The Truth About Coffee and PCOS

Updated 7/14/24

Almost everyone loves a good cup of coffee in the morning to get their day rolling. The smell of the freshly brewed beans and that first sip of your cup of joe just warms your soul.

While we know how much you enjoy coffee, the real question on your mind is whether coffee is good for PCOS.

Let's explore the scientific research and review the pros and cons of coffee for PCOS.

Do Coffee and PCOS Mix?

There is conflicting evidence supporting coffee consumption for PCOS. Some say caffeine helps weight loss, which in turn may help you manage your PCOS. Others oppose coffee for PCOS by saying that caffeine may add to the hormonal disturbances. 

Such statements are disappointing and confusing for those who cannot forgo their morning cup of Joe. Should you reconsider your daily intake of the tan-colored drink?

Here's a breakdown of the nutrient content of coffee:

• No macronutrients: Black coffee has no fats, proteins, or carbohydrates.

• Micronutrients: Black coffee contains essential minerals and vitamins.

• Mostly water: 95% of black coffee is water.

• Low calories: Only 1-2 kcal in 100 ml of coffee.

• Caffeine: 75-100 mg per cup.

• Antioxidants: Includes chlorogenic acids, melanoidins, hydrocinnamic acids, and polyphenols.

• Diterpenes: Contains cafestol and kahweol, which can raise LDL cholesterol.

The low calorie and high antioxidant content make black coffee a popular, guilt-free drink. The high antioxidant content of black coffee even makes it one of the healthiest beverages.

However, the diterpenes in coffee cause some debate about its health benefits. Diterpenes can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. Different brewing methods yield varying levels of these elements, which we'll discuss later.

The caffeine content of a cup of black coffee varies based on:

• Brewing method

• Types of coffee beans

• Roasting methods

• Serving size

Even decaffeinated coffee contains some caffeine. So, is the caffeine in black coffee beneficial for PCOS? Let's dive deeper.

So what is the truth about caffeine and PCOS?

Is the caffeine in black coffee beneficial for PCOS? Let's dive deeper.

The Pros of Coffee for PCOS

Coffee consumption may help manage the symptoms of PCOS. Here are some science-backed benefits:

Coffee and Diabetes

Drinking coffee may help manage insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and blood sugar levels associated with PCOS. Research shows that coffee consumption might balance blood sugar levels, although the mechanisms are unclear.

Some studies show that caffeine can initially raise blood sugar levels and disrupt insulin sensitivity in people with type II diabetes. This is why there's debate about coffee's role in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes over the long term.

For women with PCOS who haven't developed metabolic disorders or diabetes, drinking coffee can be beneficial. This is because coffee contains magnesium, a mineral that helps improve insulin sensitivity.

Coffee can also help with glucose intolerance, which often leads to weight gain in PCOS. These benefits are seen with long-term regular coffee consumption. Interestingly, even decaf coffee can help reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes.

Learn how to manage your PCOS on your own terms! All the resources you need to kick PCOS’ ass in one guide!!

Caffeine and Sex-hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

PCOS is linked to low levels of SHBG, a protein that binds to sex hormones and keeps them inactive. When SHBG levels are low, there is more testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estrogen in the blood.

Studies show that low SHBG levels are an early sign of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. This is especially important for women with PCOS, as an imbalance of SHBG levels are tied to the metabolic issues seen with the condition.

Encouraging research suggests that caffeine in coffee might help increase SHBG levels. Although this research is still in its early stages, it suggests that drinking coffee might help manage PCOS symptoms.

Coffee and Weight Loss

Caffeine helps weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate of the body. That is why it is an integral ingredient of many weight loss supplements.

The higher the metabolic rate, the easier it is to lose weight. Certain dietary ingredients rev up our metabolic rate; for instance, spices, green tea, a high-protein diet, and coconut oil. Even drinking cold water helps you lose weight. But coffee remains the best ingredient of them all. Here is why.

Studies state that drinking caffeinated coffee can increase the metabolic rate by 3-11%. Though, the effect is more pronounced in lean persons. But a 10% increase is still a godsend for those trying to shed some pounds. Caffeine ignites the fat-burning switch, resulting in effective weight loss. It makes coffee a great tool when it comes to managing PCOS symptoms.

Coffee and Depression

Women with PCOS are more prone to experience anxiety and depression than those without the disease. About 27-50% of the women with the ailment report being depressed.

Many factors contribute to it. For one, PCOS induces stress because of the associated weight gain, hirsutism, fatigue, and lethargy. Other contributors include insulin resistance and generalized inflammation. The latter causes a further increase in the stress hormone cortisol.

How does coffee help? Well, caffeine in coffee is one of the most prevalent stimulants. It is shown to stimulate the central nervous system and contribute to the release of certain chemicals in the brain responsible for our moods and behaviors, like serotonin and dopamine.

Studies also reveal the link between caffeine consumption and a lower risk of depression in women. Maybe you know why a cup of coffee or munching a chocolate bar perks your mood up. Because both contain caffeine that helps lift your mood and ease anxiety.

Coffee and the Risk of Heart Disease

PCOS is not only a hormonal disorder. It has serious health repercussions involving many bodily functions. The bodies of women with PCOS are insulin-resistant. That makes them more vulnerable to weight gain, obesity, and type II diabetes.

Also, PCOS induces metabolic syndrome characterized by high blood pressure and imbalanced cholesterol levels in the body.

If uncontrolled, all of these factors increase the risk of cardiovascular ailments in women with PCOS.

Coffee consumption cuts back the risk of type II diabetes and lowers the risk of developing heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends drinking a moderate amount of coffee every day to achieve these benefits.

A study links moderate coffee consumption to decreased calcification and hardening of coronary arteries. Researchers attribute these effects to the rich polyphenol content of the coffee.

Coffee and the Risk of Cancer

PCOS increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly cancer of the endometrium.

Coffee consumption, on the other hand, cuts back on this risk.

The proposed elements for this benefit are linked to the caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenol content of coffee. Their anti-cancer effects work via increasing energy expenditure, inhibiting cellular damage, contributing to gene regulation and DNA repair, anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibiting metastasis (spread of cancer cells to other tissues).

Research shows encouraging results in this regard for coffee, a once bad-mouthed drink for causing cancer.

The Cons of Coffee for PCOS

Coffee has its downsides concerning PCOS. That is why some physicians may advise against coffee consumption for women with PCOS. Here is why:

Coffee and Insulin Resistance

It is observed that coffee consumption causes insulin resistance in established cases of type II diabetes. However, the effects are seen with decaffeinated and caffeinated versions of the drink. It indicates that caffeine does not seem to be the culprit when it comes to insulin resistance.

Related: 10 Ways to Reduce Insulin Resistance with PCOS

Coffee and Pregnancy

Higher consumption of coffee is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. There is an increased risk of stillbirth, premature delivery, and low-birth-weight babies in women who habitually drink coffee.

Coffee and Fertility

Women who consume regular high amounts of coffee may find it difficult to become pregnant. There is not much evidence that caffeine consumption negatively affects fertility rates. However, more than 200mg of caffeine per day is associated with spontaneous abortions in the early stages of pregnancy.

Coffee and Adrenal Androgens

Women with PCOS have high androgen hormones. These include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S).

Studies indicate that in a sub-group of these patients, the androgens are released by the adrenal glands instead of the ovaries. Caffeine intake causes an increase in adrenal androgen production, which further worsens the symptoms of PCOS.

Coffee and Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands also secrete cortisol, the stress hormone.

Unfortunately, caffeine consumption induces a stress-like response in the body (increased heart rate, palpitations, and headaches).  It disturbs the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which initiates a vicious cycle of more cortisol production.

This results in a condition called adrenal fatigue. The signature signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue include sleep trouble, brain fog, irritability, focusing or memory issues, and extreme cravings for sugar or carbohydrates. Plus, for obvious reasons, it worsens the already existing PCOS signs and symptoms.

Coffee and Stress

Caffeine consumption may disrupt sleep patterns, cause restlessness, induce anxiety, and burden the condition of PCOS.

How to Create a Balance Between Coffee and PCOS

We understand how hard it is to give up your morning cup of Joe. To ensure you get the best out of your java without messing up your hormones:

• Try limiting your coffee intake. Stick to a cup or two.

• Go black; do not add sugar, milk, or cream that may spike blood sugar levels.

• Opt for decaffeinated versions.

• Use full-roasted coffee beans to curtail the amount of acrylamide, a probable cancer-causing agent.

• Consume coffee brewed with a filter to keep bad cholesterol levels in check.

• Limit or quit coffee altogether if you are trying to conceive.

• Keep your coffee consumption at low levels throughout pregnancy.

• Drink coffee in the morning hours to prevent insomnia or any sleep disturbance.

Summing up Coffee and PCOS

Coffee can help manage PCOS symptoms in many ways. While it has some drawbacks, you don't have to give up your morning cup of joe entirely. By making mindful choices, you can enjoy coffee while managing your PCOS.

Looking for healthy breakfast ideas to go with your cup of coffee? Then make sure you check out my article on PCOS breakfast ideas.

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