Should You Cut Back On Caffeine For Your Hormones?

Should You Cut Back On Caffeine To Help Your Hormones?

“Should I cut back on caffeine?”

I get this question A LOT. Caffeine has been made into a villain, but it isn’t always a bad thing in moderation.

First off – common sense. Too much caffeine (more than 200 mg per day) is not good for anyone. But there really is no other blanket statement we can make as it affects everyone differently.

If you notice that you’re jittery or anxious, cut back. Listen to your body! I have had patients mix half regular and half decaf so they’re still getting their coffee fix, but with less of a jolt.

From a hormone health standpoint, there is some research that shows caffeine consumption impacts estrogen levels, as caffeine and estrogen share the same liver detox pathway (CYP1A2). One study even showed that 4-5 cups of coffee per day increased circulating estrogen levels by 70%.

Women with a history of endometriosis, osteoporosis, and endometrial, breast, and ovarian cancers should consider consuming caffeine sparingly.

Too much caffeine has also been shown to impact libido by increasing Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and reduces its bioavailability.

Bottom line: 2 small cups of coffee per day or less and MOST women will see no significant effects (and you’ll also get the antioxidant benefits). But, make sure to pay attention to your OWN reactions and cut back accordingly.