✪ Key Takeaway: Spearmint tea shows promise for reducing excess male hormones in PCOS but requires consistent daily use for 30 days to see results.
Introduction
Women with PCOS often feel frustrated when conventional treatments fail to address their symptoms completely.
You might be wondering if spearmint tea could be the natural solution you have been searching for to manage unwanted hair growth and hormonal imbalances.
Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach and today I am going to explain whether spearmint tea actually works for PCOS symptoms based on scientific evidence.
What Does Research Say About Spearmint Tea and PCOS?
A groundbreaking study published in Phytotherapy Research examined 42 women with PCOS who drank spearmint tea twice daily for 30 days.
The results showed a significant reduction in free testosterone levels, which is the hormone responsible for many PCOS symptoms.
Another study found that spearmint tea consumption led to increased levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which can help restore normal ovarian function.
The anti-androgenic properties of spearmint appear to work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into its more potent form.
However, these studies were relatively small and short-term, so we need more research to confirm long-term effectiveness.
✪ Fact: Spearmint contains compounds called flavonoids that naturally block androgen receptors in your body.
How Does Spearmint Tea Affect Hirsutism in PCOS?
Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth in male-pattern areas, affects up to 80 percent of women with PCOS.
The same study that measured hormone levels also assessed hirsutism using the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system, a standardized method for evaluating unwanted hair growth.
Women who drank spearmint tea showed a statistically significant decrease in their hirsutism scores after just 30 days.
The improvement was most noticeable in areas like the upper lip, chin, and chest where androgen-sensitive hair follicles are concentrated.
This happens because spearmint compounds interfere with the hair follicle’s response to testosterone, slowing down hair growth and reducing thickness.
Keep in mind that existing hair will not disappear overnight, but new growth should become finer and slower over time.
✪ Pro Tip: Combine spearmint tea with laser hair removal for faster and more dramatic results in reducing hirsutism.
What Is the Right Dosage and Preparation Method?
The effective dosage used in research studies was two cups of spearmint tea daily, consumed in the morning and evening.
Each cup was prepared using one teaspoon of dried spearmint leaves or two teaspoons of fresh leaves steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
The water temperature should be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just below boiling point to preserve the active compounds.
Consistency is crucial because the anti-androgenic effects are not permanent and require continuous consumption to maintain benefits.
You should drink the tea on an empty stomach for better absorption, preferably 30 minutes before meals.
Avoid adding sugar or honey as these can spike insulin levels and potentially worsen PCOS symptoms.
✪ Note: Fresh spearmint leaves contain higher levels of active compounds compared to dried leaves or tea bags.
Are There Any Side Effects or Precautions?
Spearmint tea is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts.
However, some women may experience mild digestive upset including nausea or stomach discomfort when first starting the tea.
The anti-androgenic effects could potentially interfere with fertility in men, so male partners should avoid regular consumption.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using spearmint tea medicinally.
If you are taking hormone medications or birth control pills, discuss spearmint tea use with your doctor to avoid potential interactions.
Some people may be allergic to plants in the mint family, so start with small amounts to test your tolerance.
✪ Pro Tip: Start with one cup daily for the first week to assess your body’s response before increasing to two cups.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most women in research studies began noticing hormonal improvements within 30 days of consistent spearmint tea consumption.
Changes in hirsutism typically become apparent after 2-3 months because hair growth cycles take time to respond to hormonal shifts.
Your menstrual cycle regularity may improve within the first few cycles if you have irregular periods due to PCOS.
Blood tests measuring free testosterone levels can show objective improvements as early as 4-6 weeks into treatment.
Remember that PCOS is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive approach including diet, exercise, and stress management.
Spearmint tea works best as part of an overall PCOS management strategy rather than a standalone treatment.
✪ Fact: Women with higher baseline testosterone levels tend to see more dramatic improvements from spearmint tea.
The Bottom Line
Spearmint tea shows genuine promise for managing PCOS symptoms, particularly excess hair growth and elevated testosterone levels.
Natural solutions work best when combined with patience and consistency, and spearmint tea is no exception to this rule.
I would love to hear about your experience with spearmint tea or any questions you might have about natural PCOS management in the comments below.
References
At NutritionCrown, we use quality and credible sources to ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy. Below are the sources referenced in creating this article:
- PubMed: Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Endocrine Abstracts: The effect of spearmint tea consumption on hirsutism in women
- Healthline: Spearmint: Benefits, Uses, and Potential Side Effects
- PCOS Nutrition: Spearmint Tea for PCOS
