Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and steady energy, matcha has become more popular than ever. But as interest in hormone health also grows, the question of whether matcha has an impact on hormones- particularly estrogen- has come up.

Estrogen is a powerful hormone that influences bone density, cardiovascular health, brain function, metabolism, and mood. And not just for women, but for men too. Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout life, but foods and beverages can also influence hormone levels (some positively and some negatively).

Green tea has been studied extensively for its many health benefits. To understand green tea (and matcha’s) impact on estrogen, it’s helpful to look at estrogen’s role in the body and what we know about matcha’s impact.

Keep reading to learn what the science says and how matcha may positively affect estrogen levels in both men and women.  

What does estrogen do in the body?

Estrogen is often talked about mainly in the context of women’s health, but it’s essential for everyone. It supports:

-          Bone density

-          Cardiovascular health

-          Brain function and mood regulation

-          Skin health

-          Reproductive function

Estrogen naturally fluctuates throughout life, like during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Lifestyle factors such as stress, body composition, diet, and sleep also influence how the body produces and metabolizes estrogen.

Diet does play a role in hormone health and can influence estrogen, but not always in the way people think. Certain foods can indirectly influence estrogen by affecting liver function, gut health, body fat, and other factors that help regulate estrogen production, metabolism, and clearance. But very few foods actually raise estrogen directly.

Phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds found in foods like soy and green tea, can bind to estrogen receptors but do not act the same way that estrogen does in the body. In fact, they tend to have a balancing effect. Research consistently shows that moderate intake of phytoestrogens does not increase estrogen and does not cause feminizing effects in men or increase breast cancer rates in women. In fact, phytoestrogens may support healthier estrogen levels, which may help reduce the severity of hot flashes and lower the risk of both breast and prostate cancer. 

Matcha + Hormones

Matcha is unique because you consume the whole tea leaf, unlike traditional tea, which you steep and then discard the leaves. This gives you a higher concentration of beneficial compounds like:

• Catechins (especially EGCG)

Matcha is particularly rich in EGCG, an antioxidant that has been studied for its effects on inflammation, metabolism, and cellular health. Some research suggests that catechins may influence how the body metabolizes estrogen and block estrogen-driven cell growth, and may help prevent breast cancer.

• Polyphenols

Polyphenols support liver detoxification. Since the liver processes and clears hormones, anything that supports liver health may indirectly support healthy estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens are also a category of polyphenols, which matcha naturally contains. They don’t flood your body with excess estrogen but rather help promote a healthy balance by either increasing or decreasing estrogenic effects, depending on what your body needs.

• Combination of Caffeine and L-theanine

Matcha contains a unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, the relaxing amino acid. This is what gives matcha its calm, focused, alertness, it’s so famous for. Choosing matcha over other highly caffeinated beverages may help some people reduce stress and balance cortisol levels.

How matcha supports estrogen balance

• Polyphenols found in matcha may help the liver process hormones more efficiently

• Matcha has a high antioxidant content, which can help reduce oxidative stress and support overall endocrine function.

• L-theanine, a key amino acid matcha contains, may help reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, which are closely linked to hormone balance.

• Studies show matcha and green tea may support metabolism. Improved insulin sensitivity and stable energy may help regulate body weight, which is important as fat tissue can influence estrogen levels.

Bottom Line:

Matcha won’t significantly affect estrogen levels; however, research suggests it may have mild effects on its metabolism and can help support overall hormone levels. Matcha and green tea have been shown to support systems in the body that help maintain hormonal balance, like healthy liver function, stress regulation, and metabolic health. For most people, matcha is a safe, nourishing, and delicious addition to a hormone-friendly lifestyle – for both men and women!

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

References:

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Cipolletti M, Solar Fernandez V, Montalesi E, Marino M, Fiocchetti M. Beyond the Antioxidant Activity of Dietary Polyphenols in Cancer: the Modulation of Estrogen Receptors (ERs) Signaling. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Sep 5;19(9):2624. doi: 10.3390/ijms19092624. PMID: 30189583; PMCID: PMC6165334.

Fuhrman BJ, Pfeiffer RM, Wu AH, Xu X, Keefer LK, Veenstra TD, Ziegler RG. Green tea intake is associated with urinary estrogen profiles in Japanese-American women. Nutr J. 2013 Feb 15;12:25. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-25. PMID: 23413779; PMCID: PMC3584908.

Keckstein S, Tilgener C, Jeschke U, Hofmann S, Vilsmaier T, Keilmann L, Heidegger H, Kaltofen T, Batz F, Mahner S, Schröder L. Effects of matcha tea extract on cell viability and estrogen receptor-β expression on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2024 Apr;309(4):1509-1514. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-07209-z. Epub 2023 Sep 22. PMID: 37737883; PMCID: PMC10894130.

Dai Q, Shu XO, Li H, Yang G, Shrubsole MJ, Cai H, Ji B, Wen W, Franke A, Gao YT, Zheng W. Is green tea drinking associated with a later onset of breast cancer? Ann Epidemiol. 2010 Jan;20(1):74-81. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2009.09.005. PMID: 20006278; PMCID: PMC2848451.

Patisaul HB, Jefferson W. The pros and cons of phytoestrogens. Front Neuroendocrinol. 2010 Oct;31(4):400-19. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.03.003. Epub 2010 Mar 27. PMID: 20347861; PMCID: PMC3074428.