How Long Should I Take Spearmint Tea for Best Results?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Studies suggest that drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily can lower testosterone levels in women with hormonal imbalances in as little as one month. If you are curious about how long should I take spearmint tea for maximum benefits, the ideal duration depends on your specific health goals and consistent usage.

Quick Summary

The optimal timeline for spearmint tea depends on the desired effect; hormonal changes can begin in weeks, while visible results for acne and hirsutism take months. Consistency is vital, and moderation is recommended for long-term use.

Key Points

Duration Varies by Goal: Hormonal balance can see improvements in 5-30 days, while visible changes like reduced acne or hirsutism require 3-6 months of consistent use.
Maintain Consistency: Daily consumption is crucial for achieving and maintaining the anti-androgenic and other health benefits of spearmint tea.
Start Moderately: A standard dosage of 1-2 cups per day is generally recommended and has been used in most studies for hormonal effects.
Exercise Caution for Long-Term Use: Some sources suggest limiting consistent intake to 16 weeks or practicing a cycling approach, and consulting a healthcare provider for extended plans is wise.
Consult a Doctor Before Use: Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver or kidney conditions should consult a doctor before consuming spearmint tea.
Be Patient: Spearmint tea is a gentle, natural remedy, not a quick fix. Allow adequate time for hormonal and visible changes to occur.

Navigating the Spearmint Tea Timeline: From Hormones to Hirsutism

Spearmint tea has gained popularity as a natural remedy, particularly for addressing hormone-related concerns such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and hormonal acne. However, understanding the optimal duration and dosage is critical for achieving the desired effects safely and effectively. While some hormonal shifts can happen relatively quickly, more noticeable changes in symptoms often require a longer-term, consistent approach.

Timelines for Specific Conditions

For Hormonal Balance (e.g., lowering testosterone)

For women with elevated androgen levels, like those with PCOS, spearmint tea works to reduce free testosterone. This effect can begin relatively quickly, though individual results vary.

5 days: Some studies have shown a measurable decrease in free testosterone levels and an increase in important female hormones (LH, FSH, estradiol) after just five days of consistent, twice-daily consumption.
30 days: A longer study over 30 days also found significant reductions in both free and total testosterone levels in women with PCOS drinking two cups daily.

For Hormonal Acne

Because hormonal acne is often linked to high androgen levels, spearmint's anti-androgenic effects can help. Visible results for acne tend to follow the hormonal changes and require more time.

One month: Some studies suggest noticeable improvements in inflammatory acne lesions after one month.
Three months: For more significant and sustained results, particularly for stubborn or cystic acne, a commitment of at least three months is often needed.

For Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth)

Hirsutism is one of the more challenging symptoms to treat and therefore requires the most patience with spearmint tea. The delay in results is due to the natural hair growth cycle.

3 to 6 months: While hormonal shifts happen sooner, it typically takes 3 to 6 months of consistent, twice-daily consumption to see a noticeable reduction in unwanted facial or body hair. This is because the tea affects new hair growth, and existing hairs must complete their cycle.

Dosage, Consistency, and Long-Term Safety

For most therapeutic purposes, the standard recommended dose is one to two cups of spearmint tea per day. However, consistency is paramount. Skipping days or weeks can interrupt the hormonal regulation process and delay or diminish results.

Long-Term Consumption and Cycling

For general well-being, many people can consume spearmint tea daily indefinitely without issue. For therapeutic hormonal benefits, some sources suggest a period of up to 16 weeks. As research on very long-term, high-dose consumption is limited, some practitioners suggest a cycling approach, such as drinking it for 8 weeks and then taking a 2-week break. This can help assess your body's continued response and is a cautious way to manage long-term use. If you have pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, it is crucial to avoid excessive intake and consult with a healthcare provider.

Comparison: Spearmint Tea vs. Prescription Treatments for Hirsutism


Feature	Spearmint Tea	Spironolactone	Oral Contraceptives
Effectiveness	Moderate androgen reduction (24–29% in studies)	Strong androgen suppression (19–41% in studies)	Strong androgen suppression (19–41% in studies)
Timeline for Visible Hirsutism	3–6 months	3–6 months	3–6 months
Side Effects	Generally mild (digestive issues)	Menstrual irregularities, loss of libido, breast tenderness	Nausea, headaches
Relative Cost	Low ($5–15/month)	Moderate ($14+/month)	Moderate ($15–50/month)
Mechanism	Inhibits testosterone conversion (DHT) and regulates hormones	Blocks androgen receptors	Suppresses ovarian androgen production

This table highlights spearmint tea's position as a gentle, natural alternative with a slower onset of visible effects compared to prescription options. For many with mild to moderate symptoms, it can be a valuable starting point or complementary therapy. More severe cases may require a combination approach under medical supervision.

Side Effects and Precautions

While generally considered safe, especially in moderate amounts, some individuals may experience side effects. It is important to be aware of these potential issues:

Digestive Discomfort: Overconsumption can lead to digestive upset, heartburn, or nausea in sensitive individuals.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to spearmint.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Large amounts of spearmint are considered possibly unsafe during pregnancy due to potential effects on the uterus. It's best to avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy and consult a doctor. For breastfeeding, there is insufficient reliable information on safety.
Liver or Kidney Conditions: Excessive intake may worsen liver or kidney conditions.
Medication Interactions: Spearmint may interact with certain medications, particularly sedatives. Always consult a healthcare provider if you are taking other medications.

Brewing Your Spearmint Tea

For optimal results, follow these simple preparation steps:

Water: Heat water to just below boiling (around 180°F or 82°C) to protect the delicate compounds.
Leaves: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried spearmint leaves or a small handful of fresh leaves to a cup.
Steep: Steep for 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust the time for your desired strength.
Strain and Enjoy: Strain the leaves and enjoy your tea. It can be consumed hot or iced.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long should I take spearmint tea. For quick hormonal adjustments, a few weeks may be enough, but for visible changes related to hirsutism or acne, expect a commitment of several months. The key is consistency and patience. Starting with a moderate daily intake of one to two cups is a safe and effective approach for most individuals. For the latest research on spearmint tea's anti-androgenic effects, particularly concerning hirsutism in women, a study from the National Institutes of Health provides encouraging preliminary findings [17310494]. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if a natural remedy like spearmint tea is right for your specific condition, especially if you have underlying health concerns or are taking medications.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any health concerns or before starting any new supplement or regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visible improvement in hormonal acne typically begins within one to three months of consistently drinking one to two cups of spearmint tea daily. However, some individuals may notice a reduction in inflammatory acne lesions sooner.

For most people, drinking one to two cups of spearmint tea daily is safe. For specific therapeutic hormonal effects, some experts suggest cycling your intake, such as taking a break after 16 weeks. Excessive consumption should be avoided, especially with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions.

Studies have shown that free testosterone levels can decrease within as little as five to 30 days of drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily, particularly in women with hormonal imbalances. The speed of the effect can depend on initial hormone levels.

For reducing hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, you should drink spearmint tea consistently for at least 3 to 6 months to see noticeable changes. This is because the tea impacts new hair growth, not existing hair, and must work through the hair growth cycle.

If you stop drinking spearmint tea, particularly if you have hormonal imbalances, the symptoms you were treating (like acne or hirsutism) may return over time. The tea's effects are often temporary and reliant on consistent intake.

No, it is possibly unsafe to consume large, therapeutic amounts of spearmint tea during pregnancy as it might affect the uterus. It's best to consult your healthcare provider and stick to food amounts.

Men should be cautious with spearmint tea, as it has been shown to lower testosterone levels. While it might benefit men with specific hormonal issues, long-term use is not recommended without medical supervision due to potential adverse effects on fertility and libido.