is there a link between coffee consumption and menopause?

Caffeine & the menopause – is there a link between coffee consumption and menopause symptoms?

There has been a lot of conflicting research on whether caffeine has an influence on the extremity and frequency of menopausal symptoms, but a clearer picture is starting to emerge.

Although it has long been believed that caffeine intake exacerbates menopausal symptoms, real scientific analysis has challenged this assumption as caffeine has been both positively and negatively linked over the years.

The famous Mayo Clinic in the USA investigated if caffeine was associated with the menopause in a wide ranging study published in the Menopause Journal.

So, what did the Study consist of?

Researches examined the medical information of 1,860 women between 2005 and 2011 and cross referenced that with a Menopause Health Questionnaire to those 1860 women. In particular, the Questionnaire data was analysed to compare between caffeine users and non-caffeine users.

What kind of menopause symptoms did the researchers focus on?

The most common reported symptoms were hot flushes and night sweats.

What was the results of the study?

The Mayo Clinic found:

On the negative side, an association with between caffeine intake and more bothersome hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women
On the positive side, an association between caffeine intake and fewer problems with mood, memory and concentration in perimenopausal women.

Direct of the Mayo Clinic’s Women's Health Clinic, Stephanie Faubion, M.D. said: "While these findings are preliminary, our study suggests that limiting caffeine intake may be useful for those postmenopausal women who have bothersome hot flashes and night sweats."

So, it may make sense to cut down on caffeine or indeed cut caffeine out all together.

A great option to replace your regular coffee is with Swiss Water Decaf processed coffee, which uses water (zero chemicals) to decaffeinate the coffee beans to 99.9% certified caffeine free levels.

For more information, check out Decadent Decaf’s range of 6 awards winning single origin decaffeinated coffees.

IMPORTANT: This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Nothing in the content or products should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs.