Coffee and periods

What caffeine consumption during your period means for your body

The best coffee is the first one in the morning - or maybe a cozy cappuccino in the afternoon with friends? Afternoon coffee brings such a nice feeling - hanging out together, chatting about the last few days and enjoying all kinds of coffee. We love it! But did you know that coffee can have an effect on the cycle for menstruating women?

Coffee during your period: 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 forego coffee and instead prefer a soothing cup of tea. And the effect of a single cup of coffee on our cycle can be so varied. Why? It's simple: caffeine can stimulate the circulation 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 us menstruators, excessive stress can also affect our periods and lead to irregular cycles, for example.

Your coffee consumption can also contribute to the absorption of certain micronutrients being impaired. For example, the absorption of iron can be inhibited - doubly bad for menstruating women, as we need to be particularly careful to ensure we have an adequate iron intake due to the loss of iron during our periods.

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 development of the quality of the cervical mucosa until ovulation. However, coffee can affect estrogen levels.

These and other symptoms do not occur in 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 after the third cup, the symptoms could become more severe. 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 classify its signals, the easier it will be for you to find out what is good for you and thus find your personal way of how your coffee consumption can look in everyday life.

Decaf vs. Caffeine: Are you doing your menstruating body some good with a decaf cup of coffee?

When it comes to daily coffee consumption during menstruation, many women* are faced with the decision: a cup of coffee with or without caffeine? Experts recommend reducing coffee consumption during your period, but whether it works for you is something you should decide for yourself and try out.

In contrast to caffeinated coffee, the caffeine-free alternative has no stimulating effect. So it doesn't really make you more awake - but this can ultimately have a positive effect on your sleeping habits. Without the stimulation of lots of caffeine during the day, you may notice the night after that that you can sleep more peacefully and restfully.

In summary, decaffeinated coffee is a wonderful alternative, especially during your period. In addition to chemically decaffeinated coffee, there are also natural alternatives such as lupine or malt coffee.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours: caffeinated or decaf? If you want to experience the full coffee experience without the side effects of caffeine, decaf might 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 wellbeing is our top priority - 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 security and a ritual. A brief moment to escape from everyday life.

5 tips and tricks for your coffee consumption during your period:

Do not drink your coffee on an empty stomach, as this can be beneficial for both blood sugar and digestion.
Enjoy your coffee in the morning when your cortisol is already elevated so that the coffee is less likely to disrupt your hormones.
Since large amounts of coffee are not beneficial during menstruation, consume it in moderate amounts and occasionally replace a cup with a caffeine-free alternative.
Support optimal nutrient absorption by enjoying your coffee afterward rather than during your meal.
How about a soothing cup of tea the next time you’re out at a café with your friends?

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 the time alone and bake coffee cookies. Or invite your friends and enjoy the time together? Maybe a cup of coffee with it?