Licorice Root PCOS Androgen Support

Category: Hormonal

Glycyrrhizin in licorice root inhibits 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in androgen biosynthesis, reducing total testosterone levels. Clinically studied specifically for androgen excess in PCOS, complementing spearmint's anti-androgenic action.

Traditional uses & benefits

• Specifically targets androgen excess in PCOS, reducing elevated testosterone, hirsutism, and hormonal acne driven by ovarian androgen overproduction
• Best used alongside spearmint for a complementary anti-androgenic approach
• Not suitable for people with hypertension, heart or kidney disease, or those taking corticosteroids

Ingredients

• Licorice root dried (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (1 tsp (2g))

How to prepare

1. Steep 1 tsp dried licorice root in 250ml boiling water for 10 minutes, covered. Strain and drink. 2 cups daily provides the studied dose of ~3.5g licorice root. 2. Combine with spearmint tea (2 cups daily) for additive anti-androgenic effect — spearmint targets LH-driven androgen production while licorice inhibits testosterone conversion enzymes. The combination is more powerful than either alone. 3. Monitor blood pressure during use — glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and potassium loss at doses >100mg glycyrrhizin/day. Take a 2-week break every 6 weeks. Use DGL form if hypertensive. 4. Allow 4–8 weeks before assessing hormonal impact. Serum testosterone and free testosterone are the key markers. DHEA-S should remain stable (licorice targets downstream conversion, not adrenal production).

Time to effect

Fuller benefits typically build over 2 to 4 weeks of consistent daily use.

Not right for

Not the right fit if any of these apply to you: hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, low potassium, pregnancy, long-term use >6 weeks. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

In simple terms

Licorice root's glycyrrhizin has direct anti-inflammatory effects on liver tissue and protects the gut lining simultaneously. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) removes the compound that raises blood pressure, making it safer for daily use.

When to take it

For gut lining protection: take DGL form 20 minutes before meals. For liver support: take after meals with water. Limit whole licorice root (containing glycyrrhizin) to 4 to 6 weeks maximum.

Common mistakes

• Using whole licorice root daily for extended periods without monitoring blood pressure
• Confusing licorice candy with medicinal licorice root — they are not equivalent
• Using with blood pressure medications without medical supervision — glycyrrhizin raises blood pressure
• Using in pregnancy — licorice root is contraindicated in pregnancy

Sources

• Licorice reduces serum testosterone in women: a RCT (2004): Armanini et al. RCT: 3.5g licorice root/day for one month significantly reduced serum testosterone in healthy women — mechanism via 17β-HSD inhibition.
• Glycyrrhizin anti-androgenic mechanism in PCOS (2012): Mechanism review: glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid inhibit 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, reducing conversion of androstenedione to testosterone in ovarian and peripheral tissue.

Back to the PlantRx Remedy Library

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.