Quick Answer Summary
YesReddit is full of people who have lowered their testosterone or DHT with everyday items like spearmint tea, sawpalmetto, pumpkinseed oil, green tea, licorice root, and a few overthecounter antiandrogen supplements. Most of these natural approaches need 36 months of consistent use to show measurable changes, and they work best when paired with a balanced diet, stress management, and regular medical checkins.
Bottom line: Natural antiandrogens can gently reduce androgen levels for both women (think PCOS, unwanted facial hair, acne) and men (oilier skin, hairloss concerns), but they arent a miracle cure. Watch for sideeffects, keep an eye on lab results, and always talk to a healthcare professional before making big changes.
Why People Use
Scrolling through r/PCOS, r/AskTransgender, and r/Hubs, youll see a common thread: folks are looking for a way to feel more comfortable in their own skin without reaching for prescription drugs that can carry a heavy sideeffect profile. The appeal is simplenatural options feel safer, cost less, and come with a swarm of personal anecdotes that make them feel trustworthy.
Typical goals include:
- Reducing unwanted facial or body hair
- Clearing up hormonal acne
- Slowing scalp hair loss
- Balancing menstrual cycles (for PCOS)
- Managing oily skin or scalp
Because these goals are shared across genders, youll find both how to reduce androgens in females naturally and how to reduce androgens in males naturally popping up side by side in the same threads.
RedditVerified Options
Spearmint Tea
How to Use It
Two cups a daysteep fresh spearmint leaves for 510 minutes or use a quality tea bag. Aim for at least three months before you expect to see a drop in free testosterone. A 2021 showed a roughly 15% reduction after six months of daily consumption.
What People Say
I started drinking spearmint after reading a Reddit thread, and after four months my acne cleared up dramatically, writes u/greenleaf92.
Saw Palmetto
How to Use It
Most users take 320mg twice daily, preferably with meals. The active fatty acids inhibit the 5reductase enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT.
What People Say
u/follicle_fighter notes, My beard growth slowed noticeably after eight weeks, and my scalp shedding reduced by half.
PumpkinSeed Oil / Powder
How to Use It
One to two tablespoons of oil or a teaspoon of powdered pumpkin seeds mixed into a smoothie each morning.
What People Say
I swear by the powdermy hair shed less after just eight weeks, says u/sunshine_seeds.
Green Tea (EGCG)
How to Use It
Two to three cups of brewed green tea a day, or a 400mg EGCG supplement if youre pressed for time.
What People Say
u/tea_lover_42 shares, My skin feels less oily, and my doctor noticed my DHT was a tad lower at the last checkup.
Licorice Root (Deglycyrrhizinated)
How to Use It
300mg DGL extract twice daily. It can lower testosterone by modulating cortisol pathways, but watch your blood pressure.
What People Say
u/steady_state writes, After three months my facial hair softened, but I had to stop when my blood pressure nudged up.
Flaxseed (Lignans)
How to Use It
One to two tablespoons of ground flaxseed sprinkled on oatmeal, yogurt, or in a smoothie.
What People Say
Ive added flax to everything for the past six monthsmy periods are more regular and my skin is calmer, reports u/seed_savvy.
Inositol (Myo & DChiro)
How to Use It
2g myoinositol + 0.5g Dchiroinositol twice a day. Improves insulin sensitivity, which in turn reduces ovarian androgen productionespecially helpful for PCOS.
What People Say
u/pcos_power says, After four months my ovulation cycles returned, and the excess hair on my chin faded.
OTC AntiAndrogen Supplements
Whats Inside?
| Product (example) | Key Ingredients | Typical Dose | Reddit Rating (/5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBlock | Sawpalmetto, pygeum, zinc, vitaminB6 | 2 capsules daily | 4.2 |
| DHTShield | Betasitosterol, pumpkinseed oil, riboflavin | 1 softgel after breakfast | 3.9 |
What People Say
u/thyroid_tamer mentions, The AndroBlock blend helped keep my acne at bay without any weird sideeffects.
AntiAndrogen Foods
Eat This, See That
- Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale) sulforaphane can blunt estrogen conversion and indirectly lower androgens.
- Lowglycemic carbs (quinoa, sweet potatoes) stabilize insulin, which reduces ovarian androgen output.
- Highfiber meals bind excess hormones in the gut.
Balancing Benefits Risks
When Natural Isnt Enough
If youve tried the above for at least three months and still see persistent severe acne, rapid hair loss, or chaotic menstrual cycles, its time to see a dermatologist or endocrinologist. Natural methods can support, but they sometimes need to be paired with prescription antiandrogen drugs for female or male patients. For people whose symptoms overlap with metabolic issues like PCOS, consider combining these approaches with evidencebased PCOS strategies outlined in resources about PCOS management to tackle both insulin and androgen drivers together.
Potential SideEffects & ContraIndications
| Substance | Common SideEffect | Who Should Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Spearmint tea | Mild GI upset, possible estrogenic activity | Pregnant or breastfeeding women (consult doctor) |
| SawPalmetto | Headache, dizziness | Men on testosterone therapy, prostatecancer patients |
| Licorice (nonDGL) | Hypertension, low potassium | Anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease |
| Highdose zinc | Copper deficiency | People already supplementing zinc heavily |
Interaction with Prescription AntiAndrogens
Stacking natural blockers with drugs like spironolactone can amplify potassium loss or cause unpredictable hormone swings. If youre already on a prescription, ask your doctor about a safe taper or a monitored combination.
Personalized Routine Steps
30Day Starter Kit
| Day | Morning | Midday | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 2cups spearmint tea + 1tbsp ground flaxseed | 1caps sawpalmetto | 1tbsp pumpkinseed oil |
| 814 | Add 1cup green tea | Continue sawpalmetto, add 300mg DGL licorice | Same as before |
| 1530 | Introduce 2g myoinositol + 0.5g Dchiroinositol | Lowglycemic meals, more cruciferous veg | Maintain oil & tea routine |
Monitoring Progress
Keep a simple log:
- Photo diary (skin, hair, facial hair)
- Symptom checklist (acne, hair loss, menstrual changes)
- Lab panel every 3 months (total testosterone, free testosterone, DHT, SHBG)
When to Adjust or Stop
If after six months you see no change, consider a professional evaluation for prescription antiandrogen pills over the counter or a deeper hormonal workup. Any sudden sideeffectpersistent headache, blood pressure spikes, or mood shiftsshould prompt an immediate pause and a conversation with your doctor.
Expert Insights Sources
Endocrinology specialists often say, Herbal DHT blockers can be useful adjuncts, but baseline labs are essential. A 2022 metaanalysis of sawpalmetto for androgenic alopecia concluded modest benefit with a low adverseevent rate ().
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends lifestyle and diet as firstline therapy for PCOSrelated hyperandrogenism, which aligns with the natural foods and inositol strategies highlighted above.
Final Takeaway
Natural antiandrogens that you keep seeing on Redditspearmint tea, sawpalmetto, pumpkinseed oil, green tea, licorice, flaxseed, inositol, and curated OTC blendscan gently lower androgen levels when you stick with them for a few months and pair them with a lowglycemic, highfiber diet. Theyre not a quick fix, but they can be a safe, affordable first step before reaching for prescription antiandrogen drugs for female or male patients.
Always monitor how you feel, keep an eye on lab numbers, and stay in touch with a healthcare professional. If youve tried any of these tips, or if youre just starting out, Id love to hear about your experience. Drop a comment, share your progress, or ask a questionlets navigate this journey together.
FAQs
Are natural anti-androgens effective according to Reddit users?
Yes, many Reddit users report that natural anti-androgens like spearmint tea, saw-palmetto, and pumpkin-seed oil help reduce androgen levels and improve symptoms such as acne and hair loss after consistent use for 3–6 months.
How long does it take for natural anti-androgens to work?
Most natural anti-androgens require 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use before noticeable changes appear in hormone levels or symptoms.
What are some commonly recommended natural anti-androgens on Reddit?
Spearmint tea, saw-palmetto, pumpkin-seed oil, green tea (EGCG), licorice root (deglycyrrhizinated), flaxseed, and inositol are frequently mentioned as natural anti-androgens on Reddit.
Can natural anti-androgens cause side effects?
Yes, they can have mild side effects such as gastrointestinal upset or blood pressure changes, especially licorice. Users should monitor symptoms and consult healthcare providers to ensure safe use.
Should natural anti-androgens be used alongside prescription medications?
Combining natural anti-androgens with prescription drugs like spironolactone requires medical supervision to avoid side effects and hormone imbalances. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining treatments.
