Licorice Root for Women: Benefits & Considerations
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used medicinally across Asia and Europe for thousands of years. Its primary bioactive compound, glycyrrhizin, along with its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, drives most of its pharmacological effects. More recently, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) — a form with glycyrrhizin removed — has gained popularity for digestive support with fewer hormonal effects. Understanding licorice root for women requires looking at both the benefits and the genuine safety concerns.
Why Women May Benefit from Licorice Root
Menopausal Symptom Support
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens (isoflavones and other phenolic compounds) that exhibit mild oestrogen-like activity at tissue receptors. A randomised controlled trial by Nahidi et al. (2012) found that licorice root extract significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flushes in postmenopausal women compared to placebo. This makes it a candidate for non-hormonal, plant-based support during menopause, though effects are milder than pharmaceutical hormone therapy.
PCOS and Androgen Modulation
Glycyrrhizic acid has been shown to inhibit enzymes involved in androgen synthesis, including 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. A small clinical study by Armanini et al. (2004) found that licorice root reduced total testosterone in healthy women, suggesting a potential role in managing androgen excess in PCOS. This effect was reversible upon discontinuation.
Digestive and Mucous Membrane Support
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is widely used for soothing the gastric lining. It may support mucous membrane health in the gut without the blood-pressure risks of glycyrrhizin. Women who experience acid reflux, gastritis, or irritable bowel symptoms may find DGL formulations useful as a complement to dietary changes.
Stress and Adrenal Support
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which normally deactivates cortisol in peripheral tissues. This means licorice root can effectively extend the activity of endogenous cortisol, which may support adrenal function in states of low cortisol output. However, this same mechanism is the source of licorice's most serious side effect — it can significantly raise cortisol and cause hypertension and hypokalaemia with chronic use.
Hormonal and Life-Stage Notes
The mild phytoestrogenic activity of licorice root is relevant at different life stages:
- Menstrual cycle phase: some herbalists suggest avoiding very high doses in the luteal phase for women with oestrogen dominance, though clinical evidence for this concern is limited.
- Perimenopause/menopause: most studied context for licorice; RCT data supports modest hot flush reduction (Nahidi et al., 2012).
- PCOS: the androgen-lowering effect may be beneficial, but the cortisol-prolonging mechanism warrants caution in women already experiencing elevated stress hormones.
Dose Considerations
For menopausal symptom support, clinical trials have used extracts standardised to a known glycyrrhizin content, typically equivalent to 150–300 mg glycyrrhizin per day. OstroVit Licorice VEGE 90caps (available at maxfit.ee) provides a convenient standardised option.
For digestive support, DGL forms are typically used at 400–800 mg per day before meals.
The key safety rule: standard doses of whole licorice root (glycyrrhizin-containing) should generally not be used for more than 4–6 weeks at a time. DGL is safer for long-term use because glycyrrhizin has been removed.
Pregnancy and Safety Notes
Licorice root during pregnancy is a significant safety concern. A large cohort study by Räikkönen et al. (2017) found that children born to mothers who consumed high amounts of licorice during pregnancy showed impaired cognitive development and increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms at school age. Licorice is best avoided in pregnancy.
Other safety considerations:
- Hypertension: glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, raising blood pressure. Women with existing hypertension should avoid glycyrrhizin-containing licorice.
- Hypokalaemia risk: prolonged use can lower potassium levels, which can cause muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Drug interactions: licorice may interact with antihypertensives, diuretics, corticosteroids, and medications affected by CYP enzymes.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: theoretically, phytoestrogenic activity could affect conditions such as oestrogen-receptor-positive cancers. Women with such conditions should discuss licorice use with their oncologist.
Bottom Line
Licorice root for women has meaningful evidence in the context of menopausal hot flush reduction and androgen modulation in PCOS. The safety concerns around glycyrrhizin — particularly blood pressure elevation and potassium depletion — mean that short-term, appropriately dosed use is the prudent approach.
For ongoing digestive support, DGL forms are safer. For menopausal symptom management, discuss with a healthcare provider whether licorice fits your overall health profile.
Browse the full lagritsjuur category at MaxFit.
References
- Nahidi, F., Zare, E., Janani, L., & Fallahian, M. (2012). Effects of licorice on relief and recurrence of menopausal hot flashes. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 11(2), 541-548. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24250477/
- Armanini, D., Mattarello, M. J., Fiore, C., Bonanni, G., Scaroni, C., Sartorato, P., & Palermo, M. (2004). Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women. Steroids, 69(11-12), 763-766. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15579328/
- Räikkönen, K., Pesonen, A. K., Heinonen, K., Lahti, J., Komsi, N., Eriksson, J. G., Seckl, J. R., Jarvenpaa, A. L., & Strandberg, T. E. (2009). Maternal licorice consumption and detrimental cognitive and psychiatric outcomes in children. American Journal of Epidemiology, 170(9), 1137-1146.
FAQ
Can licorice root help with hot flushes during menopause?
A randomised controlled trial found that licorice root extract significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flushes compared to placebo in postmenopausal women (Nahidi et al., 2012). Effects are milder than pharmaceutical hormone therapy but may provide meaningful comfort without hormonal medications.
How long can women safely take licorice root?
Glycyrrhizin-containing licorice should generally not be used for more than 4–6 weeks continuously due to risks of blood pressure elevation and potassium depletion. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is suitable for longer-term digestive support.
Is licorice root safe during pregnancy?
No. Research suggests that high maternal licorice consumption is associated with adverse cognitive and behavioural outcomes in children (Räikkönen et al., 2009). Licorice root should be avoided during pregnancy.
