Who doesn't love coffee? Most women rely on coffee to energize them in the morning. Because coffee can help overcome drowsiness and provide energy. However, there are some women who refuse to drink coffee during their period for fear of aggravating menstrual pain.

Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, is a common problem experienced by many women. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, headaches, and other discomforts that vary in intensity. Many women are looking for ways to reduce this pain, and one of the questions that often arises is whether drinking coffee during menstruation can make menstrual pain worse? Let's take a look at the following explanation.

Is it Okay to Drink Coffee During Your Period?

Many myths circulate that drinking coffee during menstruation is not allowed because it can cause health complaints. This is certainly hard for those of you who are coffee lovers who have to temporarily absent consuming coffee during menstruation. But in fact, drinking coffee during menstruation is not completely prohibited. But it's important for you to understand how the caffeine contained in coffee can affect your body during your period.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can have various effects on the body, including affecting the central nervous system, increasing blood pressure, and triggering stomach acid production. So, for those of you who often experience PMS complaints and symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating or ulcers, drinking coffee can worsen these symptoms.

Are There Any Side Effects of Drinking Coffee During Your Period?

In addition to the things mentioned above, some other side effects that can arise due to coffee consumption during menstruation include:

Worsening Pain

Caffeine can cause vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels, which can worsen menstrual cramps. Research shows that caffeine can increase the intensity and duration of menstrual pain in some women.

Increased Stomach Acid

Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can cause stomach discomfort or worsen symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). This can be an additional problem during menstruation when some women already have indigestion.

Increased Anxiety

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase anxiety. During menstruation, some women may already feel more sensitive or emotional, and caffeine can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and nervousness.

Triggers Sleeplessness

Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns. Getting enough sleep is especially important during menstruation as the body is undergoing hormonal changes that can affect mood and energy. Lack of sleep can worsen menstrual symptoms.

Dehydration

Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, which means it can increase urine production and potentially lead to dehydration. Dehydration can worsen menstrual cramps and cause fatigue.

Tips for Drinking Coffee During Your Period

If you still want to enjoy coffee during your period, there are some tips that can help reduce the negative effects:

Limit Coffee Intake

Try to limit coffee consumption to one cup per day or choose coffee with a lower caffeine content. This can help reduce the risk of increased pain and other side effects.

Alternative Drinks to Coffee during Period

Instead of consuming caffeinated coffee, you can substitute healthier drinks for coffee during your period. Here are some alternative drinks to coffee that you can try:

• Herbal Tea: Ginger or peppermint tea can be a good choice as they have anti-inflammatory and stomach-soothing properties.
• Green Tea: Contains small amounts of caffeine as well as antioxidants that are good for health.
• Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes that can help maintain hydration.
• Fruit Smoothies: Fresh fruit blends can provide energy and nutrients without the strong stimulant effects of caffeine.

Drinking coffee during your period is not entirely to be avoided, but it is important to understand the potential side effects. Limiting caffeine consumption and considering healthier alternatives can help reduce the risk of increased period pain and other side effects. Always be mindful of how your body reacts to coffee during your period and adjust your intake accordingly. (Aq/LDS)