Licorice root supports menopause relief by mimicking estrogen, regulating cortisol, and reducing hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Studies show noticeable symptom improvement within 4–6 weeks when taken consistently in safe, plant-based doses.

Licorice root has emerged as one of the most effective plant-based tools for managing menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, hormone shifts, and emotional instability. Its compounds act like gentle estrogen mimics while also helping regulate cortisol, your body’s stress hormone.

For women avoiding synthetic hormone therapy or looking for a more balanced approach, licorice root offers a botanical alternative backed by both tradition and emerging research. It’s been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, improve vaginal dryness, and support mood stability without overstimulating your system.

How licorice root works within the hormonal cascade, what symptoms it may help with, and how to use it safely, especially when paired with other targeted herbs like Dong Quai, Wild Yam, and Chasteberry. You'll also learn when it might not be the right fit, and how to avoid common mistakes like improper dosing or overlooked medication conflicts.

If you’re seeking plant-based menopause support that aligns with your body’s rhythm, licorice root may be the quiet, consistent ally you've been missing.

Why Women Are Turning to Licorice Root for Menopause

More and more women are rethinking the standard solutions offered for menopause. The idea of relying solely on synthetic hormone therapy feels outdated for many, especially when natural alternatives like licorice root show promising support for both body and mind. 

What’s behind the shift? It’s not hype. It’s real results paired with a deeper understanding of how phytoestrogens and adaptogenic herbs can ease the transition.

Licorice root has been part of traditional medicine systems for thousands of years, from Chinese to Middle Eastern practices. It’s known for its hormonal mimicry, soothing qualities, and ability to support everything from mood to energy. 

That’s why it’s a staple in modern menopause support blends, offering women something that feels more balanced, more aligned, and more in tune with what their bodies are asking for.

In our experience formulating natural hormone-balancing support, licorice root has earned its place, not as a miracle fix, but as a reliable ally when everything feels a bit off. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

How Licorice Root Works for Menopausal Symptoms

When symptoms start piling up, hot flashes, irritability, sleepless nights, energy dips, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing control of your body. Licorice root may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s quietly become one of the most supportive herbs for this stage of life. 

Why? 

Because it works with your body’s hormonal rhythms instead of forcing them in one direction.

Hormone Balance Without Hormones

Licorice root contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, which act as phytoestrogens, plant-based molecules that gently mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. That matters because during perimenopause and menopause, natural estrogen levels decline, triggering many of the symptoms women struggle with.

But it’s not only about estrogen. Licorice also influences cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. When cortisol is constantly elevated, it throws everything else, mood, weight, and sleep, into chaos. Licorice helps modulate that response, bringing things back into balance.

Our hormone support approach takes this seriously. That’s why our Menopause Support formula includes licorice root alongside Chasteberry (for progesterone support) and Wild Yam (a go-to for adrenal resilience). Together, they cover more ground than any one herb alone.

Does It Help With Hot Flashes and Night Sweats?

If there’s one symptom that drives women to seek relief, it’s hot flashes. Studies show that licorice root can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of hot flashes within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use. That’s not instant gratification, but it’s meaningful change over time.

Why does it work? 

Those phytoestrogens help balance the body’s internal thermostat, calming the misfiring signals that cause those sudden heat surges. In our blend, we’ve combined licorice with Dong Quai and Red Clover to reinforce this cooling effect, and it’s made a noticeable difference for many.

Emotional Rollercoaster? Mood + Sleep Support

When your hormones shift, so does your emotional baseline. Some women feel ragey, others anxious. Sleep? A distant memory. Licorice plays a quiet but powerful role here, again through cortisol regulation.

By supporting adrenal health and tempering cortisol spikes, licorice can ease mood swings, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. It won’t sedate you, but it might help you stop snapping at people for no reason. That’s why it’s foundational in our approach to menopausal stability.

And no, it doesn’t typically make anxiety worse before it gets better, though like any adaptogen, your body needs time to adjust. When blended correctly (and dosed appropriately), it’s one of the few herbs that supports both physical and emotional resilience in a single capsule.

Can Licorice Root Improve Vaginal Dryness and Libido?

Vaginal dryness and a drop in libido can feel like menopause is rewriting the rules of intimacy, and not in a good way. These symptoms are often brushed off, but they matter. They affect how you connect with your body and your partner. Fortunately, licorice root has shown quite a potential in this area too, working through subtle yet meaningful hormonal pathways.

Its phytoestrogenic compounds mimic estrogen enough to support vaginal tissue health and moisture regulation, which can become compromised as estrogen declines. But there’s more. Licorice also helps improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, both of which can play a role in physical comfort and sensitivity.

There’s also the testosterone connection. While testosterone is often tied to libido, too much of it, especially when unbalanced by estrogen, can contribute to issues like vaginal dryness or even unwanted hair growth. Licorice has mild anti-androgenic properties, which means it may help reduce excess testosterone in women, gently nudging hormones back toward a more balanced state.

When we include licorice in a menopause formula, it’s not only about calming hot flashes. It’s about the whole picture, including the parts that are harder to talk about. That’s why we pair it with ingredients like Chasteberry and Red Clover, which support both estrogen and progesterone equilibrium and help restore confidence in your skin.

What the Science Says

There’s a lot of buzz around herbs and menopause, but licorice root is not surviving on hype. It’s supported by decades of research and centuries of use. If you’re someone who needs facts before you trust a formula, this section is for you.

Several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown that licorice root can significantly reduce hot flash frequency and intensity, often within four to six weeks. These results weren’t marginal. Women reported measurable improvements in comfort and quality of life when taking licorice consistently.

Its phytoestrogenic properties are well-documented, allowing it to mimic low levels of estrogen without being a hormone. Licorice has also been studied for its effects on cortisol metabolism, adrenal fatigue, inflammation, and even skin clarity. That’s why it often appears in multi-targeted formulations, not as a one-note fix but as a system balancer.

That said, not all findings are perfectly aligned. Some studies suggest mood improvements, while others show limited emotional effects unless combined with other herbs like chasteberry or wild yam. 

And while the data on hot flashes is strong, there’s still no universal dosage recommendation, a point of frustration for many looking for clear direction.

Still, when we formulate with licorice, we stick with what’s proven to work: safe doses, thoughtful pairings, and time-tested delivery. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about using what works in the right combination.

How to Take Licorice Root for Menopause

Choosing to add licorice root to your menopause toolkit is one thing. Figuring out how to take it, what form, what dose, and what time of day, is another. Let’s walk through what matters most when it comes to making licorice root part of your daily rhythm.

Tea, Capsule, or Tincture?

Licorice comes in several forms, and each has its own strengths. Teas are soothing and accessible but often lack the potency needed for hormonal impact. Tinctures work fast but can be bitter and require careful dosing. Capsules tend to be the most reliable for menopause-related support because they offer consistency, ease, and taste-free delivery.

Our hormone-balancing approach includes licorice in capsule form for exactly that reason. It delivers the right amount, every time, no measuring droppers, no guesswork. And when you’re juggling unpredictable symptoms, simplicity is its kind of relief.

Ideal Dosage & Timing

Most studies use the equivalent of 100–200 mg of glycyrrhizin per day, though this can vary depending on the blend and your body’s needs. Too much licorice over time can impact blood pressure, which is why we keep doses within safe, effective ranges in our formulations.

As for timing, many women do best taking licorice root in the morning with food. It supports cortisol rhythms and energy stability throughout the day, and won’t interfere with winding down at night.

Duration of Use

Licorice is best used consistently over weeks, not days, for hormonal support. You may notice changes within a month, especially with hot flashes, but benefits tend to grow over time. That said, it’s important to take breaks or cycle usage if you’re using high-potency forms.

Some women notice symptoms creeping back when they stop taking it suddenly. That’s not withdrawal, it’s simply the body returning to baseline. Keeping a steady routine and listening to your body is the key. Our products are built for long-term support, with dosing designed to be safe and sustainable, no matter where you are in your menopause journey.

Is It Safe? Side Effects & Interactions

Safety is one of the first things women ask about when it comes to herbs, and rightfully so. Licorice root is powerful, and like any effective remedy, it requires thoughtful use. Here’s what to know if you’re thinking of incorporating it into your daily support routine.

The Blood Pressure Debate

One of the most talked-about concerns is licorice’s potential effect on blood pressure. At high doses or with long-term use, the compound glycyrrhizin can cause water retention and raise blood pressure in sensitive individuals. That’s why many menopause-focused blends, including ours, use licorice at moderate, clinically supported levels.

Another option is DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), a version of the root with glycyrrhizin removed. While DGL is great for digestive support, it may not offer the same hormone-balancing effects. That’s why we stick with whole-root extracts but stay within safe, regulated guidelines.

Our Menopause Support formula is formulated under GMP-certified conditions and designed for daily use without overstimulating your system. Still, if you’ve had past blood pressure concerns, checking in with your provider is always a wise step.

Medication Conflicts

Licorice root interacts with certain medications and conditions. You’ll want to be cautious if you’re taking:

• Diuretics

• Corticosteroids

• Hormone-sensitive cancer treatments

If you’re managing thyroid health or using antidepressants, it’s especially important to speak with your provider before adding licorice to your routine. While licorice may support thyroid function and stabilize mood in some women, combining it with prescription medications could amplify or interfere with their effects.

We’ve built our blend with these concerns in mind, offering a balanced dose that integrates well with most women’s wellness regimens while avoiding overstimulation. Still, personalization matters. Trust your gut, and if in doubt, partner with a professional who knows your history.

What Women Are Experiencing

Menopause doesn’t follow a script. For some, it creeps in slowly with subtle shifts. For others, it hits like a tidal wave. The one consistent thing? Every woman wants to feel like herself again. That’s why we focus on what’s practical, what’s calming, and what fits into your life.

We’ve seen women go from restless nights and endless hot flashes to finding calm, without turning to harsh pharmaceuticals. One customer described waking up “soaked and angry” every night, until she started using our Menopause Support formula. A few weeks later, she was sleeping through the night, less reactive, and feeling like she could breathe again.

Another shared how hormone shifts wrecked her digestion and energy. Bloating, fatigue, cravings, all of it felt like a daily fight. Once she added licorice (alongside chasteberry and wild yam), her gut calmed down, and she felt steady enough to move her body and plan her days again.

These shifts aren’t magic. They’re gradual, they’re noticeable, and they’re possible when you work with your hormones, not against them. We don’t believe in miracle cures. We believe in giving your body tools it can use, and licorice is one of those tools.

When Licorice Root Might Not Be the Right Fit

Natural support should feel empowering, not risky. And while licorice root has a lot to offer, it’s not the best match for everyone. Knowing when to pause or pivot can make all the difference in your experience.

Women with a history of high blood pressure may want to approach licorice root cautiously, especially in its traditional, glycyrrhizin-rich form. Long-term use without supervision can sometimes lead to elevated blood pressure or lower potassium levels, which is why product dosing and sourcing matter deeply.

It’s also smart to be mindful if you’re navigating pregnancy, PCOS, or liver conditions. Licorice interacts with hormone pathways and liver metabolism, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and clarity before adding it to your routine.

If you’re stacking licorice with other hormone-supportive supplements, like black cohosh, chasteberry, or HRT, it’s worth checking in with a provider. While these combinations can be powerful, they deserve thoughtful layering.

If you're already managing complex health dynamics or taking multiple prescriptions, consult someone who knows your full picture. The goal is balance, not overwhelm, and in most cases, that starts with smart, well-informed decisions.

The Bottom Line on Licorice Root for Menopause Relief

Licorice root may not be the first thing you reach for when menopause symptoms hit, but for many women, it quietly becomes one of the most reliable parts of their support routine. With its ability to mimic estrogen, modulate cortisol, ease hot flashes, and support emotional steadiness, it offers well-rounded relief that works with your body, not against it.

It’s not about chasing the next trendy ingredient. It’s about trusting what’s time-tested, clinically supported, and thoughtfully blended. Whether you’re dealing with night sweats, hormonal mood shifts, vaginal dryness, or fatigue that won’t quit, licorice root can be a steady, plant-based partner in your wellness plan.

And when paired with complementary herbs like Wild Yam, Dong Quai, and Chasteberry, as it is in our Menopause Support formula, you get a formula that respects what your body needs today while helping you feel more like yourself tomorrow.

Because this phase of life is not about managing decline. It’s about reclaiming rhythm, rest, and real energy. You deserve support that meets you where you are, no judgment, no pressure. Only thoughtful ingredients that do the work quietly and consistently, so you can get back to living well.