Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an herb used in teas, candies, and supplements. Biologically it’s not “neutral”: its main constituent glycyrrhizin (and metabolites like glycyrrhetinic acid) can inhibit 11β-HSD2, which lets cortisol overstimulate mineralocorticoid receptors—this can mimic aldosterone excess and lead to high blood pressure, low potassium, and fluid retention (“pseudoaldosteronism”) (1). Licorice also has anti-androgenic potential: a clinical study in healthy women found licorice reduced serum testosterone, likely via inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes such as 17,20-lyase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (2).

For PFS/PSSD/PAS, licorice root is commonly treated as a moderate-risk trigger. Because it can plausibly push androgen/steroid pathways (and also disturb electrolytes/cortisol signaling at higher intakes), some people report flares/crashes, and a few describe longer-lasting setbacks—making it generally not worth experimenting with during stabilization. If it’s consumed at all, the safest stance for your site is: avoid concentrated extracts and “hormone” blends, and if someone notices a consistent worsening with licorice tea/supplements, treat it as a personal trigger and stop (3).

(1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8109973/

(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15579328/

(3) https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.719197/full

Anecdotes:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PSSD/comments/ualz59/anyone_crashed_from_licorice_supplements/

My Personal Risk Ranking:

Low-Moderate Risk of Permanent Worsening (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):

If you currently have PFS/PSSD/PAS, licorice root is generally considered a moderate-risk substance for worsening symptoms—potentially in a lasting way—because it can act as an anti-androgen (lowering testosterone in studies) and can also disrupt steroid/electrolyte balance (pseudoaldosteronism in higher or chronic intakes). There are community reports of flares/crashes, and given the hormonal plausibility, it’s often not worth the risk, especially during stabilization. If encountered, avoid concentrated extracts and “hormone” blends, and stop if you notice a clear, consistent worsening.