Fact Check: Can Amla Cure Hormonal Imbalances?

An Instagram post claims that Amla Cures Hormonal Imbalances. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Amla Cures Hormonal Imbalances. The post by phactomatic reads, "Having Amla regularly brings women menstrual cycle back to normal. Amla juice is known to improve mental health and cure hormonal imbalance."

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user is FALSE. Amla may offer potential health benefits, but there is no strong scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the user's claim that it can cure hormonal imbalances.

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hormonal imbalances refers to unusually high or low hormone levels in the bloodstream or the presence of an underlying endocrine disorder. Hormonal issues can affect both men and women and may arise when the body’s response to hormones is impaired. The endocrine system, made up of eight key glands such as the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, and pancreas, plays a vital role in regulating growth, metabolism, sexual health, and mood. Disorders in this system can disrupt these essential functions.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids are complex disorders influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and behavioral factors, all of which can affect fertility. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals may directly harm gametes (eggs and sperm), reducing quantity and compromising quality. Managing these conditions typically requires a comprehensive approach involving both lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.

Can Hormonal Imbalances be cured?

Hormonal imbalances cannot be completely cured in most cases, but they can be managed effectively. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include hormone replacement therapy, medications, surgery, or radiation. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) require long-term medical management rather than a cure. While some lifestyle changes—like stress reduction and regular exercise—can support hormone health, unproven supplements should be avoided without medical advice. Ultimately, hormonal imbalances are controlled, not permanently cured.

What are the Nutritional Benefits Of Amla?

Amla, known as Indian gooseberry, has been recognized for its nutritional benefits since ancient times. It is rich in bioactive compounds including tannins, alkaloids, gallic acid, fiber, carbohydrates, and is a potent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Amla's fruits are widely used in traditional medicine due to their strong antioxidant properties. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that amla may effectively reduce lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and reactive oxygen species while enhancing endogenous antioxidant levels, thereby inhibiting disease pathogenesis. Its roles encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory activities, making it a valuable dietary component for overall well-being.

Can Amla Cure Hormonal Imbalances?

While amla has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support general health, it cannot be considered a definitive treatment or cure for hormone-related disorders. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user. Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.

Amla is well-known for its numerous nutritional and health benefits. The findings of the study by Saleh A. Almatroodi et. al. revealed that amla is rich in various bioactive compounds including tannins, alkaloids, gallic acid, fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamin C. The study further explored the role in health management has been established through its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities.

It has also been widely used to support various aspects of health. The findings of the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Health Care revealed that amla effectively promotes longevity, enhances digestion, treats constipation, reduces fever, and alleviates cough, thereby demonstrating its potential to improve overall health and well-being.

Similarly, the findings of the review by Pawar Gayatri Avinash et. al. highlighted its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, ulcerogenic, neuroprotective and immunogenic properties, making it beneficial in the treatment and management of various illnesses.

Amla is known to offer nutritional value and potential health benefits, there is no substantial scientific evidence or established medical consensus supporting the user's claim that Amla can cure hormonal imbalances.

Responding to the claim Dr Sandhya Kumari, Sr Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Sanjeevan Hospital said, "The claim that Amla (Indian gooseberry) can cure hormonal imbalances is false and medically unproven. It’s important to understand that hormonal imbalances cannot be "cured" in most cases—they can only be managed through appropriate medical interventions. Amla is undoubtedly a nutrient-rich fruit, loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, and supports general health, but it has no direct role in correcting hormonal disruptions.

Hormonal imbalances are complex and may stem from conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, adrenal gland issues, or menopause-related changes. These involve multiple endocrine pathways and require targeted treatments including medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes hormonal therapies based on a patient’s specific diagnosis.

Relying solely on natural remedies like Amla is not only misleading but may also delay appropriate medical care. No clinical studies or scientific data support the claim that consuming Amla alone can regulate or cure hormonal imbalances. Recognized medical bodies stress that addressing hormonal issues requires a multifactorial approach, often involving long-term management rather than a permanent "cure."

If you're experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, acne, unexplained weight changes, or mood swings, consult a gynaecologist or endocrinologist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Dietary additions like Amla can support overall health but should never be considered a standalone solution."

Dr Pratiksha Gupta, Professor, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ESIC Hospital further said, "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Amla (Indian gooseberry) can cure hormonal imbalances. While Amla is rich in Vitamin C and has antioxidant properties, hormonal imbalances often result from complex underlying causes like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or menopause, which require medical evaluation and targeted treatments. Relying solely on Amla or any single food for hormonal correction is misleading and may delay proper care. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and management."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that amla can cure hormonal imbalances is unsupported by scientific evidence. While it offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and may support general well-being, it is not a proven or recommended cure for hormone-related disorders. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the user's claim.

Hence, the user's claim is FALSE.