What Is the Best Tea for PCOS? Does Spearmint Tea Actually Help?

Spearmint tea is the tea with the most research behind it for PCOS, and the honest answer is that it looks promising but the studies are small and short. Tea can be a calming daily ritual alongside medical care. It is not a replacement for it.

Does spearmint tea help with PCOS?

Spearmint tea may help support a healthier hormone balance in PCOS, but the evidence is early. Two small studies of women with excess hair growth found that drinking spearmint tea twice a day lowered testosterone levels. Neither study showed pregnancy or cycle results, so it is a promising habit, not a proven one.

The studies were published in the journal Phytotherapy Research (2007 and 2010) and included roughly 20 to 40 women each. Both reported lower free testosterone after drinking spearmint tea. Visible changes such as hair growth were less clear, and the trials were short with no long-term follow-up.

Spearmint has a long history as a kitchen herb and a traditional tea, which is partly why researchers looked at it. Plain spearmint tea, rather than a blend, was what the studies used.

How much spearmint tea should you drink for PCOS, and how long does it take?

The small studies used about two cups of spearmint tea a day, for between 5 and 30 days. That is the only dosing guidance that exists, and it is not an official recommendation. Anyone with PCOS, or anyone trying to conceive, should check with their provider before making it a daily habit.

Because the research is so limited, there is no proven timeline for noticing a difference. Many people who add herbal tea to a routine give it a few weeks and track how they feel, along with their cycle, in a simple notebook.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, ask your provider first. Data on spearmint tea in pregnancy is limited, so it is worth a quick conversation.

Is green tea good for PCOS, and what other teas do people drink?

Green tea, chamomile, nettle and peppermint are the teas people with PCOS mention most. Green tea has the most general research, but studies in PCOS specifically are small and mixed. None of these teas is proven to change PCOS, so choose what you enjoy and drink it as part of a bigger routine.

Green tea contains caffeine, so many people limit it in the afternoon, especially if sleep or anxiety is a concern. Chamomile is valued traditionally as a calming evening cup. Nettle leaf is a traditional women's herb, and peppermint is a gentle, caffeine-free option many find easy on digestion.

If sleep is part of the picture, our guide to which herbs actually help you sleep covers the options.

Can you drink PCOS tea while trying to get pregnant?

Many herbal teas are fine while trying to conceive, but some herbs act on hormones, so it is worth checking with your provider first. Vitex, for example, is traditionally used for cycle support and may interact with hormonal medications. Always name the herbs in your tea when you ask.

A gentle option many women rely on during the trying-to-conceive months is our Fertility Tea for Women, an organic blend with Vitex, red raspberry leaf and maca, traditionally valued for women's wellness. It is a daily ritual, not a medical approach to PCOS, and it is best discussed with your provider if you have a PCOS diagnosis.

Many women with PCOS also look at inositol, one of the most researched nutrients in cycle wellness. Our Ovulat supplement uses the 40:1 myo-inositol to D-chiro ratio, and we explain the research in this inositol guide.

What matters more than tea for PCOS?

Sleep, steady meals, movement and medical follow-up matter more than any tea. The 2023 international PCOS guideline puts lifestyle support and individual care first. Tea is best seen as a small, enjoyable part of that routine that makes the habits easier to keep.

Regular meals with protein and fiber, gentle movement you enjoy, consistent sleep and stress care are the foundations most clinicians discuss. Stress and sleep also influence cycles, as we explain in can stress delay ovulation.

For the bigger picture, see how to get pregnant with PCOS naturally, how to regulate your cycle naturally, our PCOS support page and the Secrets of Tea wellness guide.

When should you see a professional about PCOS?

See a healthcare provider if your periods are very irregular or absent, if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months (6 months if over 35), or if you notice rapid hair changes, acne or weight changes. PCOS is diagnosed by a clinician, and tea cannot confirm or rule it out.

ACOG notes that PCOS is common and manageable with the right care. Seek prompt care for severe pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding or any symptoms that worry you. Bring a list of every tea and supplement you take to your appointment.

Sources named above: Phytotherapy Research (spearmint studies, 2007 and 2010), the WHO PCOS fact sheet, the 2023 International Evidence-based PCOS Guideline, ACOG, MotherToBaby and NCCIH.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Secrets of Tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.