Many women consume coffee or hot drinks on results of scientific studies or heard some experts recommend that women abstain from drinking coffee during their periods. While various sources may provide conflicting theories, there is evidence to suggest that drinking coffee while on your period is not necessarily as detrimental as some may think.
Drinking coffee likely won’t make cramps, headaches and bloating worse, as these are typical premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. However, it may help provide some respite, due to the fact that the caffeine content in coffee is a mild stimulant. This can trigger the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, which can provide temporary relief from physical discomfort.
It is also important to note that not all coffee beverages contain the same amount of caffeine, as some are stronger than others. For example, espresso and bulletproof coffee contain much higher levels of caffeine than cappuccinos and latte macchiatos. Therefore, if mitigating certain PMS symptoms is the goal, consumption of coffee with higher caffeine content is recommended.
That said, it is important to pay attention the frequency of your coffee consumption. High amounts of caffeine can lead to tension, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms can already worsen during menstruation and is it therefore important to stay away from caffeine during the late luteal phase, which is the time leading up to the menstrual period.
While coffee is not necessarily bad when on your period, it is strongly advised to consume coffee in moderation for health-related reasons. In general, women should refrain from drinking coffee more than twice a day. This amount coincides with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ recommendation that women should avoid more than 200 mg of caffeine in a day, which is equivalent to roughly two cups of coffee per day.
Severe cramps
When it comes to drinking coffee while on your period, the length and intensity of cramps you may experience still needs to be taken into account. For instance, if you have severe cramps during the first few days of your period and drinking coffee tends to make them worse, then it’s best to avoid coffee. However, if your cramps are mild and you find that coffee helps to reduce their severity, then you can safely drink it.
It is important to be aware of the differences between different types of cramps. If your cramps are from involvement of the muscle in the uterus, drinking coffee won’t do anything for them. Instead, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs are the type of medications that can be helpful for such cramps. When in doubt, it’s always best to talk to a healthcare practitioner about the best treatment for your individual cramping symptoms.
Dehydration
Another possible disadvantage of drinking coffee while on your period is that it can sometimes lead to dehydration. This is because caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning it has a mild inflammation-inducing effect on the bladder, which eventually results in an increase in urinary frequency.However, dehydration should not be a concern if you are drinking enough water around the time of your period. This amount is usually between 8-10 glasses of water in a day.
If having coffee while on your period is something you enjoy, then it is important to keep track of your caffeine intake.Look for decaffeinated or half-caffeinated options, so that you can enjoy the same taste without being exposed to high levels of caffeine.Also, be aware that certain beverages such as tea, chocolate and certain energy drinks also contain caffeine. In other words, knowing your daily caffeine intake is key to avoiding dehydration while enjoying your favorite drinks and beverages.
Nutrition and vitamin supplements
A healthy diet with an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is of utmost importance to improve the symptoms of PMS during your menstrual period and also for the rest of the month. It is recommended to include foods that are rich in iron and calcium, as iron helps red blood cells transport oxygen in the body, while calcium helps reduce muscle cramps.Adding vitamin B6 and magnesium to your diet can help reduce the intensity of PMS symptoms.
It is also important to avoid certain foods and drinks that may worsen your cramps.Alcohol, salty foods and even some fruits such as citrus fruits are known to intensify cramps, so it’s advisable to opt for a low-sodium, low-sugar diet.In addition, be mindful of the amount of sugar intake during the period, as eating sugary foods can lead to an increase in bloating and fatigue.
Vitamin supplements are a useful way to get all the nutrients you need, with minimal effort.It is recommended to take a multi-vitamin tablets, as well as specific supplements of magnesium, Omega-3, vitamin E and calcium, as these are all important for overall menstrual health.
Mental health
It is no secret that PMS symptoms take a toll on women’s mental health.Anxiety, depression and mood swings are all common during this time.Having said that, a healthy lifestyle, adequate nutrition and some stress-relieving activities are essential to help manage the mental health of women during their period.
Studies suggest that physical activity can help relieve stress, anxiety and depression during a menstrual cycle.Whether that be a brisk walk, yoga session or a run, any form of exercise can be beneficial for women on their period.
If exercise isn’t your thing, other activities such as meditation, reading or even spending time with friends and family can also be helpful.While some women may prefer to have some alone time during their period, having meaningful conversations with loved ones can at times be beneficial.
Self care practices
Another important factor to consider is self-care practices.It is important to pay attention to your body and listen to its needs. Whether that be taking warm baths, using a heating pad, or even just having a good night’s sleep, looking after yourself when on your period is essential.
Beauty treatments such as facials are also excellent ways to pamper yourself.You can even try a yoga class or just take a few minutes to disconnect and relax.Any of these methods can be helpful in alleviating your premenstrual symptoms, as well as improving your overall health.
In conclusion, while some experts may advise women to abstain from drinking coffee during their period, there is evidence to suggest that drinking coffee while on your period is not necessarily bad. It is still important to watch the amount of caffeine intake, as well as pay attention to other possible factors that can worsen premenstrual symptoms.Moreover, engaging in self-care activities, physical activity and having a healthy diet are all essential for overall menstrual health.
