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The Cordyceps mushroom contains valuable bioactive compounds that give it many health benefits.
April 24, 2025
Hanja Niederhammer
Many women suffer from stress, hormonal fluctuations, and energy loss in everyday life. A natural way to enhance well-being? Taking medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps. But what can the exotic mushroom really do for women's health? Modern research provides exciting answers.
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Cordyceps sinensis, also known as "Chinese caterpillar fungus," has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance energy, endurance, and vitality. Today, studies confirm many of the traditional uses - and reveal new possibilities, particularly concerning its effects on women.
Hormonal fluctuations, menopausal symptoms, declining energy, or visible skin aging - many women face these changes throughout their lives. Preclinical studies are discussing whether Cordyceps could have supportive effects in these areas.
Early scientific evidence on the effects of Cordyceps in women suggests that the vital mushroom might contribute to improving energy balance, support hormonal processes, or positively influence mood during hormonal transitions. Antioxidant properties and potential effects on cardiovascular health are also being researched.
Whether skin, heart, or hormonal balance: Cordyceps is currently regarded as an interesting option in naturopathy. However, reliable clinical studies are still lacking. Anyone who wants to try Cordyceps should do so as part of a conscious lifestyle and seek professional advice if uncertain.
Whether in a hectic everyday life or during hormonal changes - energy is a scarce commodity for many women. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of healthy older adults examined whether an extract from Cordyceps mycelium (Cs-4) could improve physical performance. The focus was on the effect on ATP production in the mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of our cells.
The study results showed that after twelve weeks, the subjects had improved oxygen uptake (VO2max) and lower exhaustion values. This suggests that Cordyceps could support on a cellular level - an approach that might be of interest to women, especially during stressful life phases.
Good to know:
More ATP means not only better endurance, but also faster recovery after physical or mental stress. ATP supplies the cells with the necessary energy to initiate repair processes and restore the body's natural balance.
When the hormonal balance is disrupted - for example, in the Menopause or after stressful times – this can also affect a woman's libido.
Cordyceps sinensis, also known as the "mushroom of love," is used in traditional medicine by women to promote sexual desire, alleviate menstrual complaints, and support blood flow by affecting hemorheology.
No wonder that Cordyceps sinensis is also increasingly attracting the interest of research. Initial animal experiments show indications that the vital mushroom might stimulate the production of sexual hormones like testosterone.
What many don't know: Women also need testosterone - for libido, mood and energy. Although there are not yet any robust human studies, the existing results are intriguing.
A comprehensive review from 2016 summarized previous findings on Cordyceps and sexual health. The authors examine both traditional applications and modern preclinical studies. Their conclusion: There is much potential, even if so far mainly male animal models have been studied. The need for targeted research specifically on women's health remains high - the topic is certainly intriguing.
More recent studies strengthen these indications: In a 2021 study, an extract of Cordyceps militaris improved sexual function in male rats with diabetes. The researchers attribute the positive effects to the antioxidant properties of Cordyceps - a mechanism that could also play a role in women's sexual health.
There are still many questions regarding Cordyceps' effects on women. Those who wish to support their own hormonal balance naturally may find Cordyceps an interesting option. As always: listen to your own body, seek advice when in doubt - and keep a watchful eye on scientific progress.
Beautiful skin and vital cells need protection - especially against so-called free radicals. These aggressive molecules are generated by influences such as UV radiation, environmental toxins or chronic Stress and are considered a main cause of premature cell aging.
Preclinical studies suggest that Cordyceps sinensis has antioxidant properties that may play a crucial role here. Animal models show that compounds like cordycepin and certain polysaccharides can help protect DNA and cell structures from oxidative stress. Ingredient analyses also confirm that Cordyceps is rich in natural antioxidants that could inhibit inflammatory processes in the body and support the stability of cells.
Even though the antioxidant effect is well documented, most of the knowledge so far comes from laboratory and animal studies. Clinical data in humans are still scarce. Those who want to incorporate Cordyceps into their daily skin and health routine should view it as part of a holistic approach - complemented by mindful care, a healthy diet, and lifestyle.
Beauty from within:
Antioxidants help keep the skin elastic and radiant. They support the skin's natural repair mechanisms and counteract premature cell aging.
In menopause, the hormonal balance of many women changes noticeably - a decreasing estrogen level can not only affect well-being but also increase the risk of osteoporosis. A preclinical study suggests that Cordyceps sinensis could have a supportive effect here.
Initial indications of the effect of Cordyceps in menopause particularly relate to the maintenance of bone health. In the study, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2014), researchers tested the effect of Cordyceps extract on bone loss in ovariectomized rats - an established model for menopause.
The results showed that cordyceps contains compounds that could act similarly to phytoestrogens. The treated animals showed significantly improved bone density while the activity of bone-resorbing cells was inhibited. These findings suggest that Cordyceps may help mitigate osteoporosis-like changes due to estrogen deficiency.
In addition to the influence on hormonal processes, another aspect of Cordyceps research is increasingly coming into focus: the protection of egg cell quality.
A recent study from 2023 investigated the effect of cordycepin, a bioactive compound from Cordyceps, on aging egg cells in an animal model.
The results are promising:
Cordycepin delayed the age-related decline of the egg cells by inhibiting the degradation of maternal mRNAs and stabilizing the function of the cell powerhouses, the mitochondria.
Egg cells treated with cordycepin showed fewer signs of fragmentation and an improved chromosome structure - important factors for successful fertilization and embryonic development.
Whether Cordyceps can actually improve fertility in women needs to be investigated in further human studies. Nevertheless, the current data show that Cordyceps may affect not only hormones but possibly also the basis of female fertility, the health of the egg cells.
With menopause, not only does the hormonal balance change, but the risk of cardiovascular diseases also increases significantly. The natural estrogen protection for the blood vessels decreases - a gap that plant-based support might gently close.
A recent preclinical study examined the effects of polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris on lipid metabolism in hamsters. The results are promising: After administering a special Cordyceps extract (CM1), there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. At the same time, the overall lipid profile improved, which could have a positive long-term impact on vascular health.
The researchers attribute these effects to the antioxidant properties of Cordyceps polysaccharides. By neutralizing free radicals and stabilizing blood lipid levels, blood vessels could be better protected, and inflammatory processes inhibited - two important factors for preventing arteriosclerosis and heart diseases.
The current research findings about Cordyceps and its effects on women's health are promising, but mostly come from preclinical studies and animal models. Especially the studied groups - mostly healthy older adults - do not reflect all life stages of women. Reliable data is still lacking for younger women or women in hormonal transition phases.
Still, it appears: Those who want to support their body naturally and rely on early scientific indications might find an exciting approach in Cordyceps. As always, it is essential to listen to your body and seek advice if uncertain.
Cordyceps offers women a natural, gentle means to promote energy, hormonal balance, and well-being. Although further human studies are needed, initial research results suggest a positive impact on many areas of women's health.
Cordyceps comes in various forms. Capsules are especially convenient for on-the-go and usually contain standardized extracts. For those who prefer more flexibility, powder is an option and can be mixed into smoothies or mueslis, for example. Combo products often combine Cordyceps with other vital mushrooms, offering a broader range of active ingredients.
However, caution is advised in certain life situations: Cordyceps should only be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in autoimmune diseases, after consulting a doctor. A discussion with a doctor is also recommended when taking medications such as immunosuppressants.
Tip:
Pay attention to high-quality organic quality and standardized extracts - ideally with a specified Cordycepin content.
Cordyceps supports various processes at the cellular level. Studies suggest that the vital mushroom can stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria, which improves energy supply. Antioxidative properties and a possible influence on hormonal processes are also discussed, which could be relevant for stress, cycle fluctuations, or during menopause could be relevant.
Many manufacturers recommend taking it in the morning or at noon, as Cordyceps can have a vitalizing effect. In the evening, the mushroom might disrupt sleep in sensitive individuals. Scientific studies on the best time of day are currently lacking. Personal tolerance is crucial.
It is assumed that Cordyceps does not take effect immediately but only after a longer period of use. Studies show that investigations usually run for at least four weeks. An important human study was designed for twelve weeks to make effects such as improved performance visible. Overall, much suggests taking Cordyceps regularly over several weeks to assess possible effects.
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Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the central energy carrier of the body and necessary for nearly all biological processes - from muscle work to regeneration.
© Anna Shvets
Some studies suggest that Cordyceps may increase testosterone production by stimulating luteinizing hormone (LH).
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Cordyceps contains antioxidants that can reduce cell damage.
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Cordyceps may possibly help mitigate osteoporosis-like changes due to estrogen deficiency.
© Nataliya Vaitkevich
Cordycepin can delay the age-related deterioration of oocytes.
© ketut subiyanto
Taking cordyceps can support heart health.
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Particularly practical: Taking cordyceps in capsule form
