High levels of caffeine have been said to make your PCOS symptoms worse by: Increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which raises insulin, which suppresses progesterone production. Increasing sugar cravings (when you're on a low after having a caffeinated coffee earlier, you often crave a sugar boost).
Women with PCOS tend to have adrenal glands that over-produce stress hormones like cortisol that impact the nervous system. While we often use coffee to get through stressful times, this research suggests it might be best to avoid caffeine during busy or overwhelming periods to avoid extra cortisol spikes.
Many pieces of evidence have shown that consumption of caffeine up to 200mg per day which is 2 to 3 cups of coffee can be considered safe. Yet, considering the metabolic derangements in PCOS, your best bet would be to restrict to two cups per day.
Sodas, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks can cause blood sugar levels to spike and lead to insulin resistance. Women with PCOS should avoid these beverages and instead opt for water, herbal tea, or low-sugar alternatives like coconut water or kombucha.
In fact, if you're trying to balance your hormones, caffeine may be a no-go. Research shows that it can increase estrogen levels. While caffeine is known to give you a quick energy boost, it can also disrupt your hormones, particularly estrogen levels.
Caffeine causes sex hormone imbalances.
Because of its capacity to contribute to HPA axis dysfunction and cortisol dominance, regular caffeine intake can affect the delicate balance of your reproductive hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Caffeine acts to increase cortisol secretion by elevating production of ACTH at the pituitary (15), although the precise mechanisms remain to be characterized.
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.
Fried foods (French fries, potato chips, corn chips and fried chicken or fish) Saturated fats such as butter or margarine. Red meat, including hamburgers, roast beef and steaks, processed luncheon meat and hot dogs. Processed snacks: cakes, cookies, candy and pies.
PCOS-Friendly Drink Substitutes
Many of these benefits come from the fact that they're nutritionally “better” than what you'd drink otherwise: Substitute coconut water, kombucha, or seltzer water for soda. Make tea, turmeric lattes, or chicory root your morning drink for PCOS. This is much better than coffee.
Caffeine contributes to dehydration and inflammation, which contribute to the development of ovarian cysts.
Coffee has become one of the most common beverages worldwide. Although coffee contains disease-fighting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances and helps to elevate mood, its excessive intake can contribute to developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—a hormonal disorder seen among women of child-bearing age.
There is no clear proof that caffeine affects the ability to become pregnant, but some studies have found that women who drink large amounts of caffeine may take longer to become pregnant and may have a higher risk of miscarriage.
Eggs are great for women with PCOS trying to lose weight. They are full of protein that helps curb unhealthy cravings and have nutrients that improve PCOS symptoms.
Myth #2: If You Lose Weight, You Can Get Rid of PCOS
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but overweight and obese women can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight. Otherwise, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms.
PCOS was misnamed. Despite the fact that it's called poly "cystic" ovary syndrome, women with PCOS don't have cysts. Instead, they have tiny immature follicles that surround their ovaries. Having a misleading name has contributed to confusion regarding its diagnosis.
And while PCOS doesn't have a clear hereditary pattern, per the Genetics Home Reference, there does seem to be some sort of family association—an estimated 20%–40% of those with PCOS have an affected family member, usually a mother or sister.
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it's not ideal for promoting quality sleep. Removing it from your day keeps cortisol and melatonin at their natural rhythms, which results in better sleep and less fatigue.
Caffeine elevates cortisol secretion, and caffeine is often consumed in conjunction with exercise or mental stress.