Tea for PCOS

 

A study published in 2017 showed that the consumption of 500 milligrams of green tea extract twice daily for 12 weeks led to weight loss, decreased fasting insulin levels, and lower levels of free testosterone in overweight women with PCOS (3). Animal studies have also shown the positive effects of green tea extract in subjects with PCOS.  One study found a significant reduction in insulin resistance index as well as reduced body weight in rats with PCOS (4).

 

How does 500 mg of green tea extract translate to cups of green tea?  One would probably have to drink at least 64 oz of green tea per day to reach that level, so about 128 oz per day to reach the therapeutic dose in the human study above.  Is this realistic for most people?  Probably not.  Taking a supplement of green tea extract, such as this one or doing a combination of the tea and the extract supplement, would be an easier way to achieve that dose for most people.

 

 

Drinking adequate water and a good variety of herbal teas, even those not studied for PCOS, is a good way to stay hydrated and get anti-inflammatory benefits from the polyphenols and antioxidants in tea.  You can read more about healthy drinks other than water and some of our favorite tea options here. 

More studies are certainly needed to prove the anti-androgenic properties of spearmint and green tea for PCOS, but consuming more tea is a good option to try for women struggling with symptoms from the high androgens that come along with the condition.

 

If you are a more than 1 cup per day coffee drinker, start off by replacing your second cup of coffee with tea and see how it goes.  Consider using decaffeinated green tea if you are drinking it in the afternoon.  Working towards an intake of 2-6 cups of spearmint or green tea per day is a reasonable goal for most people.   You can find one of our favorite spearmint teas here.

 

If you are looking for more guidance for treating PCOS, check out our online PCOS program.