Blog 15: Does matcha help with menopausal symptoms?
Let's get straight to the point. Yes, matcha can help reduce menopausal symptoms. For many women, menopause is no picnic. Mood swings, fatigue, a jittery, restless feeling, sleep problems, low mood, hot flashes, and so on. Of course, not every woman will experience all the symptoms. But every symptom is one too many. Do you let it all wash over you, thinking it will pass, or do you look for natural remedies to ease this phase?
Every woman has a different perspective. Every woman's body also reacts differently. While one person benefits from a particular aid, the same aid might not work for another, or might be counterproductive. It's always a matter of trial and error.
Are you a woman looking for some natural support during menopause? Perhaps matcha is for you! Matcha offers many health benefits and fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. The effects of matcha are mild and depend on various factors such as lifestyle, dosage, and your own hormone balance. After this tutorial, you'll know how matcha can support you in maintaining a healthy hormone balance and help alleviate specific symptoms.
What is Matcha anyway?
Matcha is a unique green tea that has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. Unlike regular tea, matcha is consumed as a whole leaf – in powder form – which allows you to consume far more active ingredients. Think antioxidants, L-theanine, and a small amount of caffeine, but in a much more gentle way.
Matcha & Energy
Many women experience fatigue or a lack of energy during menopause. This is partly due to fluctuations in estrogen, but also to poor sleep and stress. While the caffeine in coffee gives you a quick, short-lived energy boost, matcha works differently. Matcha contains less caffeine (theine) and is processed differently by the body. The body releases the energy from theine gradually over about six hours. The combination with L-theanine (an amino acid that inhibits and softens the effects of caffeine) produces a "calm" energy.
Matcha & Stress
Stress is one of the biggest hormonal disruptors – especially during menopause. Chronic stress increases the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn can disrupt your estrogen and progesterone balance. More stress = more symptoms.
L-theanine was already mentioned above. It's found in high concentrations in matcha and promotes alpha brain waves—the waves associated with relaxation and creativity. Various studies have shown that L-theanine reduces anxiety and stress without causing drowsiness, although more specific research in women is still needed. This antioxidant helps the body switch to relaxation mode more quickly. Stress levels will be reached less easily, and your body will therefore experience fewer hormonal surges caused by stress.
Matcha & Estrogen
Menopause essentially revolves around one thing: declining estrogen levels. This causes numerous symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, dry skin, and fatigue. Although matcha doesn't contain estrogen, it can naturally support your body in dealing with estrogen fluctuations:
Matcha contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that can influence estrogen receptors. This antioxidant doesn't purely increase or decrease estrogen, but rather modulates it—it can help the body restore hormonal balance. In addition, EGCG may stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone breakdown (by influencing osteoblasts and osteoclasts). This can have a beneficial effect on a woman going through menopause, as a decline in estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis.
In addition, matcha supports liver health. A healthy liver is crucial for properly processing excess estrogen. Matcha also has anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., for bladder infections) – which indirectly supports your hormonal balance.
Matcha & Weight Gain
Matcha mildly stimulates metabolism. ECGC: EGCG can increase fat burning by 8–17% during moderate exercise. It stimulates the body's heat production (which burns calories) and increases fat oxidation. Caffeine: leads to increased release of norepinephrine, a fat-burning hormone. L-theanine: provides sustained energy, which can encourage more exercise.
The combination of EGCG + caffeine appears to be the most effective for fat burning and weight management.
For comparison, matcha contains about 100 mg of EGCG per gram. One to two cups per day is a safe daily dose. Loose-leaf green tea contains about 30 mg per gram. An EGCG supplement often contains much more EGCG, which can pose health risks (liver damage).
How do you use matcha?
Always choose ceremonial matcha (high-quality, bright green, and without additives). Poor quality tastes bitter and contains fewer active ingredients.
Preparation method:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder (approx. 1-2 grams)
- Add some lukewarm water and mix everything into a paste
- 60–80 ml water at 70–80°C
- Beat with a bamboo whisk until frothy
- Top up with (vegetable) milk for a matcha latte
Tip: Add a little honey or vanilla for a milder flavour.
While matcha is mild and natural, there are a few caveats:
- Low to moderate amounts (such as 1-2 Cups of matcha per day are generally safe and healthy. People with thyroid problems or hormone-sensitive conditions (such as breast cancer, PCOS, endometriosis) should be cautious with high doses and are advised to consult a doctor before drinking matcha regularly.
- If you are sensitive to caffeine, start with half a teaspoon and build up slowly.
- Too much matcha (more than 2–3 cups per day) may cause insomnia or nervousness.
During menopause, matcha can be a wonderful ally: gentle on your nervous system, kind to your hormones and a natural energy booster.
Want to try it yourself? Start with one cup of matcha a day, preferably in the morning. Give it a few weeks and listen to your body. Who knows, matcha might be exactly what your hormones need.
Be surprised by our sophisticated matcha range in different qualities: