Spearmint Benefits for Women: PCOS, Excess Facial Hair and Hormonal Health — What Studies Reveal

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is more than a refreshing culinary herb. It has attracted scientific interest for its potential effects on androgen hormones, making it particularly relevant to discussions about women's hormonal health, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and unwanted facial hair.

For women experiencing chin hair, acne or other symptoms associated with elevated androgens, spearmint tea is often discussed as a natural option worth exploring. But what does the research actually show?

A small number of human studies have found that drinking spearmint tea may reduce certain androgen levels in women with hirsutism. However, the evidence is still preliminary, and changes in hormone measurements do not necessarily translate into visible improvements in hair growth or other PCOS symptoms. 

At The Healing Tree of Life, we believe in combining traditional botanical knowledge with careful interpretation of scientific research. Let's explore the potential benefits of spearmint for women, one study at a time.

1. Spearmint may help reduce elevated androgen levels

Androgens, including testosterone, are often called male hormones, but women naturally produce them too. They contribute to several normal physiological functions.

When androgen levels or androgen activity are elevated, some women may experience symptoms such as excess facial hair, acne or scalp hair thinning. These symptoms can occur in PCOS, although they can also have other causes.

Spearmint has attracted attention because preliminary human studies suggest that it may influence androgen levels.

What the studies found

A 2007 study published in Phytotherapy Research investigated spearmint tea in 21 women with hirsutism, including 12 women with PCOS. Participants drank spearmint tea twice daily for five days.

The researchers observed a significant reduction in free testosterone and increases in luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol. Total testosterone and DHEA-S did not decrease significantly. 

A subsequent randomised controlled trial, published in 2010, compared spearmint tea with a placebo herbal tea in 42 women with PCOS-associated hirsutism over 30 days. Free and total testosterone decreased significantly in the spearmint group. 

What this means for women: Spearmint tea has preliminary evidence of an anti-androgen effect in women with hirsutism. However, the studies are small and short, and larger trials are needed to establish how consistent and clinically meaningful these hormonal changes are.

2. Spearmint may be relevant to unwanted facial hair (hirsutism)

Unwanted hair on the chin, upper lip, jawline or chest can be distressing for women, particularly when it appears alongside other PCOS symptoms.

Hirsutism refers to excess coarse hair growth in areas where hair growth is typically influenced by androgens. It can be associated with PCOS, but it is not always caused by elevated circulating testosterone.

Spearmint is of interest because researchers have explored whether its effects on androgen levels might eventually translate into changes in unwanted hair growth.

What the studies found

In the 2010 randomised controlled trial, women drinking spearmint tea reported improvements in their perception of hirsutism-related symptoms and quality of life. However, the researchers found no statistically significant improvement in the objective Ferriman–Gallwey score, a clinical measure of excess hair growth, compared with the placebo group. 

The authors noted that visible hair changes take time because hair follicles have growth cycles that extend beyond the study period.

What this means for women: Spearmint may influence certain androgen measurements, but it has not been conclusively shown to reduce visible facial hair. It should be considered an area of preliminary research rather than a proven alternative to established treatments for hirsutism.

3. Spearmint may be relevant to women with PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect menstrual cycles, ovulation, skin, hair growth and fertility.

Some women with PCOS experience hyperandrogenism, meaning increased androgen levels or androgen activity. Spearmint has attracted research interest because of its possible anti-androgen effects.

What the studies found

The 2010 randomised controlled trial involving women with PCOS-associated hirsutism found reductions in free and total testosterone after 30 days of spearmint tea consumption. However, it did not establish that spearmint improves the full range of PCOS symptoms. 

A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis assessed six randomised trials of different teas or tea-related supplements in 235 women with PCOS. The interventions included green tea, spearmint tea and marjoram tea, so the pooled results cannot be attributed specifically to spearmint. The analysis did not find a significant overall effect on total testosterone, LH or DHEA-S. 

What this means for women: Spearmint is a promising subject for further PCOS research, particularly where excess androgen activity is a concern. It is not a proven treatment for PCOS itself and should not replace individualised care.

4. Spearmint and acne: is there a connection?

Hormonal acne can be frustrating, particularly when blemishes repeatedly appear around the chin and jawline. Androgens can influence the skin's oil-producing sebaceous glands, which is one reason hormonal changes may contribute to acne in some women.

Because spearmint has been investigated for potential effects on androgen levels, it is sometimes discussed as a botanical option for hormonal skin concerns.

What the studies found

The 2007 and 2010 human studies investigated hormone measurements and hirsutism-related outcomes, not acne clearance. They therefore do not establish that spearmint tea improves hormonal acne. 

What this means for women: There is a biological reason to investigate whether spearmint might affect androgen-related skin symptoms, but direct clinical evidence that drinking spearmint tea treats acne is currently insufficient.

Women with persistent acne may benefit from an assessment of possible underlying causes and treatments with established evidence.

5. Spearmint and menstrual cycle health

Androgens and other reproductive hormones are involved in the regulation of ovulation and menstrual cycles. This has led researchers to explore spearmint in women with PCOS, some of whom experience irregular periods.

What the studies found

In the 2007 study of women with hirsutism, spearmint tea was associated with changes in LH, FSH and oestradiol over five days. However, the study did not establish that these changes led to more regular menstrual cycles or improved ovulation. 

The 2010 trial likewise focused on androgen levels and hirsutism rather than menstrual regularity or ovulation outcomes. 

What this means for women: Spearmint has not been shown conclusively to regulate periods, restore ovulation or correct the underlying causes of irregular menstruation. If your periods are persistently irregular or absent, a healthcare professional can help investigate possible causes, including PCOS and thyroid disorders.

6. Spearmint and fertility: what should women know?

Women exploring natural approaches to reproductive wellness may wonder whether reducing elevated androgens could improve ovulation or conception.

Although androgen regulation is relevant to some women with PCOS, a change in a hormone measurement does not automatically mean that fertility improves.

What the studies found

The 2007 and 2010 spearmint studies examined androgen levels and hirsutism, not pregnancy rates or live births. They do not establish that spearmint improves egg quality, ovarian reserve, ovulation or the likelihood of conceiving. 

What this means for women: Spearmint should not be presented as a proven fertility herb. Women trying to conceive, particularly those with PCOS or irregular ovulation, should discuss regular medicinal use with their healthcare professional.

How to enjoy spearmint as a herbal tea

Spearmint has a naturally sweet, refreshing flavour that makes it easy to enjoy on its own or as part of a botanical tea blend.

For a simple infusion:

1. Place fresh spearmint leaves or an appropriate amount of dried spearmint in a cup.
2. Add freshly boiled water.
3. Cover and steep for approximately 5–10 minutes.
4. Strain and enjoy.

This is a general preparation method, not a clinically established therapeutic dose. The human studies discussed above used specific preparations, and their findings cannot guarantee the same effects from every tea.

Spearmint at The Healing Tree of Life

At The Healing Tree of Life, spearmint is one of the botanicals featured in our PCOS Hormone Balance Tea, alongside nettle leaf, vitex, milk thistle and holy basil.

Spearmint's preliminary anti-androgen research makes it an interesting ingredient for women exploring botanical approaches to wellness. However, the inclusion of spearmint in a blend does not establish that the finished product treats PCOS or reduces unwanted hair growth.

Explore our women's herbal tea collection to discover more botanical blends.

Is spearmint tea safe for women?

Spearmint is commonly consumed as a food and herbal infusion. However, evidence on long-term medicinal use and specific hormonal effects remains limited.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of medicinal quantities. Seek professional advice before regular medicinal use.
• Trying to conceive: Discuss regular medicinal use with your healthcare professional, particularly if you are undergoing fertility treatment.
• Hormonal conditions: If you have PCOS, irregular periods or a diagnosed endocrine condition, discuss significant changes to your herbal routine with your clinician.
• Medication use: Ask a pharmacist about possible interactions if you take regular medication or use treatments affecting hormones or blood glucose.
• Persistent symptoms: Rapidly developing facial hair, significant scalp hair loss, severe acne or major menstrual changes warrant medical assessment rather than relying on herbal tea alone.

The key principle is to distinguish the ordinary enjoyment of spearmint as a beverage from using it as a targeted hormonal intervention.

Frequently asked questions about spearmint benefits for women

1. Does spearmint lower testosterone in women?

Two small human studies found reductions in certain testosterone measurements after participants drank spearmint tea. The evidence is promising but limited, and larger studies are needed to confirm the magnitude and long-term significance of the effects.

2. Is spearmint good for PCOS?

Spearmint has preliminary evidence for effects on androgen levels in women with PCOS-associated hirsutism. It has not been established as a treatment for PCOS or its wider metabolic and reproductive effects.

3. Can spearmint tea reduce chin hair?

A small trial found improvements in women's self-reported hirsutism-related symptoms, but no statistically significant improvement in the objective hair-growth score over 30 days. Visible hair reduction has not been conclusively demonstrated. 

4. Does spearmint help hormonal acne?

Direct clinical evidence that spearmint tea treats acne is insufficient. Research on testosterone levels and facial hair cannot be taken as proof of an acne benefit.

5. Can spearmint regulate periods?

There is insufficient evidence that spearmint restores regular cycles or induces ovulation. The available studies primarily examined hormone levels and hirsutism.

6. How long does spearmint take to work?

The two key human studies lasted five days and 30 days, respectively. These durations provide preliminary information about hormone measurements, not a reliable timeline for visible hair reduction or improvement in other PCOS symptoms.

7. Can women drink spearmint tea every day?

Many women enjoy spearmint as a regular beverage, but the ideal medicinal dose and long-term hormonal effects have not been established. Individual circumstances, medicines and pregnancy status should be considered.

Final thoughts: spearmint and women's hormonal wellness

Spearmint is a particularly interesting herb because preliminary human research suggests that it may influence androgen levels in women with hirsutism, including women with PCOS.

However, the evidence remains limited. Lower testosterone measurements do not automatically translate into reduced facial hair, clearer skin, regular ovulation or improved fertility.

At The Healing Tree of Life, we believe women deserve both access to traditional botanical knowledge and an honest understanding of the science. Spearmint can be a refreshing part of a balanced wellness routine, while persistent hormonal symptoms deserve appropriate assessment and evidence-based care.

Discover spearmint in our PCOS Hormone Balance Tea and explore our wider collection of women's herbal teas.

Scientific references

1. Akdoğan, M. et al. (2007). Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytotherapy Research.
2. Grant, P. (2010). Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomised controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research.
3. Shen, W. et al. (2021). Effects of tea consumption on anthropometric parameters, metabolic indexes and hormone levels of women with PCOS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
4. A narrative review of herbal remedies for managing hirsutism (2024).
5. Herbal medicine for the management of PCOS and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism: A review of laboratory evidence and clinical findings.