Hormones influence nearly every aspect of your health—your energy, mood, skin, sleep, metabolism, and reproductive function. So when even one hormone falls out of balance, it can affect your entire sense of well-being. From menopause and PCOS to thyroid issues and chronic stress, hormonal imbalances are a common challenge in modern life.
But alongside diet and lifestyle changes, many people are turning to nature’s original medicine cabinet for help. Herbal remedies for hormone balance offer gentle, natural hormone support that works with your body—not against it. Whether you're navigating the transition into menopause, managing PCOS symptoms, or looking for herbs for thyroid balance or stress-related imbalances, there are options that fit your needs.
This article explores 12 of the best herbs for hormone balance, backed by scientific research and practical guidance. Whether you’re here out of curiosity or studying herbal medicine for hormone support as part of your professional path, this beginner-friendly guide will help you take your next step.
In short…
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They’re produced by the endocrine system and play a central role in everything from reproduction and metabolism to sleep and stress resilience. When hormones become dysregulated, symptoms such as fatigue, acne, weight gain, PMS, irregular periods, and anxiety can emerge.
Rather than suppressing symptoms, herbal medicine for hormone support helps restore the body’s natural ability to self-regulate. Here’s how it works:
These natural remedies can be especially helpful for women dealing with perimenopause, PCOS, thyroid issues, and stress-related conditions. Herbs don’t override hormonal pathways. Instead, they work in harmony with the body’s rhythms—making them ideal for holistic, long-term support.
These are the top herbs for women’s health and hormone support, each with science-backed benefits, suggested uses, and cautions.
How it works: Ashwagandha is one of the best adaptogenic herbs for hormones. It helps balance cortisol, the stress hormone that—when chronically elevated—can disrupt sex and thyroid hormone function.
Research: According to the NIH, ashwagandha has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels, support thyroid function, and improve resistance to stress-related fatigue.
Usage: 300–600 mg/day of root extract in capsules or powder form. Commonly used in smoothies or before bed.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy or if you have autoimmune thyroid conditions without practitioner supervision.
How it works: Vitex works on the pituitary gland to regulate estrogen and progesterone—making it one of the best herbs to regulate estrogen and progesterone naturally.
Research: A 2022 review confirmed Vitex’s effectiveness in easing PMS and promoting menstrual regularity.
Usage: 20–40 mg/day, best taken in the morning as a tincture or capsule.
Caution: May interfere with hormonal contraceptives or HRT.
How it works: Maca supports hormone balance via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and enhances energy, mood, and libido—especially during menopause.
Research: A 2019 study supports its effectiveness in reducing menopause-related discomfort and enhancing sexual wellbeing.
Usage: 1–3 teaspoons/day as powder, or in capsules.
Caution: Use cautiously if managing thyroid issues due to iodine content.
How it works: Rhodiola supports adrenal health, improves resilience to stress, and helps rebalance cortisol levels.
Research: Clinical trials have shown that Rhodiola reduces fatigue and improves overall stress response (PMC4411442).
Usage: 200–400 mg/day in capsule or tincture form.
Caution: Avoid if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or are sensitive to stimulants.
How it works: One of the most trusted herbal remedies for menopause, red clover contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens) that support estrogen balance.
Research: A 2022 study found it effective for reducing hot flashes and supporting bone health post-menopause.
Usage: Capsules or tea, providing 40–80 mg of isoflavones daily.
Caution: Avoid in cases of estrogen-sensitive conditions like breast cancer.
How it works: This adaptogenic herb reduces stress and protects the endocrine system from oxidative damage.
Research: Shown to lower cortisol levels and improve endocrine balance in stressed individuals (PMC6494412).
Usage: 300–600 mg/day as tea or in supplement form.
Caution: Use cautiously during pregnancy or with blood-thinning medications.
How it works: Licorice root supports adrenal health and reduces elevated testosterone levels—making it useful for natural remedies for PCOS.
Research: A 2011 study confirmed licorice’s role in reducing androgen levels in women.
Usage: 380–600 mg/day of DGL form for safer long-term use.
Caution: Avoid with high blood pressure or kidney issues.
How it works: Dong Quai, sometimes called “female ginseng,” is rich in phytoestrogens and used in herbal medicine for hormone support—especially to relieve menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms.
Research: A 2020 study found Dong Quai effective in alleviating hot flashes and balancing hormones during perimenopause.
Usage: 500–1000 mg/day in capsules or tincture.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy and in hormone-sensitive conditions.
How it works: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil supports progesterone balance, easing PMS symptoms, breast tenderness, and skin flare-ups.
Research: A 2019 review highlighted its effectiveness in managing menstrual-related discomfort and hormonal acne.
Usage: 500–1300 mg/day, typically during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Caution: May increase bleeding risk—consult your doctor if you’re on blood thinners.
How it works: Saw palmetto is one of the best herbs for hormone balance in cases of androgen excess. It helps reduce DHT (a form of testosterone), which is linked to PCOS symptoms like acne and hair thinning.
Research: Shown to reduce testosterone-related symptoms in women with PCOS (PMC9228580).
Usage: 160–320 mg/day as a standardised extract in capsule or tincture form.
Caution: Not recommended during pregnancy. May interact with hormonal medications.
How it works: Peppermint may help reduce androgens in women with hormonal imbalance, making it one of the best herbs for hormonal imbalance in PCOS. It also supports digestive health—key to hormone detoxification.
Research: A 2022 study found peppermint tea lowered free testosterone in women with PCOS.
Usage: Tea (1–2 cups/day) or enteric-coated capsules.
Caution: Avoid in large doses during pregnancy. May trigger reflux in some individuals.
How it works: Ginger is a top contender for natural ways to balance hormones with herbs. It reduces inflammation, balances blood sugar, and soothes menstrual pain—making it supportive in a wide range of hormone imbalances.
Research: A 2018 study confirmed its effectiveness in easing period pain, inflammation, and metabolic symptoms.
Usage: 1000–2000 mg/day as tea, capsules, or fresh.
Caution: Avoid in high doses if taking blood thinners or managing a bleeding disorder.
While these top herbs for natural hormone support can be powerful tools, they’re not one-size-fits-all solutions. Hormonal imbalances often stem from multiple causes—thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, metabolic issues, or lifestyle stressors. What works for one person may not be suitable for another.
You should consult a qualified healthcare professional or naturopath before starting herbs, especially if:
Herbal remedies for hormone balance are most effective when used as part of a holistic, personalised plan that includes:
Listening to your body and making gradual adjustments is key to lasting change.
At The Nutrition Institute, we believe lasting health starts with education—and that knowledge should be both empowering and practical. While herbal remedies for hormone balance are a powerful tool, true transformation happens when you understand how herbs work in synergy with nutrition, lifestyle, and the body’s natural rhythms.
Our comprehensive online nutrition course provides a strong foundation in holistic wellness, with a focus on real-world strategies for hormonal health. Whether you’re looking to support your own wellbeing or deepen your understanding of natural hormone support, this course gives you the tools to do both—confidently and safely.
Here’s what you’ll explore inside:
Whether you're starting your wellness journey or working toward a professional path in nutrition, you’ll finish with a deep, evidence-based understanding of how to support hormonal health naturally—and sustainably.
Herbal medicine is most effective when approached with intention, education, and context. If this guide sparked your curiosity, there’s plenty more to explore on the path to balanced, resilient hormonal health.
Related articles:
Whether you're exploring natural ways to balance hormones with herbs or ready to expand your practice, our course will help you build a strong, science-backed foundation.
Enrol today in The Nutrition Institute’s online nutrition course and start developing the skills to support hormone health through food, herbs, and holistic wellness.
©2025 The Nutrition Institute. All rights reserved.
