For many of us, a hot cup of coffee is the first thought that crosses our mind as we start the day. Coffee is like the wake-up drug that gets us out of bed and moving. But how good or how bad is coffee for women with PCOD/PCOS? 

Is coffee bad for PCOD/PCOS? Does it worsen the conditions further? How much coffee is permissible or harmless? These are some of the many questions about coffee and PCOD/PCOS that women are constantly bothered with. 

However, there is no clear answer to these questions as the results have been inconclusive. There are both pros and cons of having coffee on PCOD/PCOS. 

Let us explore more what are the pros and cons.

The Pros

  • Studies have established that coffee aids weight loss. Since weight loss is the key in managing PCOD/PCOS symptoms, it can be said that drinking coffee is beneficial.
  • Studies have also found that the mix of caffeine and polyphenols found in coffee helps maintain metabolic homeostasis in women with PCOD/PCOS; thereby preventing metabolic disorders in these women.
  • Caffeinated drinks are believed to increase the production of SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) production which is usually very low in women with PCOD/PCOS. Low levels of SHBG lead to high testosterone, estrogen in the blood, and dihydrotestosterone.

The Cons

There are speculations that coffee worsens PCOD/PCOS symptoms. These speculations are based on the fact that excessive caffeine (coffee) consumption:

  • Interferes with insulin metabolism 
  • Suppresses progesterone production
  • Increases the secretion of cortisol, the stress hormone
  • Flushes out more water-soluble vitamins such as B2, B3, B5, and B6 by the virtue of its diuretic properties
  • Affects sleep and thereby negatively impacting metabolism
  • Increases the risk of problems in conceiving or sustaining the pregnancy (increased risk of miscarriage)

To Conclude: There are both pros and cons of having coffee when a woman has PCOD/PCOS. It is always recommended to determine what suits you the best (giving up on coffee completely or reducing your coffee intake) by keen observation and detailed discussion with your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page. Coffee and PCOD/PCOS - Are they better together or apart?