The Role of Spearmint in Managing PCOS Symptoms: A Review for Dietitians

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder. It is marked by excess androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS), leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth (hirsutism). A key driver of this imbalance is insulin resistance, which contributes to both increased androgen production and long-term metabolic risks​.

PCOS is diagnosed when at least two of the following criteria are met (after ruling out other conditions):

1. Irregular or absent periods due to ovulatory dysfunction

2. Elevated androgens, seen as hirsutism, acne, hair thinning, or high testosterone levels

3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Strategies to manage PCOS

Medical Treatments

• Combined oral contraceptives (COCPs) – Regulates cycles, lowers androgens

• Anti-androgens – Spironolactone, finasteride, flutamide for hirsutism

• Metformin – Improves insulin resistance, supports ovulation

• Letrozole – First-line for ovulation induction

Lifestyle Strategies

• Balanced diet 

• Exercise 

• Sleep 

• Stress management 

Other Approaches

• Laser therapy to manage hirsutism 

• Supplements, such as inositol or vitamin D 

There is growing interest in complementary therapies on managing PCOS, including the use of spearmint tea. This article examines the proposed mechanisms, research evidence, on spearmint PCOS management.

Potential Mechanisms of Action

Spearmint tea is purported to have anti-androgenic properties, and studies have examined whether it can be for PCOS patients with elevated testosterone levels and symptoms like hirsutism. 

Studies suggest that spearmint can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen that contributes to PCOS symptoms. Additionally, spearmint may promote ovulation by modulating LH and FSH levels, leading to improved follicular development and a reduction in ovarian cysts.

What the research shows 

Several animal studies have shown that spearmint has anti-androgenic effects. Rats with PCOS treated with spearmint extract showed decrease in testosterone levels, fewer ovarian cysts, and improved ovarian function. 

Human studies on the impact of spearmint tea on PCOS symptoms are limited. One 30-day randomized controlled trial examined the effects of spearmint tea compared to a placebo herbal tea in 42 women with PCOS and hirsutism.

Participants drank two cups of spearmint tea daily, and by the end of the study, there was a statistically significant reduction in free testosterone levels and a total testosterone reduction compared to the placebo group. There was no significant reduction in hirsutism. These findings were similar to those of a smaller study that was completed 2 years prior.

Recommendations for Dietitians

The current evidence does not support the use of spearmint to improve hirsutism and other clinical symptoms of hyperandrogenism in PCOS. 

However, spearmint tea is generally safe and can be incorporated into the routines of people who wish to incorporate spearmint tea into their day.