I do understand...but it may not be so clear cut.

Yes,
I do understand this mechanism as I have taken endocrinology and biochemistry courses for years. However, with hormones it is not always how Science and medicine dictates. We observe these cycles through experiments with humans, isolated hormones and laboratory animals. The environment is not natural. We really do not know the full effect on other areas of the body where testosterone may be raised. The body will make the proper amount of what it needs. Usually herbs help bring things into balance slowly. It is not like a drug that can block things chemically. You would have to take quite a lot.

I know that Licorice balances Cortisol levels, a stress hormone from the adrenals. This cortisol can lead to weight gain (abdominal), dark sun spots on the skin, thin dry skin, moon (swollen) face, hair growth on back. etc.... Too much stress really does affect your looks and health. Licorice, I imagine has a balancing affect on the hormones that are released during Sympathetic stimulation. That means the "fight or flight" response. So I would say LICORICE is generally a calming herb. I do not think it will lower your testosterone to any noticable point. You may feel less "hyper" or something like that. I noticed with myself, before taking calming herbs for my adrenals, I used to have a bad temper. Getting mad stresses adrenals too.

I also use isocort and think its great. I drink licorice tea often and take kava kava and valerian in small amounts b/4 bed. That's just me. It has reversed most of my health issues. Amazing how stressed out I was and how much it was hurting my organs.

Good Luck. Hope I helped you.
Peace and Light,
Gracey