Social media has long been dominated by the vibrant green drink, but some wellness influencers are now claiming that it can aid with balancing hormones. Is there any truth to this?
Made from powdered green tea, matcha continues to grow in popularity, with the global matcha industry expected to surge to $5 billion (£3.7 billion) by 2028.
Teeming with polyphenols and hailed as a gentler alternative to coffee with its slow-releasing caffeine, it’s easy to see why the drink is making a growing number of people switch from macchiatos to matcha lattes.
But some wellness influencers have been promoting matcha for its potential benefits in managing hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and hyperthyroidism.
As awareness of hormone health continues to rise and many women look for natural treatments for their symptoms, L360 speaks to health experts as to whether there is any truth to this online craze.
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@cabralmaria__ PCOS friendly recipe – Matcha Latte with Soy Milk 🥛🍵#matcha #recipe #pcos #healthy
Can matcha help PCOS?
PCOS is a complex hormonal condition that affects up to one in 10 women of reproductive age. It often involves insulin resistance, inflammation and excess androgens (like testosterone), which can cause irregular periods, acne and unwanted hair growth.
So where does matcha come in? According to Dr Linda Khoshaba, founder of Natural Endocrinology Specialists (NES), matcha’s superstar antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) may help tame two major drivers of PCOS: inflammation and insulin resistance.
“Anything that helps regulate blood sugar and insulin can indirectly help rebalance hormones,” Dr Khoshaba explains. “Matcha can support healthy metabolism, liver detoxification, and may even help reduce cortisol, our main stress hormone.”
Kate, nutritionist at supplement brand Nutrition Geeks, agrees: “Clinical trials with green tea extract — a close cousin to matcha — have shown improvements in insulin resistance, weight loss and free testosterone levels. Matcha is essentially a food-based version of this extract.”
Read more: Are matcha and iced coffees bad for your gut health?
Can matcha really balance hormones?
Matcha can help to an extent but isn’t a cure-all.
“There isn’t strong evidence that drinking matcha alone will directly balance hormones in a meaningful way,” says nutritionist and PCOS expert Rania Salman. “Most of the research has looked at green tea extract capsules at much higher doses than you’d get from a daily matcha latte.”
That said, it’s not useless. When added to a healthy diet and lifestyle, matcha can help support blood sugar control, metabolism and stress levels — all of which play a role in hormonal health.
Other matcha benefits worth sipping on
Beyond PCOS and hormones, matcha comes with extra perks:
- Gentle energy boost: the caffeine and L-theanine combo provides alertness without the jitters.
- Anti-inflammatory power: EGCG fights oxidative stress, which supports skin and cellular health.
- Calm focus: L-theanine promotes a sense of calm, which may help ease stress-related hormone disruption.
- Liver support: its chlorophyll content may help the liver metabolise hormones more efficiently.
Read more: Can Ozempic help manage PCOS symptoms like irregular periods?
How much matcha should you drink?
For potential hormone benefits, Kate recommends around two or three teaspoons of matcha daily, depending on the quality and EGCG content. But more isn’t always better.
“Too much matcha can cause stomach upsets, interfere with iron absorption or mess with your sleep,” Rania warns. “Most people do well with one to two cups a day.”
And if you’re sensitive to caffeine? Start slow, about one teaspoon per serving, and see how your body feels.
Matcha won’t magically fix PCOS or balance your hormones overnight. But as part of a bigger picture alongside balanced meals, stress management, movement and, if needed, targeted supplements, this antioxidant-rich tea can absolutely play a supporting role.
Feature image: Freepik
