Does Spearmint Tea Help PCOS? What the Research Actually Says
By the Herbaya Wellness Team • 6 min read
If you have PCOS, you've probably seen spearmint tea recommended everywhere from forums to TikTok, usually for excess hair growth or "balancing hormones." It's one of the few herbal remedies in this space that actually has clinical research behind it — but the headlines tend to oversell what that research found. Here's the honest version.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Why spearmint is linked to PCOS
- What the studies actually found
- What spearmint tea can't do
- How much to drink, and for how long
- Frequently asked questions
Why Spearmint Is Linked to PCOS
Many of the most visible PCOS symptoms — excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), acne, and thinning scalp hair — are driven by higher levels of androgens, often called "male" hormones, like testosterone. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) first caught researchers' attention because it appeared to have a mild anti-androgen effect — meaning it may gently lower circulating testosterone. That's the whole reason it's studied for PCOS: not as a cure, but as a possible, gentle support for the hormone behind those specific symptoms.
What the Studies Actually Found
Two small randomized trials, both published in Phytotherapy Research, are the core of the evidence:
2007 • TURKEY
21 women with excess hair growth
Drank spearmint tea twice daily for 5 days. Researchers measured a significant drop in free testosterone — enough that they suggested it was worth studying as a gentle option for mild hirsutism.
2010 • UK
42 women with PCOS
Drank spearmint tea twice daily for 30 days versus a placebo tea. The spearmint group saw significantly lower free and total testosterone, and reported noticeable improvement in how their hirsutism felt day to day.
What Spearmint Tea Can't Do
This is where honesty matters. These were small, short studies, and they come with real limits:
- It's not a cure for PCOS. Spearmint was studied for one piece of the picture — androgen levels — not for the whole condition.
- Visible results take longer than 30 days. In the UK trial, hormone levels dropped and women felt a difference, but the objective hair-growth score didn't shift significantly in a month. Hair growth cycles are slow; real change needs patience and consistency.
- It doesn't replace medical care. If you're trying to conceive, taking medication, or pregnant, talk to your doctor before adding spearmint — herbs can interact with treatment.
None of this means spearmint doesn't help. It means it's a gentle, supportive habit with promising early evidence — best used alongside the basics (balanced eating, movement, sleep, and your clinician's guidance), not instead of them.
How Much, and for How Long
In both studies, women drank spearmint tea twice a day. The women who felt a difference did so over 30 days of consistent use — so this is a daily-habit approach, not a one-off. Think of it like any wellness routine: the value is in showing up for it steadily over weeks, not in a single cup.
SPEARMINT, EVERY DAY
Herbaya PCOS Balance Herbal Tea
Our blend pairs spearmint with cinnamon and ginger — three herbs traditionally used to support hormone balance and a steady cycle — in one simple daily cup. A gentle ritual to support your body's own balance over time.
Shop PCOS Balance Tea →Frequently Asked Questions
Does spearmint tea really help with PCOS?
Two small randomized trials found that drinking spearmint tea twice a day lowered testosterone levels in women with excess hair growth and PCOS, and women reported feeling an improvement in their symptoms. The evidence is promising but preliminary, and spearmint supports — rather than cures — the condition.
How much spearmint tea should I drink for PCOS?
In the studies, women drank two cups a day for 30 days. Consistency over several weeks mattered more than any single cup.
How long does spearmint tea take to work?
Hormone changes showed up within about a month in the research, but visible changes to hair growth take longer because hair grows slowly. Think in terms of months of steady use, not days.
Is spearmint tea safe if I'm trying to conceive?
Because spearmint may affect hormone levels, speak with your doctor before using it if you're trying to conceive, pregnant, or taking any medication.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Herbaya PCOS Balance Herbal Tea is a herbal wellness tea and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including PCOS or infertility. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health, especially if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or taking medication. Individual results may vary.