As is matcha! Both have caffeine and contain L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and calmness. Green tea is a nourishing alternative to coffee. At the very least-if you can’t quit your morning coffee-drink it after you’ve had a blood sugar-friendly breakfast. Image by Ka Vang 5 Hormone-Friendly Alternatives To Coffeeįortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to coffee that can provide a clean energy boost without the negative side effects. And while we need some cortisol, high cortisol levels can affect your body’s ability to regulate inflammation. Ultimately, most experts suggest avoiding caffeine altogether to alleviate hormonal imbalance symptoms. At any rate, caffeine can cause your body to produce extra cortisol. First and foremost, what type of hormone imbalance are you dealing with? Estrogen dominance, low testosterone, a thyroid issue, PCOS, chronically elevated cortisol, insulin issues-or a combination of a few? Work with your healthcare provider to accurately diagnose your specific hormone imbalance(s). Should you avoid coffee to balance your hormones? Regardless, estrogen levels differ in every woman and change throughout her monthly cycle. Ultimately, conflicting reports make it difficult for medical providers to accurately predict hormonal fluctuations. In Black women, there was a slight rise in estrogen levels, but it wasn’t statistically significant. However, the exact reverse effect was found for white women-higher caffeine intake was associated with lower estrogen levels. For example, one study shows that higher caffeine consumption was associated with higher estrogen levels for Asian women. Image by Michelle Nash Caffeine, Estrogen, and Racial Groupsįurthermore, caffeine appears to affect women differently by racial groups. So, what happens when caffeine and estrogen clash? The body enters an estrogen dominant state-low sex drive, tender breasts, fatigue, etc. Estrogen, on the other hand, is a vital hormone for the female body, responsible for everything from reproductive health to bone strength. While caffeine is known to give you a quick energy boost, it can also disrupt your hormones, particularly estrogen levels. Research shows that it can increase estrogen levels. In fact, if you’re trying to balance your hormones, caffeine may be a no-go. When it comes to hormonal balance, caffeine and estrogen have a complex relationship. Caffeine and Estrogen: A Complex Relationship Think: inflammatory diet, poor sleep, high stress, etc. While caffeine seems to increase cortisol levels-especially when combined with other stressors-it’s possible that some other behavior or inherent trait is responsible for the differing hormone levels. Meaning, there’s a link, but there’s no proof that caffeine, specifically, causes changes in hormones. That said, observational studies find a correlation between caffeine and hormones. It’s not as black-and-white as drinking caffeine or abstaining, completely. The link between caffeine and hormones is nuanced. Image by Michelle Nash Caffeine and Female Hormones Regardless, coffee has its (research-backed) benefits! But when in doubt, have your cup of joe with supportive additions. As the type suggests, the fast group breaks down caffeine more quickly than the slow group. At any rate, you’re either a “fast” caffeine metabolizer or a “slow” metabolizer. This is precisely why that afternoon iced coffee is a slippery slope. However, the remaining amount of caffeine typically lingers much longer. ![]() Fast Caffeine Metabolizerįor most of us, caffeine works its magic very quickly-reaching a peak level in the blood within 30-60 minutes of drinking. Is a ritual or a reliance? If you notice adverse symptoms shortly after drinking coffee and/or you’re using it to compensate for undernourishing dietary habits, it’s worth getting honest about your coffee habit. Do you experience jitters, poor sleep, digestive woes, anxiety, or worsened PMS symptoms? Furthermore, consider why you drink it. Specifically, how you feel when-and after-you drink it. What is your relationship like with caffeine? And how does it influence your well-being? If you aren’t sure how caffeine impacts your body, start to take note. You and caffeine: a ritual or a reliance?īefore we dive into all-things caffeine and estrogen, let’s back up. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness. Double-certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Nutrition ConsultantĮdie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie.
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