Do Pomegranates Increase Estrogen or Testosterone?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Historically revered for fertility, modern science reveals that pomegranates can influence both estrogen and testosterone levels. This unique ability stems from the fruit's rich concentration of compounds like antioxidants and phytoestrogens, making the question 'Do pomegranates increase estrogen or testosterone?' more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Quick Summary

Pomegranates contain compounds that can act as natural modulators, influencing both estrogen and testosterone levels. Research indicates this effect can be beneficial for supporting hormonal balance in both men and women, with some studies showing increases in testosterone and others demonstrating regulation of both estrogen and testosterone levels, particularly in women with conditions like PCOS.

Key Points

Supports Testosterone Levels: Pomegranates can increase salivary testosterone levels in both men and women, as well as significantly boosting serum testosterone in male rat studies.
Aids Estrogen Balance: The fruit contains natural phytoestrogens that can help modulate estrogen levels, potentially alleviating symptoms in menopausal women with low estrogen or helping regulate levels in conditions like PCOS.
Acts as a Modulator: Instead of a simple increase or decrease, pomegranates appear to help balance hormones, acting as an adaptogen that normalizes hormone levels rather than pushing them in one direction.
Fights Oxidative Stress: Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, creating a healthier internal environment for proper hormone function.
Promotes Reproductive Health: Studies indicate that pomegranate's antioxidant properties can protect and improve male fertility parameters, while its modulating effects assist with female reproductive health issues like PCOS.
Source of Bioactive Compounds: Pomegranate juice and extracts are rich sources of polyphenols and plant sterols, which are the primary compounds responsible for the observed hormonal effects.

Understanding Pomegranates' Hormonal Impact

Long celebrated for their health benefits, pomegranates are now drawing attention for their potential role in hormonal health. The fruit contains a variety of bioactive compounds, most notably potent antioxidants like polyphenols and specific phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds that can mimic or modulate the body's own hormones. The way these compounds interact with the endocrine system is what determines the pomegranate's effect, making its influence on hormones highly context-dependent.

The Evidence for Testosterone Support

Several studies suggest that pomegranates may help increase testosterone levels, primarily in males. Research published in Endocrine Abstracts found that drinking pomegranate juice significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in both healthy men and women over a two-week period. This was accompanied by a reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone, which may explain part of the boost, as high cortisol can suppress testosterone. Animal studies have also shown positive correlations, with pomegranate juice intake leading to elevated testosterone and improved sperm quality in male rats. The mechanism is believed to involve the fruit's powerful antioxidant properties, which protect testicular cells from damage, thereby preserving or enhancing their testosterone production.

The Role of Pomegranates in Estrogen Balance

For women, pomegranates can act as a hormonal modulator, supporting healthy estrogen balance rather than simply increasing or decreasing it. Pomegranate contains plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) such as estradiol, estrone, and estriol, which are structurally similar to human estrogen. This allows them to bind to estrogen receptors in the body. Studies have highlighted this adaptive quality, particularly in conditions involving hormonal imbalances like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Research on rats with PCOS showed that pomegranate extract reduced significantly elevated levels of estrogen and testosterone, indicating its ability to help regulate hormones back to a balanced state. Furthermore, for menopausal women with low estrogen, this phytoestrogenic effect may help alleviate symptoms.

Pomegranate's Impact on Hormones: A Comparison

To better understand the multifaceted role of pomegranates on hormonal health, here is a comparison of their effects on estrogen and testosterone.


Feature	Effect on Testosterone	Effect on Estrogen
Primary Mechanism	Antioxidant protection of testicular cells and reduction of cortisol.	Phytoestrogenic activity, modulating estrogen receptors.
Observed Effect	Increased salivary and serum testosterone levels in human and animal studies.	Modulatory effect; can decrease elevated levels (in PCOS) or support low levels (in menopause).
Key Active Compounds	Primarily antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids.	Phytoestrogens like estradiol, estrone, and estriol.
Beneficial For	Men seeking to support healthy testosterone levels or fertility.	Women seeking hormonal balance, especially those with PCOS or menopausal symptoms.
Evidence Source	Clinical studies on healthy individuals and preclinical studies on rats.	Preclinical studies on rats with PCOS and observational data in postmenopausal women.

The Antioxidant Connection: Reducing Hormonal Stress

Beyond directly influencing hormone receptors, the pomegranate's high antioxidant capacity plays a crucial indirect role in hormonal regulation. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can negatively impact the endocrine system, leading to hormonal disruptions. The polyphenols in pomegranates combat this damage, which can help create a healthier internal environment for hormone production and function. For example, by reducing oxidative stress in the testes, pomegranates help create optimal conditions for testosterone synthesis. In women with PCOS, where inflammation is often a factor, this antioxidant effect can contribute to improved hormonal outcomes.

Considerations and Practical Application

While promising, it's important to remember that most studies are preliminary, with many conducted on animals or small human cohorts. The effect of pomegranates is likely to be subtle and can vary based on individual health, diet, and lifestyle. Pomegranate extract, juice, and seeds all offer these compounds, but concentrations can differ significantly. When choosing pomegranate juice, opt for pure, unsweetened versions to maximize the benefit without added sugar. As with any dietary change for hormonal health, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for individuals with existing hormonal conditions or those on medication.

Conclusion: A Modulatory Approach

In summary, pomegranates do not simply increase or decrease hormones but act as a sophisticated modulator. They can support testosterone levels, particularly in men, through antioxidant protection, while aiding in the balance of estrogen in women, especially in conditions like PCOS. The rich array of antioxidants and phytoestrogens makes the pomegranate a valuable addition to a diet focused on overall endocrine system health. While not a cure-all, incorporating this ancient fruit into your diet offers a natural way to support hormonal wellbeing.

For further reading on the effects of pomegranate on hormonal biomarkers related to breast cancer risk, please refer to this study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking pomegranate juice can affect your hormones. It contains polyphenols and phytoestrogens that can act as modulators, with some studies showing an increase in testosterone and others demonstrating a balancing effect on estrogen.

Yes, pomegranate is considered a good source of phytoestrogens. It contains natural estrogen-like compounds, including estrone, estradiol, and estriol, which can interact with the body's estrogen receptors and support hormonal balance.

Some studies suggest pomegranate can increase testosterone in males. A 2012 study showed that drinking pomegranate juice for two weeks significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in men. The effect may be linked to the fruit's antioxidant properties and ability to reduce stress hormones.

Pomegranate may be beneficial for women with PCOS. Animal studies and some human research have shown that pomegranate extract can help lower elevated testosterone and estrogen levels commonly associated with PCOS, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic effects.

No, the hormonal effects of pomegranates are not the same for everyone and can vary based on individual health, gender, existing hormone levels, and the form of pomegranate consumed (juice, extract, or seeds). The response is highly individual and often more subtle than a direct hormonal spike.

The timeframe can vary. Some studies have observed changes in hormonal biomarkers, such as salivary testosterone, within two to eight weeks of regular pomegranate juice consumption. Consistent intake over a period of weeks or months is likely necessary to see potential effects.

Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as certain types of cancer, should consult a healthcare provider before consuming significant amounts of pomegranate extract or juice. While some research points to anti-cancer properties, the fruit's phytoestrogenic nature requires cautious consideration.

Pomegranate supplements, which are often concentrated extracts, may offer similar hormonal benefits to the fruit or juice, but dosages and concentrations can vary. It's important to choose high-quality products and consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.