From the Guidelines
Pomegranate seed oil is not a recommended or reliable method for raising estradiol levels due to the lack of conclusive clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose. The available evidence on pomegranate seed oil and its potential effects on estradiol levels is limited and inconsistent, with some studies suggesting that pomegranate contains phytoestrogens and compounds that might inhibit aromatase, an enzyme involved in estrogen metabolism 1. However, these findings are largely based on observational studies or animal models, and there is a lack of reliable clinical trials in humans demonstrating a significant increase in estradiol levels with pomegranate seed oil supplementation.
Some studies have investigated the health benefits of pomegranate and its components, such as punicic acid, a type of conjugated linolenic acid, but these have not been conclusively linked to increased estradiol levels 1. In fact, the use of steroid hormones, including estradiol, for preventive purposes has been cautioned against due to the potential for increased cardiovascular risk, as observed in the Women’s Health Initiative 1.
Given the current state of evidence, it is recommended that individuals seeking to increase estradiol levels for medical reasons consult with a healthcare provider to discuss evidence-based approaches, such as hormone replacement therapy with specific dosages tailored to their needs. Self-supplementation with pomegranate seed oil for hormonal effects is not advised due to the lack of reliable evidence supporting its effectiveness and the potential for unforeseen health consequences. Any hormonal imbalances should be addressed under medical supervision to ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the Research
Pomegranate Seed Oil and Estradiol Levels
- The effect of pomegranate seed oil on estradiol levels has been studied in several research papers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A 2017 study found that pomegranate seed oil did not change 17ß-estradiol levels in patients' sera after treatment 2.
- Another study in 2012 also found that pomegranate seed oil did not affect hormone status, including estradiol levels, in postmenopausal women 6.
- A 2015 study on the effects of pomegranate juice on hormonal biomarkers of breast cancer risk found that pomegranate juice consumption did not significantly decline serum sex hormones, including estradiol, in healthy postmenopausal women 5.
- There is no direct evidence from the studies that pomegranate seed oil raises estradiol levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Mechanisms of Action
- Pomegranate seed oil contains phytoestrogens, which may have estrogenic effects on the body 2, 4.
- However, the studies suggest that pomegranate seed oil does not significantly affect estradiol levels, which is a key estrogen hormone in the body 2, 6.
- The exact mechanisms of action of pomegranate seed oil on hormonal balance are not fully understood and require further research 3, 4.