Does Coconut Oil Reduce Estrogen? A Scientific Review

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Hormonal imbalances affect millions globally, with conditions like estrogen dominance prompting dietary questions. A frequently asked question in wellness circles is: Does coconut oil reduce estrogen?

Quick Summary

The potential of coconut oil to lower estrogen is complex and not fully understood. Research suggests it may help regulate hormones by supporting the adrenal glands and gut microbiome, rather than acting as a direct estrogen-reducing agent in healthy individuals. Evidence is primarily from animal studies.

Key Points

Scientific Evidence: Human studies confirming that coconut oil directly reduces estrogen are lacking.
Balancing Effect: Coconut oil may support hormonal balance indirectly by improving gut health and adrenal function.
Animal Research: Studies in animals have shown virgin coconut oil can help normalize high estrogen levels in specific conditions like PCOS.
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs): The fatty acids in coconut oil provide essential building blocks for hormone production.
Antioxidants: Virgin coconut oil's high antioxidant content can reduce oxidative stress, a factor in hormonal disruption.

The Complex Relationship Between Coconut Oil and Hormones

Coconut oil, primarily composed of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like lauric acid, is a popular dietary fat. While often promoted for various health benefits, its impact on specific hormone levels, particularly estrogen, is nuanced and not definitively proven in extensive human trials. The primary scientific evidence comes from animal studies and research on the components of coconut oil.

How Coconut Oil May Influence Hormonal Balance

Coconut oil does not contain phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen) in the same way foods like soy or flaxseed do. Its influence on hormones is believed to be indirect, primarily through:

Supporting Adrenal Function: Healthy fats, including those in coconut oil, are essential building blocks for hormone production, including sex hormones and cortisol. Some animal studies suggest coconut oil consumption can affect the adrenal glands, which produce various steroid hormones.
Gut Health and the Estrobolome: The gut microbiome contains a collection of bacteria called the "estrobolome," which plays a significant role in modulating circulating estrogen levels in the body. By promoting a healthy gut environment (due to its antimicrobial fatty acids like lauric acid), coconut oil may indirectly support the elimination of excess estrogen from the body, preventing its re-absorption.
Antioxidant Effects: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and Vitamin E, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Chronic inflammation can disrupt the endocrine system, so reducing it may help maintain overall hormonal balance.

Scientific Findings on Estrogen Reduction

Direct evidence that coconut oil significantly reduces estrogen levels in humans is limited. However, some animal research provides insights:

A 2025 study on Mongolian gerbils found that prolonged consumption of coconut oil reduced steroidogenic enzymes (which are involved in synthesizing hormones, including estrogen) and increased estrogen receptor alpha expression in the adrenal glands. This suggests a complex interaction rather than a simple reduction in circulating estrogen.
A 2023 study on rats with PCOS (a condition often associated with high estrogen and testosterone) found that virgin coconut oil supplementation helped reverse elevated estrogen and testosterone levels, suggesting a potential balancing or normalizing effect in states of hormonal excess.

These findings suggest coconut oil might help regulate hormone production or metabolism under specific conditions, but it is not a medically recognized treatment for high estrogen (estrogen dominance) in humans without further research.

Coconut Oil vs. Other Hormone-Balancing Foods

While coconut oil offers potential benefits, other foods have more direct roles in estrogen metabolism.


Food Group	Key Compound(s)	Effect on Estrogen	Scientific Basis
Coconut Oil	MCTs, Lauric Acid, Polyphenols	Indirect balancing, gut health support. May reduce high levels in animal models.	Affects adrenal enzymes and gut microbiome.
Flaxseeds	Lignans	Helps eliminate excess estrogen by binding to it in the digestive tract.	Lignans are potent modulators.
Cruciferous Veg.	Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), DIM	Supports liver detoxification of estrogen.	Converts estrogen into less potent forms.
Pumpkin Seeds	Zinc	Supports progesterone production, which balances estrogen.	Essential mineral for hormone synthesis.

Incorporating Coconut Oil for Hormonal Support

Use in Cooking: Replace other oils with virgin coconut oil for certain dishes.
Moderate Intake: As coconut oil is high in saturated fat, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Quality Matters: Choose high-quality, virgin coconut oil to maximize antioxidant intake.

Conclusion

While popular claims suggest coconut oil can directly reduce estrogen, scientific evidence in humans is currently insufficient to support this. Instead, research indicates that coconut oil may support overall hormone balance by promoting gut health, providing necessary components for hormone synthesis, and offering antioxidant protection against inflammation. Individuals concerned about estrogen levels should consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and consider proven dietary strategies like consuming cruciferous vegetables and fiber-rich foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no definitive clinical evidence in humans to support using coconut oil as a primary treatment for estrogen dominance. Dietary changes (like increased fiber and cruciferous vegetables) and medical interventions are more established. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric and caprylic acid, and antioxidants like polyphenols. These compounds can support gut health and reduce inflammation, indirectly influencing hormone regulation.

Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that MCTs in coconut oil might inhibit an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, potentially leading to higher testosterone levels, but human research is limited.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is generally considered better for hormonal health as it retains more beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols compared to refined coconut oil, which may be lost during processing.

There is no standardized dosage. One animal study used an equivalent human dose of approximately 3.5 tablespoons daily, but this may not be appropriate for everyone. It should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

Some proponents suggest coconut oil can support thyroid function, possibly due to MCTs boosting metabolism, but scientific evidence is not strong. Thyroid issues require medical evaluation and treatment.

There is limited research on interactions between coconut oil and HRT. Individuals undergoing HRT should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, including adding large amounts of coconut oil.