Does Mint Mess With Testosterone? A Look at the Evidence

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

Multiple animal studies and trials involving women with PCOS have demonstrated that mint, specifically spearmint and peppermint, can lower testosterone levels. The crucial question, however, remains: does mint mess with testosterone in healthy men who consume it in normal dietary amounts?

Quick Summary

Current scientific evidence on mint's effect on male testosterone is inconclusive. Studies in animals and women show it can lower androgen levels, but robust human male research is lacking.

Key Points

Limited Human Male Data: The direct impact of mint on testosterone in healthy men has not been thoroughly studied.
Based on PCOS and Animal Studies: Most evidence linking mint to lower testosterone comes from research on women with hormonal imbalances or high-dose animal trials.
Anti-Androgenic Properties: Mint, especially spearmint, has anti-androgenic effects that can reduce free testosterone in susceptible individuals.
Normal Consumption is Safe: Moderate dietary intake of mint, such as drinking mint tea, is unlikely to cause a significant change in testosterone for healthy men.
Other Factors Matter More: Diet, body weight, exercise, alcohol consumption, and stress are far more significant factors influencing male hormone levels than moderate mint intake.
No Link to ED for Normal Consumption: There is no strong evidence linking normal mint consumption to erectile dysfunction, despite some anecdotal claims.

The Scientific Basis: Mint's Anti-Androgenic Effects

Research linking mint to changes in hormone levels is not baseless, but it is primarily rooted in studies conducted on animals and women with specific hormonal imbalances. The key mechanism at play is the anti-androgenic effect of certain mint compounds, particularly in spearmint.

Evidence from Studies on Women and Animal Models

Most of the compelling data suggesting mint can lower testosterone comes from investigations into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This condition in women is often associated with high androgen (male hormone) levels. For example:

A 2010 study involving women with PCOS found that drinking spearmint herbal tea twice a day for 30 days led to a significant decrease in testosterone levels.
An animal study from 2017 showed that spearmint essential oil significantly reduced testosterone in female rats with PCOS.
Another rat study from 2004 found that both peppermint and spearmint teas decreased blood testosterone levels in male rats, though the effect was more pronounced with spearmint.

These findings suggest mint has anti-androgenic properties that can alter hormone levels, but it's important to understand the context. These studies often use concentrated extracts or high doses and target specific hormonal conditions, which may not translate to the effects of moderate dietary consumption in healthy men.

The Gap in Human Male Research

This is the most critical aspect of the discussion. While animal studies are useful, they do not perfectly mimic human physiology. The vast majority of research investigating mint's hormone-altering effects has not been performed on human male subjects. As noted by health experts, there is a lack of high-quality human data to draw strong conclusions about mint's impact on healthy male testosterone levels. Moderate consumption, such as drinking mint tea or using it as a flavoring, is unlikely to cause a significant hormonal shift. Concerns often arise from over-extrapolating the results of small, specific studies to a general population.

A Comparison of Mint Varieties and Research Findings

To better understand the nuances, it's helpful to compare the two most commonly cited mint varieties, spearmint and peppermint, and their reported effects in different studies.


Feature	Spearmint (Mentha spicata)	Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Active Compounds	Primarily carvone.	Higher concentration of menthol.
Evidence in Women	Strong evidence of anti-androgenic properties, reducing testosterone in women with PCOS.	Less studied than spearmint for anti-androgenic effects, but some evidence exists in animal models.
Evidence in Male Rats	Showed significant reduction in blood testosterone levels in some studies, often at higher doses.	Also shown to reduce testosterone levels in male rats in some studies.
Evidence in Healthy Men	Lack of high-quality human male data to confirm effects at normal dietary intake.	Lack of high-quality human male data to confirm effects at normal dietary intake.
Typical Consumption Risk	Minimal risk to hormone levels from moderate consumption.	Minimal risk to hormone levels from moderate consumption.

Factors That Actually Impact Testosterone

Instead of focusing on moderate mint consumption, men concerned about their testosterone levels should consider factors with more robust scientific backing. These include:

Diet: High intake of sugar, trans fats, and processed foods is consistently linked to lower testosterone levels and impaired testicular function. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and nutrients is more likely to support hormonal health.
Obesity: High body fat is a major contributing factor to low testosterone. Losing excess weight can significantly improve hormone levels.
Excessive Alcohol: Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is known to decrease testosterone levels.
Other Medications and Conditions: Certain medications and inherited or acquired medical conditions can affect testosterone production.
Lifestyle: Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are all proven to support healthy testosterone production.

Conclusion

While laboratory and female-focused studies have revealed mint's potential to affect hormone levels, the evidence for a significant impact on healthy male testosterone from normal dietary intake is currently lacking. The anti-androgenic properties observed appear most relevant in clinical contexts involving hormonal imbalances like PCOS, or when high doses are administered. For the average healthy man, incorporating mint into a diet—such as a garnish, in tea, or in recipes—is not a cause for concern regarding testosterone levels. It's crucial to distinguish between anecdotal claims and scientific consensus, which currently suggests the risk from moderate consumption is negligible. For those concerned about testosterone, focusing on overall lifestyle and established risk factors is a far more impactful approach.

If you have concerns about your hormone levels, consulting with a healthcare professional is the best course of action. They can provide guidance based on your individual health profile, as testosterone levels are influenced by many factors beyond diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no strong evidence from human male studies to suggest that moderate consumption of mint tea can lower a healthy man's testosterone levels. While animal and female studies show some effect, the dosage and context are very different from typical dietary intake.

While studies on women with hormonal imbalances (PCOS) and animal models have shown spearmint can lower testosterone, there is a lack of high-quality research on its effects in healthy men. Normal dietary amounts are not considered a significant risk.

Studies on male rats have shown that peppermint tea can lead to a decrease in testosterone at certain doses. However, the evidence is not confirmed in human males, and the effects are likely negligible with normal dietary consumption.

The primary evidence comes from clinical studies on women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and laboratory studies using animal models. In both cases, mint, particularly spearmint, was shown to have anti-androgenic effects that reduced testosterone levels.

The amount is unknown for healthy men, as most studies use concentrated doses in specific populations. However, the dose would likely need to be far greater than what is consumed in normal daily teas or as a flavoring ingredient to have any measurable effect.

Yes, factors like excessive sugar, trans fats, processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity have a more robust and widely confirmed link to lower testosterone levels than mint.

For men with low testosterone, it is far more important to address known lifestyle and dietary factors like weight, exercise, and overall diet. Avoiding moderate mint consumption is likely an unnecessary precaution with no significant benefit.