What caffeine consumption during your period means for your body
Isn't the tastiest coffee the first one in the morning, or perhaps the cozy cappuccino in the afternoon with friends? Afternoon coffee brings such a nice feeling - hanging out together, chatting about the past few days, and enjoying all sorts of coffee varieties. We love it! But did you know that coffee can have an effect on the cycle of menstruating people?
Coffee during your menstruation: These are the effects of caffeine on your cycle
Every body reacts differently to caffeine consumption. Some of us swear by five espressos to get through the day, while others prefer to skip coffee and instead opt for a comforting cup of tea. And the effect of even a single cup of coffee on our cycle can be just as diverse. Why? Quite simply: caffeine can stimulate the circulatory system in many different ways. By the way: a cup of coffee has an average caffeine content of 80mg.
Coffee consumption can lead to an increase in the release of the stress hormone cortisol. We all know the effects of stress on our bodies. For those of us who menstruate, excessive stress can also affect our periods and, for example, lead to irregular cycles.
Your coffee consumption can also impair the absorption of certain micronutrients. For example, iron absorption can be inhibited - doubly bad for us menstruating people, as we should pay particular attention to sufficient iron intake due to iron loss during menstrual bleeding.
In the first half of our cycle, estrogens are very important for the female body. They play a central role in the maturation of the follicle in the ovary and the build-up of cervical mucus quality until ovulation. However, coffee can affect estrogen levels.
These and other symptoms do not affect everyone, and certainly not to the same extent. Every body is different, and ultimately it also depends on the amount. One cup a day may be harmless for many, but from the third cup, the symptoms could worsen. Listen to your body, feel the signals, and find the balance that is right for you. As part of your morning routine, for an energy boost in the afternoon, as a decaf just for the feeling, or during your lunch break as 10 minutes of me-time: The better you understand your body and can interpret its signals, the easier it will be for you to find out what does you good and thus find your personal way to integrate coffee into your daily life.
Caffeine-free vs. Caffeine: Are you doing your menstruating body good with a caffeine-free cup of coffee?
When it comes to daily coffee enjoyment during menstruation, many women* face the decision: a cup of coffee with or without caffeine? Experts recommend reducing coffee consumption during menstruation, but whether it works for you is something you should decide and try out for yourself.
Unlike caffeinated coffee, the caffeine-free alternative has no stimulating effect. So it doesn't really make you more awake - however, this can ultimately have a positive effect on your sleep. Without the stimulation of a lot of caffeine during the day, you might find that you can sleep more calmly and restfully the following night.
In summary, decaffeinated coffee, especially during your period, is a wonderful alternative. In addition to chemically decaffeinated coffees, there are also natural alternatives such as lupine or malt coffee.
At the end of the day, the decision is yours: caffeinated or caffeine-free? If you want to experience the full coffee enjoyment without the side effects of caffeine, decaffeinated coffee could be the answer. But no matter what you choose, listen to your body and adjust your caffeine consumption to best support your menstrual cycle. Your well-being comes first – so treat yourself to the cup of coffee that suits you perfectly!
But let's be honest, for many of us, coffee is more than just a boost to get through the day. It's a feeling of comfort and a ritual. A brief moment to escape everyday life.
5 tips and tricks for your coffee consumption during your period:
Your feel-good recipe: Coffee bean-shaped coffee cookies for your perfect Sunday
And when your period is over, we have the perfect idea for you: Enjoy some alone time and bake coffee cookies. Or invite your friends over and enjoy time together? Perhaps with a cup of coffee?
Your feel-good recipe: Coffee bean-style coffee biscuits for your perfect Sunday
And when your period is over, we have the perfect idea for you: enjoy some alone time and bake coffee cookies. Or invite your friends over and enjoy some time together? Maybe a cup of coffee with that?
Ingredients
37 g butter or vegan butter substitute
33 g agave syrup
½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp baking soda
1 espresso
60 g spelt flour
13 g starch
6 g cocoa powder
Preparation
- First, cream the soft butter substitute in a large bowl and slowly incorporate the agave syrup into the creamed butter.
- In a small bowl, mix baking soda and vinegar. At the same time, brew the espresso, add it to the mixture, and stir well.
- Sift flour, starch, and cocoa into a separate bowl and mix. Then gradually knead into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into small 8-g balls and shape them into ovals. Place them on a plate lined with baking paper and carefully make a centerline in the dough with a knife.
- Place the plate in the freezer for about 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 170 °C top/bottom heat 10 minutes before the end of the chilling time.
- Remove the coffee bean cookies from the freezer and place them on a baking sheet with baking paper. Then bake them for 12 to 14 minutes in the oven.
- When they are done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool. Meanwhile, melt the white couverture over a water bath and drizzle it over the center of the cooled cookies.
And now: Enjoy!








