The research on the effects of coffee have presented both positive and negative results. Coffee, when used in moderation, protects against Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and liver cancer, MayoClinic.com notes. However, coffee is also reported to cause an increase in cholesterol levels. The effects of coffee on estrogen levels may help explain how coffee intake can adversely affect women.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a common female hormone produced naturally within the body. Men also produce small amounts of estrogen. Estrogen is necessary for the normal sexual development of women, MayoClinic.com explains. Furthermore, estrogen protects against heart disease and osteoporosis. Low estrogen levels lead to an increased risk or heart disease and osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about your estrogen levels and the benefits estrogen provides to your body.
Coffee and Estrogen Levels
The caffeine in coffee impairs the action of adenosine, which is a compound used in the production of hormones, including estrogen, according to the "American Journal of Epidemiology" in 1999. Caffeine also affects estrogen receptors and your luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, which are the hormones that encourage your body to produce estrogen. Women who drink as little as a cup of coffee daily were 50 percent less likely to become pregnant per cycle compared to women who drank less coffee. This is because coffee consumption impairs your ability to produce estrogen.
Coffee's Estrogenic Effect
Coffee contains a compound called trigonelline, or trig. Trig makes up about 1 percent of a coffee bean's mass, the August 2009 edition of the "Journal of Nutrition" reports. Trig acts on the same receptors as estrogen and has an effect similar to that of estrogen. Though not as strong as estrogen itself, trig does create a small estrogenic effect within your body.
Estrogen Use and Side Effects
Estrogen supplements are used to alleviate sudden sensations of heat and sweatiness caused by menopause, Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes. Estrogen supplements are also helpful in alleviating vaginal dryness and itching as well as preventing osteoporosis. Only take estrogen supplements as directed by your doctor to avoid experiencing adverse reactions such as breast pain, stomach upset, diarrhea, leg cramps and weight gain. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience bulging eyes, jaundice, impaired movement and muscle control or breathing difficulties.
References
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Caffeine Consumption and Menstrual Function; Laura Fenster, et. al; 1999
- Mayo Clinic; Estrogen (Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Topical Application Route, Transdermal Route); June 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Coffee and Health: What Does the Research Say?; Donald Hensrud, M.D.; May 2010
- Medline Plus; Estrogen; August 2010
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Trigonelline is a Novel Phytoestrogen in Coffee Beans; K.F. Allred et al.; Aug. 26, 2009
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