© Laura Paredis
Rhodiola rosea (Rosenwurz) regulates various hormonal processes.
June 25, 2025
Hanja Niederhammer
From natural remedy to research subject: Rhodiola rosea affects not only stress hormones like cortisol but also processes related to testosterone, estrogen, and even thyroid function. Scientific studies confirm the effects of the plant.
From Natural Remedy to Research Topic: Rhodiola rosea not only affects stress hormones like cortisol but also processes surrounding testosterone, estrogen, and even thyroid function. In this article, we show what research has found so far.
For centuries, Rhodiola rosea, also known as rose root, has been considered a proven remedy for stress and hormonal imbalances. The plant contains natural substances with adaptogenic effects - they help the body better cope with physical and psychological stresses.
Today, rose root is mostly available as a standardized extract or in capsule form and is increasingly being used as an adjunct in modern medicine.
Rhodiola rosea affects hormonal processes such as cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones and can increase neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. The plant has a mood-stabilizing, energy-boosting, and regulatory effect on the hormonal balance.
The most well-known effect of Rhodiola rosea is its stress-balancing effect - and it is precisely through this that it influences our hormones. Because stress is not just an emotional state, but has a direct impact on the hormonal balance in the body. The effect of rose root on hormones is particularly evident in conjunction with central control axes such as the HPA axis.
Through the so-called HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), persistent stress influences the release of hormones, affects the cycle, libido, or sleep rhythm, and can lead to hormonal imbalance in the long term.
The indirect hormonal effect of Rhodiola rosea cannot be attributed to a single active ingredient - it is based on the fa coordinated interplay of several biologically active substances.
Ingredient: Salidroside
Effect in connection with hormones: Protects cells from stress-related damage, regulates cortisol secretion, and supports the HPA axis.
Ingredient: Rosavin
Effect in relation to hormonesEffects: mood-enhancing and promotes serotonin release, thus indirectly influencing hormonal balance.
Ingredient: Rosarin
Effect in relation to hormones: Supports antioxidant processes, may contribute to the stabilization of the stress response.
Ingredient: Colophony
Effect in relation to hormones: Associated with neuroendocrine modulation, including in stress and fatigue.
Ingredient: Tyrosol
Effect in relation to hormones: Antioxidant effect, protective for hormone-producing cells, especially during oxidative stress.
What matters is not the isolated effect of individual components, but their synergistic power: Rhodiola rosea acts as an adaptogen, supporting the body's ability to maintain hormonal balance under stress. It does not act like a hormone, but helps the organism to recover its own balance.
The ingredients of Rhodiola rosea have adaptogenic effects, meaning: they help the body maintain its hormonal balance under stress conditions - without acting hormonally themselves.
According to the principle of adaptogens, Rhodiola rosea helps the body remain in hormonal balance under stress. But what does that specifically mean?
The best documented effect is on the stress hormone cortisol - this is where most of the studies are available. But other hormonal areas are also increasingly becoming the focus of research: for example, the male sex hormone testosterone, the female estrogen, and even the thyroid as a central control organ in the hormone system. A closer look at these connections shows how versatile the effects of Rhodiola rosea on hormones can actually be.
In modern phytotherapy, Rhodiola rosea is rightly referred to as an "anti-stress plant." This is because one of the best documented effects of Rhodiola rosea concerns the stress hormone cortisol - more specifically: its ability to regulate cortisol.
Under stress, the body activates the so-called HPA axis - a hormonal reaction chain that leads to the release of cortisol. This hormone makes one temporarily awake and capable, but under chronic stress, it can throw the body and mind out of balance.
This is precisely where the effect of Rhodiola on cortisol shows: ingredients like salidroside regulate the HPA axis and help dampen excessive cortisol release.
In a much-cited double-blind study with patients suffering from stress-related exhaustion, it was shown: After four weeks of taking Rhodiola (576 mg daily), the cortisol reaction upon waking - a central marker of the HPA axis - was significantly reduced. At the same time, mental performance and subjective stress perception noticeably improved. The authors conclude: Rhodiola may help reduce cortisol without completely blocking the stress system.
Stress not only makes you tired - it can also lower testosterone levels. The male sex hormone is produced in the Leydig cells of the testicles, which are particularly susceptible to damage under physical or psychological stress.
In preclinical studies it was investigated whether Rhodiola rosea (roseroot) could play a protective role here. It was shown that certain plant compounds might help reduce oxidative cell damage and stabilize the energy supply of the Leydig cells under stress conditions.
A potential important effect of Rhodiola rosea on hormones is particularly evident here in relation to testosterone: the cell protection and stabilized energy supply could create an environment that favors testosterone production.
In a current laboratory study (2024) Leydig cells were examined under oxygen deficiency, i.e., stress conditions. Cells treated with Rhodiola polysaccharides released significantly more testosterone and showed less oxidative cell damage.
The explanation: Rhodiola protects the cells from stress by acting antioxidatively and stabilizing cellular energy production. This way, normal hormone production can be maintained.
While in-vitro results are promising, a placebo-controlled study in healthy men showed no increase in testosterone at rest and thus no effect on their libido. A comprehensive Review from 2022 suggests, however, that Rhodiola is particularly effective when stress disrupts hormonal balance - therefore acting more as a balancer rather than generally enhancing.
Unlike phytoestrogens such as black cohosh or soy isoflavones, Rhodiola rosea does not directly bind to estrogen receptors and does not work hormonally in the classical sense. The plant does not replace estrogen and does not directly interfere with estrogen metabolism.
Instead, Rhodiola rosea's effect on hormones primarily manifests through the hormonal stress system - the so-called HPA axis. Especially during menopause, when physical changes and psychological pressure converge, chronic stress can exacerbate typical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, or exhaustion.
Therefore, Rhodiola, as a natural helper in menopause, is increasingly coming into focus: Its adaptogenic ingredients, particularly salidroside, could help regulate excessive stress reactions and relieve hormonal balance - completely without having hormonal effects itself.
Studies suggest that Rhodiola supports the activation of certain estrogen receptors and thus initiates cellular signaling pathways, such as improving circulation. Technically this means: Activation of NO synthase via ERα. Or more simply put: Rhodiola helps cells function better without 'overriding' the body with hormones.
The thyroid is a central control organ in the hormone system. It produces the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which affect energy metabolism, metabolism, and even mood. If its function becomes unbalanced – for example, in the case of hypothyroidism – fatigue, lack of drive, weight gain, or depressive moods can result.
A preclinical study from the year 2022 investigated the effects of Rhodiola rosea on the thyroid. In animal experiments, hypothyroidism was artificially induced in rats and then treated with a Rhodiola extract.
The result: The plant active ingredient, especially salidroside, lowered the increased TSH level (a marker for hypothyroidism) and significantly increased the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The effect was even more pronounced in combination with iodide.
The approaches sound promising - but have not yet been proven. The results so far come from animal experiments, and clinical studies in humans are still pending. It is therefore still unclear how Rhodiola rosea actually affects the thyroid. What is clear, however, is that those suffering from hypothyroidism should never rely solely on herbal remedies. Rhodiola can be supportive - but only in consultation with a doctor or physician.
The question of whether Rhodiola rosea actually affects the hormonal system can no longer be answered solely by experiential knowledge. Several studies - for example, on cell cultures, isolated organs, and tissues - demonstrate a variety of adaptogenic properties, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anxiolytic, and mood-enhancing effects.
One Review of 2022 concludes that Rhodiola preparations not only increase mental resilience but can also stabilize stress axes in the hormonal system - especially when these are out of balance due to chronic stress.
Whether it's cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, or thyroid function: Research provides initial evidence of regulatory effects - but many questions remain. One thing is certain: Rhodiola rosea has evolved from a traditional remedy into an exciting research field of modern phytomedicine.
The question of the right dosage cannot be answered universally. However, the current state of research does provide clear guidelines - here is an overview:
Our conclusion on the dosage of Rhodiola rosea (golden root): Current research indicates that 300–600 mg daily, taken over several weeks and ideally in the morning, can be beneficial. As with all herbal preparations, the effect varies from person to person - and should be accompanied by medical advice if in doubt.
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