2. Coffee Worsens Period Cramps

Quick Overview

Myth or fact? Coffee worsens period pain is a fact (mostly!).

Research: Evidence is mixed. Some studies link higher caffeine intake to worse menstrual cramps, but others find no strong connection. Since none of these studies are randomized trials, so we cannot conclude coffee causes worse pain.

Doc’s opinion: If you have period pain, substitute coffee one week before and during your period, and see if it makes a difference. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor (reduces the size of blood vessels), may reduce uterine blood flow and worsen cramps, while also increasing stress and irritability.

What We Know: A Detailed Guide

There's mixed evidence about whether coffee actually makes period pain worse. Some studies suggest that higher caffeine intake is linked to more intense menstrual cramps, while others don’t show a strong connection. Overall, the research is still limited and not very conclusive—more high-quality studies are needed.

Doctor's Opinion

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows blood vessels. This can reduce blood flow to the uterus and potentially worsen cramps. Caffeine can also raise stress levels and make you feel more anxious or irritable, which may intensify how you experience pain during your period.

References

1. Wang L, Wen S, Li X, Maxwell A, Chi H, Fan S, Wang G, Guo Q, Lu P. Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students. Sci Rep. 2024 Sep 11;14(1):21210. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-71802-8. PMID: 39261539; PMCID: PMC11390748.

2. Purdue-Smithe AC, Manson JE, Hankinson SE, Bertone-Johnson ER. A prospective study of caffeine and coffee intake and premenstrual syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Aug;104(2):499-507. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.127027. Epub 2016 Jul 6. PMID: 27385613; PMCID: PMC4962155.