Does Cardamom Balance Hormones? The Scientific Evidence Explained

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A randomized clinical trial on women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) found that daily green cardamom supplementation significantly altered certain hormone and inflammatory marker levels. The question of whether cardamom balances hormones, therefore, has a complex answer, with its effects appearing to be more targeted towards specific imbalances rather than a universal remedy.

Quick Summary

Cardamom's effect on hormones, particularly in conditions like PCOS, is often linked to its anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties. Studies show it can help regulate androgen and gonadotropin levels in women with PCOS, though more research is needed for its effects on general hormone balance.

Key Points

Indirect Action: Cardamom does not directly balance hormones but influences them indirectly by reducing inflammation and improving metabolic health.
PCOS Benefits: Studies show cardamom can significantly improve androgen levels (DHEA, androstenedione) and increase FSH in obese women with PCOS.
Inflammation Link: Cardamom's anti-inflammatory compounds, like polyphenols and flavonoids, are the likely mechanism behind its positive effects on hormone-related conditions.
Animal Model Success: Animal studies on hypothyroid mice suggest cardamom extract can normalize thyroid and sexual hormone levels, though human data is needed.
Requires Caution: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals on certain medications, should exercise caution and consult a doctor before using high doses of cardamom.

Understanding the Endocrine System and Hormonal Imbalance

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, acting as the body's chemical messengers. These hormones regulate nearly all physiological processes, from metabolism and growth to sexual function and mood. When this system is thrown out of balance, a wide range of health issues can arise. Common causes of hormonal imbalances include chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and certain diseases like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Traditional remedies often focus on diet and lifestyle, but many people turn to natural supplements like cardamom for support. But what does the science say about cardamom's specific impact on hormone regulation?

The Role of Cardamom's Bioactive Compounds

Cardamom, a spice derived from the seeds of various plants in the ginger family, contains a rich profile of bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's thought these properties influence hormonal balance by addressing inflammation and metabolic health.

Cardamom's Specific Effects on PCOS and Androgen Hormones

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by high androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and insulin resistance, often involving chronic inflammation. Research suggests cardamom may help manage PCOS symptoms:

A study on obese women with PCOS found that green cardamom daily with a low-calorie diet improved hormonal markers over 16 weeks, decreasing luteinizing hormone (LH), androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), while increasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These changes point to modulation of androgen excess.
The hormonal improvements were linked to reduced inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP.

This suggests cardamom can indirectly support hormone balance in PCOS by reducing inflammation and improving metabolism.

Impact on Male Hormones and Thyroid Function

Animal studies offer some insight into broader endocrine effects. A study on hypothyroid male mice indicated cardamom extract could restore hormonal balance, increasing T3 and T4, decreasing TSH, and normalizing testosterone, LH, and FSH. While promising, human studies are needed. Another animal study showed inconsistent effects on testosterone.

How Cardamom Influences Hormonal Pathways

Cardamom likely influences hormones through indirect actions:

Reducing Chronic Inflammation: By providing anti-inflammatory compounds, cardamom can help normalize hormonal pathways in conditions associated with inflammation like PCOS.
Improving Metabolic Health: Cardamom's compounds may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar, which can positively impact hormone balance, particularly where these factors are compromised.
Antioxidant Effects: Reducing oxidative stress may protect endocrine glands.

Cardamom vs. Other Herbal Hormone Regulators


Feature	Cardamom	Spearmint Tea	Ashwagandha
Primary Mechanism	Indirect via anti-inflammatory & metabolic effects	Direct anti-androgen effect [based on common knowledge]	Adaptogen; cortisol regulation [based on common knowledge]
Primary Use Cases	PCOS (modulating androgens via inflammation/metabolism)	High androgen levels in women [based on common knowledge]	Stress-related hormonal issues [based on common knowledge]
Best for Women with PCOS	Yes, especially obese women	Yes, for managing hirsutism and high androgens [based on common knowledge]	Can help with stress-related hormonal issues in PCOS [based on common knowledge]
Effect on Androgens	Decreases DHEA and androstenedione	Decreases free and total testosterone [based on common knowledge]	Variable, may help balance if stress-related [based on common knowledge]
Research Support	Clinical trials for PCOS	Clinical trials for high androgens [based on common knowledge]	Extensive clinical trials for stress and cortisol [based on common knowledge]

Conclusion: A Supportive Role, Not a Direct Balancer

Cardamom doesn't directly "balance" hormones but shows effects on certain parameters in specific contexts like PCOS and in animal models of thyroid issues. Its benefits likely stem from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic-supporting properties addressing underlying issues. Cardamom can be a supportive measure, but not a standalone cure. Consult a healthcare professional before using it for hormonal health, especially if pregnant or on medication.

For more information on the research regarding cardamom's impact on health, see this article from the National Institutes of Health.(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34057705/)

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Cardamom is generally safe in food amounts, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal issues. It can interact with medications, including blood thinners and blood pressure drugs. High supplemental doses are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult a doctor, especially if on medication or pregnant.

Summary of Key Findings

Research on cardamom's hormonal effects is promising, particularly for inflammatory conditions:

PCOS Improvement: Cardamom can improve androgen levels and increase FSH in obese women with PCOS, likely via anti-inflammatory effects.
Metabolic Effects: It may improve metabolic markers, addressing underlying causes of hormonal imbalance in PCOS.
Thyroid Impact (Animal Studies): Animal studies suggest potential thyroid-stimulating effects, but human research is needed.
Mechanism of Action: Effects are likely indirect, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Not a Universal Fix: No evidence supports cardamom as a general hormone balancer for healthy individuals.
Precautions: Avoid high doses if pregnant or on certain medications.

These findings suggest cardamom is a context-specific supportive tool, not a universal remedy for hormonal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no scientific evidence from human studies to suggest that cardamom directly affects estrogen levels. Research has primarily focused on its impact on androgens and inflammatory markers, especially in conditions like PCOS.

In cases where menstrual irregularities are caused by hormonal imbalances linked to PCOS or inflammation, cardamom may help indirectly by improving the underlying conditions. However, there is no proof that it can regulate cycles in otherwise healthy women.

Studies on PCOS have explored the use of cardamom powder. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using large quantities or supplements, especially for specific conditions.

While small amounts used in cooking are generally considered safe, large, medicinal doses of cardamom are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant women should always consult their doctor.

Cardamom helps with PCOS by leveraging its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to reduce systemic inflammation. This, combined with a low-calorie diet, helps improve metabolic health and in turn, positively influences androgen hormone levels.

Some animal studies, particularly on hypothyroid mice, have shown that cardamom extract can help normalize testosterone, LH, and FSH levels. Human data is scarce, and results from animal studies are not always transferable to humans.

Most of the specific research on hormonal effects, particularly related to PCOS, has focused on green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). While both types have health benefits, the documented effects on hormonal markers are predominantly linked to green cardamom.