Introduction:
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herb used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Recently it has attracted attention for possible benefits in hormone-related conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This article explains how licorice works on hormones, what benefits it might offer for people with PCOS, and the important safety warnings you must know — all in simple, clear language and based on published research and reputable health sources.
What is in Licorice root and how does it act on hormones:
Licorice root contains several active compounds; the most important is glycyrrhizin (also spelled glycyrrhizic acid). Glycyrrhizin affects how the body processes certain steroid hormones by blocking an enzyme called 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2). When that enzyme is blocked, cortisol is less easily converted to its inactive form, which can change local hormone signalling and mimic effects similar to excess aldosterone (a hormone that controls salt and potassium). This enzyme-blocking action explains both some potential benefits and some of the risks of licoric.
How licorice may influence sex hormones (and androgens):
Some lab and human studies show that licorice can lower circulating androgens (male-type hormones such as testosterone) or blunt androgen activity. One older human study found a measurable drop in serum testosterone after licorice ingestion; animal and lab models also suggest licorice interferes with enzymes that make androgens, such as 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17–20 lyase. For conditions like PCOS, where many people have elevated androgens, this effect could be helpful. PubMed Central
Possible benefits of licorice for PCOS:
Reduction in androgen levels and symptoms:
Because licorice may lower testosterone, it could reduce PCOS symptoms driven by androgens, such as acne, excess facial or body hair, and hair thinning. Some traditional herbal formulas that include licorice have been used to manage menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenism
Metabolic and weight-related effects:
A recent randomized trial examined licorice supplementation together with a low-calorie diet in overweight or obese women with PCOS. The study reported improvements in body-weight measures, glucose control, and lipid (cholesterol) markers compared with placebo. These results are promising because metabolic problems (insulin resistance, high cholesterol) commonly accompany PCOS and raise long-term health risks. However, the authors and other reviewers note that more and larger trials are needed to confirm the effect and to set safe dosing guidelines.
Also Read: Berberine Benefits For PCOS
Possible ovarian and fertility effects:
Animal studies show licorice extracts helped reduce ovarian cysts and improved some measures of oocyte (egg) health in PCOS models. While animal data are useful, it is not the same as evidence in humans; early human reports from traditional medicine suggest possible benefits for menstrual regularity, but modern clinical evidence is still limited.
How people typically take licorice:
Licorice is available as teas, dried root, tinctures, and standardized extracts. Some products are “deglycyrrhizinated” licorice (DGL) where glycyrrhizin has been removed; these are commonly used for digestive complaints and carry fewer risks related to blood pressure and potassium loss. Clinical studies that showed hormone or metabolic effects generally used specific extracts or doses, so self-treating with candy or unknown products is not a safe substitute.
Safety concerns and why licorice can be risky:
Effects on blood pressure and potassium:
The most important safety concern is that glycyrrhizin can cause sodium retention, potassium loss (hypokalemia), swelling, and high blood pressure by producing an effect similar to excess aldosterone. These changes can be serious — in rare cases leading to dangerous heart rhythm problems, muscle weakness, or hospital admission. Even moderate regular intake of licorice (including some candies or teas) has caused problems in susceptible people. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or are taking medicines that affect potassium or blood pressure, licorice can be dangerous.
Drug interactions:
Licorice can interact with many medicines: blood pressure drugs, diuretics, heart rhythm medicines, blood thinners, and hormones such as spironolactone (an anti-androgen and diuretic). Licorice may also affect how the body handles insulin and some liver-metabolized drugs. If you take any prescription medicines, check with your prescriber before using licorice.
Special groups pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Licorice is often advised against during pregnancy. Some studies associate high licorice intake in pregnancy with risks such as preterm birth or developmental effects; therefore, avoid licorice during pregnancy and speak with a clinician if you are breastfeeding.
How to use licorice more safely (if you and your clinician decide it may help):
Talk to a healthcare professional first:
Because of the risks and variable product quality, discuss licorice with a doctor, endocrinologist, or a knowledgeable herbalist before trying it for PCOS.
Prefer standardized products and consider DGL if digestive support only:
If a clinician recommends licorice, use a product standardized for its active ingredients and follow tested doses from trials — not candy. If you want licorice only for digestive comfort, choose deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which lacks glycyrrhizin and carries much less risk for blood pressure and potassium problems.
Monitor blood pressure and electrolytes:
If you take licorice regularly, your clinician may advise checking your blood pressure and blood potassium (and possibly kidney function) regularly, especially in the first weeks of use. Stop the herb and seek care promptly if you notice swelling, palpitations, muscle weakness, or lightheadedness.
Bottom line possible promise but not a stand-alone treatment:
Licorice root contains compounds that can lower some androgens and may help some metabolic markers in PCOS when used with diet changes. Early clinical trials and traditional uses offer reason for cautious interest. But licorice also carries real risks — particularly raising blood pressure and lowering potassium — that can be dangerous in some people. Because of these safety concerns, licorice should not be used on a whim: consult your healthcare provider, use well-characterized products, and monitor health closely if you try it.
References:
- Licorice: From Pseudohyperaldosteronism to Therapeutic Uses (Frontiers in Endocrinology)
- Effects of licorice extract in combination with a low-calorie diet on overweight/obese women with PCOS (Ovarian Research / PMC)
- Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women (ScienceDirect)
- Licorice-induced apparent mineralocorticoid excess and case reports (NEJM / PMC)
- Healthline overview on licorice root benefits and precautions