✪ Key Takeaway: Licorice root may help PCOS by reducing testosterone levels and improving insulin sensitivity through its active compound glycyrrhizin.
Introduction
You walk down the supplement aisle and see licorice root promising hormone balance for PCOS.
You might wonder if this sweet-tasting root could actually help manage your irregular periods, excess hair growth, and stubborn weight gain.
Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach and today I am going to explain how licorice root works for PCOS and whether the science supports its use.
How Does Licorice Root Work for PCOS?
Licorice root contains a powerful compound called glycyrrhizin that directly affects hormone production in your body.
This compound blocks an enzyme called 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is responsible for converting weaker hormones into testosterone.
When this enzyme gets blocked, your body produces less testosterone, which can reduce symptoms like excess hair growth and acne.
Licorice also affects your adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones that can worsen PCOS symptoms.
The root helps regulate cortisol levels by inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an enzyme that activates cortisol in your tissues.
Additionally, glycyrrhizin appears to improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial since most women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance.
✪ Fact: Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine for over 4,000 years to treat various hormonal imbalances.
What Does the Research Say About Licorice and PCOS?
Several studies have examined licorice root supplementation in women with PCOS, showing promising but mixed results.
A 2019 randomized controlled trial found that women taking licorice extract for 8 weeks experienced significant reductions in testosterone levels compared to placebo.
The same study showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and reductions in inflammatory markers among participants.
Another study published in 2024 examined the effects of licorice combined with a low-calorie diet in overweight women with PCOS.
Participants who received licorice supplementation showed greater improvements in weight loss, blood sugar control, and lipid profiles compared to diet alone.
However, not all studies show consistent benefits, and some research suggests that individual responses to licorice can vary significantly based on genetics and PCOS phenotype.
✪ Pro Tip: Look for standardized licorice extracts containing at least 12% glycyrrhizic acid for consistent potency.
What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?
Licorice root can cause serious side effects when used inappropriately or for extended periods.
The most concerning risk is pseudoaldosteronism, a condition where licorice mimics the hormone aldosterone and causes sodium retention.
This can lead to high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and fluid retention, especially dangerous for women with existing cardiovascular issues.
Long-term use of licorice can also suppress your natural cortisol production, potentially leading to adrenal insufficiency when you stop taking it.
Some women experience digestive upset, headaches, or menstrual irregularities when starting licorice supplementation.
Licorice can interact with medications including blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and hormonal contraceptives, potentially altering their effectiveness.
✪ Note: Never exceed 100mg of glycyrrhizin daily and limit use to 4-6 weeks without medical supervision.
How Should You Use Licorice Root for PCOS?
If you decide to try licorice root for PCOS, start with the lowest effective dose and monitor your response carefully.
Most studies showing benefits used doses containing 50-100mg of glycyrrhizin daily for 6-8 weeks.
Choose standardized extracts rather than whole root powder to ensure consistent potency and avoid contamination with heavy metals.
Take licorice with food to minimize digestive upset and consider cycling your use with 2-week breaks every month.
Monitor your blood pressure weekly during supplementation, as increases can occur within days of starting licorice.
Combine licorice with other evidence-based PCOS treatments like dietary changes, exercise, and stress management for best results.
✪ Pro Tip: Keep a symptom diary to track changes in acne, hair growth, and menstrual patterns while using licorice.
The Bottom Line
Licorice root shows promise for managing PCOS symptoms through its hormone-balancing effects, but it requires careful use and medical supervision.
Natural does not always mean safe, and effective remedies demand respect for their power.
Share your experiences with licorice root or ask any questions about PCOS management in the comments below.
References
At NutritionCrown, we use quality and credible sources to ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy. Below are the sources referenced in writing this article:
- PMC: Effects of licorice extract in combination with a low calorie diet on obesity indices
- Frontiers in Endocrinology: Licorice Root Extract in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- PMC: Therapeutic Effects of Licorice in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- PubMed: Effects of licorice extract on metabolic parameters in PCOS
