Is Coffee Bad During PMS: Debunking the Myths and Facts About Caffeine Consumption
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which we probably never want to experience.
As if the bloating, cramps, and mood swings weren’t enough, some women also have to grapple with whether or not to indulge in their beloved cup of joy.
Coffee has been a morning ritual for centuries, but does it exacerbate PMS symptoms?
Some studies suggest caffeine intake can increase irritability, anxiety, and breast tenderness – all common PMS symptoms.
Clinically 15–20% of women suffer from PMS effects, hampering their quality of life.
But is there enough evidence to altogether ditch the caffeine fix during PMS?
Let’s explore the research and find out.
Coffee & PMS
The National Library of Medicine conducted a prospective study on whether caffeine intake affects PMS.
It was concluded that reducing caffeine intake had nothing to do with developing PMS.
However, other research indicates that consuming coffee may worsen specific PMS symptoms.
These include agitation, anxiety, breast tenderness, and insomnia.
As a stimulant, caffeine can raise levels of stress hormones like Cortisol and Adrenaline, which could worsen PMS symptoms.
Additionally, coffee can lead to dehydration. This aggravates bloating and headaches, two typical PMS symptoms.
A moderate coffee intake during PMS may not substantially impact symptoms for some women.
Maintaining a record of your symptoms and caffeine intake and looking for a correlation between the two is the best approach.
This will help you to ascertain whether coffee or other caffeinated beverages affect your PMS symptoms.
You might want to reduce your consumption of caffeine worsens your PMS symptoms. It might be a good idea to switch to decaffeinated beverages at this time.
Reasons to avoid coffee in PMS
Cutting back on coffee or other caffeinated drinks during PMS might be beneficial.
Here are a few:
Increases stress hormones
The stimulant caffeine, which is present in coffee, can raise the body’s levels of stress chemicals, including Cortisol and Adrenaline.
Hormone levels are already erratic during PMS. Elevated stress hormones can exacerbate anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
To help control their PMS symptoms, some women may decide to reduce or entirely forgo caffeine during this time.
Dehydration
The primary component of coffee, caffeine, is a moderate diuretic, which can cause increased urine production and dehydration.
Some women may experience bloating and water retention symptoms of PMS, and dehydration can make them worse.
Other PMS symptoms, such as headaches, lethargy, and dizziness, can also be brought on by dehydration.
These symptoms can be tough for women struggling with fatigue and mood swings due to PMS.
While most individuals can get away with a moderate amount of caffeine, too much can cause dehydration and other health issues.
Disrupts sleep
PMS sufferers frequently experience sleep difficulties, and coffee use might worsen things.
Because caffeine stimulates the neurological system and blocks the neurotransmitter Adenosine, it can prevent people from falling asleep.
This can make dealing with other PMS symptoms more difficult.
As it can cause daytime exhaustion, irritation, and problems concentrating.
Increase the craving for junk food
It’s common for menstruating people to crave junk food during PMS.
But we often forget that consuming too much of these could affect us adversely and worsen our symptoms.
Junk food, which includes processed snacks, candy, and fast food, is frequently high in sugar, salt, and bad fats.
These foods should not be consumed excessively.
They can result in weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
High sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, frequently seen in fast food, can also cause mood swings and blood sugar variations.
A balanced diet rich in freshly produced, lean protein, whole grains, and other nutrients can help the body acquire the nutrition it requires to control PMS symptoms.
Conclusion
Caffeine in coffee may worsen specific PMS symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, and sleep.
While drinking coffee in moderation is acceptable, women with PMS may benefit from reducing their caffeine intake.
Additionally, maintaining overall health and well-being throughout PMS can be supported by eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and getting enough sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drink coffee during PMS?
It’s fine to drink coffee in a certain amount during PMS. Still, limiting caffeine intake is best as it can worsen common symptoms like mood swings and dehydration. There are better options it can be substituted for herbal tea and staying hydrated.
Can coffee make PMS worse?
Yes, due to high caffeine levels, coffee can make several PMS symptoms worse. It includes irritability, anxiety, and dehydration. Symptoms can be managed by consuming less caffeine or choosing alternatives like herbal tea.
Does caffeine increase PMS?
Some studies show caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of specific PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and mood swings. However, the relationship between caffeine and PMS is complex and may vary among individuals.
What worsens PMS?
Stress, a poor diet, inactivity, and insufficient sleep are just a few of the variables that might exacerbate PMS symptoms. Hormonal imbalances and underlying medical issues can also cause more severe PMS symptoms.
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