weeks if you are below 30. Generally, you should stop taking Tongkat Ali if it gives you mild or adverse side effects or if you are experiencing hormone imbalance conditions.

Can I use Tongkat Ali during pregnancy?

Please avoid using Tongkat Ali during pregnancy, or right after pregnancy as it may affect your hormones and the baby. Tongkat Ali should not be used for breastfeeding mothers.

Can I use Tongkat Ali for postpartum depression?

You may use Tongkat Ali to manage postpartum depression in order to improve your mood, energy and reduce your anxiety. It is recommended to use Tongkat Ali 12 months after your pregnancy. Kindly consult your healthcare professional for further advice before consuming Tongkat Ali.

Does Tongkat Ali work for menopausal women?

Yes, Tongkat Ali is clinically tested on premenopausal and menopausal women. Studies showed a reduction in hot flushes by up to 73%, improvements in sexual health, lower HDL and LDL and after 24 weeks. It also may potentially improve other menopausal symptoms including joint pains in women.

Is Tongkat Ali a weight loss supplement for women?

Tongkat Ali may be used as a supplement for women to promote weight loss when paired with regular exercises by increasing thermogenic (i.e fat-burning) activities in the body, increasing metabolism, thus burning calories more efficiently. Studies showed significant body mass reduction in obese adults after 200mg of Tongkat Ali for 112 days. However, Tongkat Ali is not a slimming pill and should be used with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Does Tongkat Ali to boost women's libido?

Tongkat Ali may potentially boost libido and improve overall sexual desire in women who have low androgen due to aging. A 202o randomized study reported significant improvements in women’s sexual health after taking Tongkat Ali, based on Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire. Tongkat Ali is also known to boost testosterone, DHEA and estrogen in women by up to 581% after 12 weeks which contributes to improved libido for women over 40.

Does Tongkat Ali help to improve vaginal dryness?

Tongkat Ali supplements may improve vaginal dryness issues caused by low or reduced estrogen, or if you are experiencing premenopausal symptoms. Although Tongkat Ali’s studies showed improvements in estradiol (estrogen) in aging adults and a reduction in perimenopausal symptoms in women, there is currently no study investigating the effectiveness of Tongkat Ali on vaginal dryness.

Is Tongkat Ali better for women than Ashwagandha?

Tongkat Ali performs better in areas such as energy, strength, fat loss and improved libido for women whilst Ashwagandha is more effective in improving mood. Women taking Ashwagandha are reported to cause emotional numbness after 2 weeks. Both herbs should be taken in small doses to avoid overdosing and other side effects.

Which is the best Tongkat Ali supplement for women?

Malaysian yellow Tongkat Ali with hot water root extract is highly sought after amongst discerning women in the UK and the US. Tongkat Ali supplements such as AKARALI are clinically tested on women using MIT-formulated standardized hot water extract that is effective amongst young female adults and aging women. Always find reputable Tongkat Ali store before buying.

What is the best form Tongkat Ali for women?

The best form of Tongkat Ali for women is in capsules or in coffee / tea due to dosage-optimized serving.

However, it is not recommended to use Tongkat Ali in loose powder form due to the incorrect dosing that is not suitable for women.

Capsules:

Most Tongkat Ali capsules sold in the market contain between 50mg to 200mg per capsule. Capsules are preferred by women as it is dosage-optimized, easier to swallow and generally gentle on the stomach. 

Coffee / Tea:

Most women use Tongkat Ali coffee as herbal drink, or as pre-workout drink before hitting the gym. A cup of Tongkat Ali coffee typically contain 25mg of Tongkat Ali or less, making it an everyday energy booster for women on the go.

Which supplements and food go well with Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali may be taken with other women’s supplements in small doses such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Calcium and Omega 3 Fatty Acid, Potassium. However, it is highly recommended to avoid taking too many supplements that can disrupt hormonal balance. 

Supplements that go well with Tongkat Ali:

  1. Multivitamins
  2. Vitamin C
  3. Vitamin D
  4. Vitamin B12
  5. Magnesium
  6. Calcium
  7. Omega 3 Fatty Acid
  8. Potassium
  9. Turmeric
  10. Collagen

Food that goes together with Tongkat Ali

  1. Red Meat – beef, mutton, and others
  2. White Meat – Fish and all seafood
  3. Green tea
  4. Coffee
  5. Vegetables and fruits

Drugs Interaction:

Tongkat Ali interacts with propranolol (Inderal); a prescription drugs to treat heart problems, hypertension, help with anxiety and prevent migraines. This may cause mild to severe side effects such as nausea, headaches or stomach upset.

You may use Tongkat Ali at a lower dose of 50 mg with multivitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B12, Magnesium, Omega 3 and other supplements without any adverse side effects.

However, due to limited study on drugs interaction, it is recommended to consult with your physician when taking Tongkat Ali with other prescription drugs. 

When not to use Tongkat Ali:

There are several conditions when Tongkat Ali is not deemed suitable for women. You should not take Tongkat Ali if you fall under any of the following categories: 

  • Lactating mothers after pregnancy
  • Pregnant women
  • Chronic or diagnosed mental health
  • Terminally diseases such as breast cancer and others
  • Severe hormonal deficiencies disorder
  • Hormone related diseases 
  • Chronic or severe auto-immune diseases
  • Chronic or severe endocrine disorde

WARNING: If you are unsure, or even considering taking one, please consult your nearest medical doctor or healthcare professional before consuming Tongkat Ali supplements. Please note that Tongkat Ali is not a remedy to treat or cure any form diseases or illnesses. 

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali on Women:

Women may experience mild to severe side effects when taking Tongkat Ali. This is prevalent especially if you are taking Tongkat Ali for the first time.

Women may experience mild side effects such as nausea, feeling jittery, insomnia and stomach upset that will go away after a few days. Some taking pure Tongkat Ali extract may not experience any side effects at all. 

Those experiencing side effects such as heart palpitations or even headaches may be due to incorrect dose, or contaminants, adulterants and impurities that exist in lower-quality Tongkat Ali supplements.

Kindly observe and report any adverse side effects of Tongkat Ali to your nearest healthcare professional or doctor.

FREE CONSULTATION

Tongkat Ali For Women

Get a free consultation before you use Tongkat Ali. Ask our experts how to use Tongkat Ali correctly and how it affects your health. 



Author

Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI and is part of the global Tongkat Ali research team. As a writer and journalist, Naressa specializes in nutrition, health supplements, and natural wellness. With this approach always in mind, she explores fact-based and scientific evidence of topics related to health, herbs and natural wellness.

Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.

Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.

Disclaimer: The content published in this article is for educational purposes and not intended to provide any form of recommendations, directly or indirectly to purchase or consume herbal supplements, drugs, medications, alternative remedies and practices or any brands mentioned in this article. By reading this, the sole responsibility and decision lies on the reader to make an informed decision based on publicly available information published on the internet. Any herbal supplements can be used as a health supplement, dietary plan or to treat illnesses. However, we encourage you to consult your nearest doctor before making any purchase from this website or any other websites or social platforms after reading this article. We do not hold any responsibility or accountability for any products purchased from this website or any third-party websites that are linked to this articles, sales channels or social platforms.

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