5 Teas That Can Help Balance Your Hormones Naturally
Tea for hormone balance: A delicate tea set, featuring a pastel pink cup and saucer with a gold-rimmed spoon, sits elegantly on a marble surface. Nearby, a matching pink container with a lid complements the serene and luxurious setting.
Hormones are chemical messengers that guide sleep, metabolism, stress, and reproductive health. When they fall out of balance, you might notice mood changes, hot flashes, irregular periods, or unwanted hair growth. A healthy lifestyle and medical care come first, but you can add green or herbal teas to naturally balance your hormones.
1. Green Tea
Green, black, oolong, and white teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea stands out because it is not fermented, which helps it retain more antioxidants that protect your cells. One powerful antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), supports metabolism (how your body uses energy) and hormone health.
Research shows green tea can lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and support modest weight loss. These benefits may be beneficial for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition linked to high androgens (male hormones), acne, excess hair, and irregular periods. Benefits may be more substantial when you drink it regularly for at least three months.
One long-term study suggests added benefits, noting that women who drank green tea daily for over 20 years had healthier estrogen levels, lower weight, and better sleep. Men in similar studies have shown higher testosterone levels, better moods, and improved sleep.
Tea for hormone balance, Green tea is safe for most people. Some notice mild side effects like frequent urination or stomach upset.
2. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea, made from the Mentha spicata plant, is naturally caffeine-free. It has a sweet flavor that’s softer than peppermint. It’s safe for most people and is a good option for people with PCOS. Studies show it may:
Help with weight and blood sugar control
Increase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), supporting ovulation and more regular periods
Lower testosterone, reducing acne and extra hair growth for those with PCOS1 To brew, use one teaspoon of dried leaves or one tea bag per cup of water. You can use 5-10 fresh leaves per cup, but it helps to lightly crush them to release flavor first. Steep them in hot water for five to seven minutes and strain. Enjoy plain or mixed with honey, lemon, or green tea for extra flavor and benefits.
3. Chasteberry Tea
Healthy diet, Schizandra tea with dried berries. Schisandra chinensis is considered in the Chinese Medicine as one the 50 fundamental herbs and known as Wu Wei Zi.
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as “monk’s pepper,” earned its name because monks once believed it helped them stay “chaste” or celibate by reducing sexual desire.6 Females now use it to ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like breast tenderness and help with irregular periods.
Chasteberry tea may help by lowering prolactin and boosting progesterone, which supports a healthier luteal phase (the second half of your period), which may improve period regularity and fertility. Some people use it for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but the evidence is limited.
Chasteberry is generally considered safe for short-term use (up to three months), but can cause stomach upset, headaches, irregular periods, or itching. Avoid chasteberry if you are:
Pregnant
Breastfeeding
Taking hormonal medications
Have hormone receptor-positive breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
This tea or tincture may have a slightly bitter, earthy taste. Add honey, lemon, or chamomile to soften the flavor.
4. Marjoram Tea
Healthy diet, Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an herb from the mint family. Its name came from the ancient Greek words “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy).8 The leaves offer antioxidants and calming compounds, like terpenes and flavonoids.
Some studies suggest marjoram may balance female reproductive hormones, which may help:
Lower male hormones for those with PCOS
Reduce menstrual cramps or heavy flow9
Support ovarian health and regulate periods10
One small
trial found it may also improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
When brewed as tea, it produces a soothing, aromatic drink with a gentle herbal flavor and a hint of mint. However, it should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
5. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and support adrenal health, which might help people with Addison’s disease or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Licorice root contains plant compounds that mimic estrogen and may lower testosterone, which could benefit people with PCOS. Some studies note it may enhance the effect of Aldactone (spironolactone), a medication often prescribed for PCOS.
Early studies suggest licorice root might ease hot flashes or support bone health during menopause, but the results are mixed. The effects depend on the type and amount of licorice root.
Licorice tea has a naturally sweet, earthy flavor. Regular use can raise blood pressure, lower potassium levels, and interact with heart or kidney medications. Talk with your healthcare provider before drinking it often.
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