Every woman has experienced it: premenstrual syndrome, along with its associated side effects. But, one that stands out among them is definitely our appetite and, more specifically, the relation between drinking coffee in that period and our health. Even though many of us feel that is okay and innocuous, the fact is that the answer is a lot more complicated.
Caffeine is scientifically known to have diuretic properties. This means that it can increase the amount of urine you pee out. As such, it can cause dehydration. For many women, this is an unwelcome physical adversity that is heightened during their period. That is why some experts suggest avoiding coffee, or any other type of caffeinated beverage, during the menstrual cycle.
Furthermore, scientists have revealed that ingesting large amounts of caffeine can wreak havoc with the hormones and mess up with the ovulation process. That could add to the already present burden caused by premenstrual syndrome.
Additionally, caffeine can change your menstrual flow in two different ways. Firstly, it can prompt your periods to become heavier. Moreover, and more distressingly, it can lead to lighter, less consistent fluid flow. This can cause further hormonal disruption, as well as other discomforts related to the menstrual cycle.
That said, some people stand by the idea that coffee actually helps alleviate menstrual cramps and boosts energy levels. That being said, the truth is that there aren’t enough reliable studies to back up this perspective.
It is important to note that every woman is different and, thus, the effects of coffee, particularly during the menstrual cycle, will vary from one individual to another. Some people believe that moderate amounts of coffee won’t have any detrimental influence, whereas others swear off it completely and recommend avoidance for everyone.
Therefore, the best way to make this crucial decision is to do so after listening to your body and giving it the attention and care it deserves. Monitor your caffeine intake, your engagement in physical activities, your nutrition and your overall lifestyle.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
Many people experience Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) during their periods. PMS is characterized by a set of body-wide symptoms due to varying estrogen, progesterone, and other hormone levels in our body. These symptoms affect different people in different ways; but the most common PMS symptoms include mood swings, bloating, headaches, cramps, fatigue, breast tenderness, food cravings and changes in sleep patterns.
It is important to note that these symptoms only surface a week or two before our periods. Thus, women must track their period cycle and day correctly to identify the exact timeline and duration of their PMS symptoms. Furthermore, some women may experience a severe form of PMS known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which has more severe, debilitating and prolonged symptoms than regular PMS.
Since PMS is associated with the fluctuation of hormones, it is important to understand how this change affects our body. Estrogen and Progesterone levels start to build up a week before our period and peak just before it. These hormones directly influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which in turn affect our mood, cravings and emotions.
Hence, the weaker or stronger our hormones are in comparison to other aspects of our body; the more or fewer symptoms we will experience. This is why it is important to assess our overall physiology and take active measures to tackle the problem.
Long-term Effects of Caffeine
If you consume caffeine regularly and in large amounts during your period, it might lead to several long-term health consequences. Firstly, caffeine intake has been linked to a lower calcium absorption rate. Poor calcium metabolic activity can cause a wide range of problems, including strokes, heart diseases, muscle weakness and osteoporosis.
Secondly, chronic consumption of caffeine can also promote feelings of anxiety, irritability and restlessness. The stimulating effects of the organic compound on our neurotransmitters can cause a hoard of other issues like headaches, high blood pressure, nausea, palpitations, sleep disturbances and acid reflux.
Additionally, most women often consume coffee to seek long-term relief from PMS symptoms. However, excessive coffee consumption can reduce the effectiveness of this benefit as the body can get used to it over time.
In such cases, the accumulated caffeine in our systems can add to the problems of PMS and cause digestive issues, anxiety and other irregularities. Thus, it is best to drink coffee in moderation so as to avoid any significant side effects from the beverage.
Alternatives to Caffeine
If you want to stay away from caffeine completely, there are several alternative beverages that can provide similar energy and alertness. For instance, brewed tea and hot cocoa can be great substitutes for coffee and can help to provide alertness without the same level of physiological and neurological consequences.
Herbal teas are also a healthy, natural and caffeine-free options that provide a myriad of other health benefits. For example, chamomile tea can help to reduce depression and anxiety whereas rooibos tea is a great source of magnesium and iron.
Yerba Mate is a traditional South American herbal tea also known as mate. It contains polyphenols and caffeine as well as 24 vitamins, 11 minerals and 15 amino acids. It is often used as a natural stimulant and is known to provide energy, enhance mental alertness and increase motivation.
In the same vein, many people replace coffee with Matcha tea. Just like yerba mate, it is a great source of polyphenols, antioxidants and essential nutrients. One of the major blessings of this tea is that it does not produce the same caffeine crash that many of us experience with regular coffee.
Conclusion and Ways to Manage PMS Symptoms
All in all, even though there are certain benefits to drinking coffee in our period, it is best to limit the intake of this beverage to moderate quantities. Furthermore, it is also important to drink water and other caffeine-free beverages to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Following a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can also help to reduce the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Also, maintaining a good sleep schedule and controlling stress levels can prove to be really effective in managing PMS.
Finally, it is essential for women to be aware of the symptoms of PMS and PMDD, so as to identify and look for possible sources of symptoms. Taking the time and effort to listen to their bodies and seek professional aid is the only way to get the best and most effective treatment for premenstrual syndrome.
