The mystery of coffee, and how it has an effect on our hormones
- Kat D'Andrea
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
Each person reacts differently to coffee. Have you ever noticed some people can drink coffee before bed and it won’t affect them in the slightest? Then, you have others who are buzzing from coffee all day? Well.. that would be me, bouncing off the walls, and buzzing around. However, there is a certain way to have coffee that will counteract the buzz, which I will explain in more detail.
While we know many things about the impact caffeine on the human’s stress physiology, there are certain mechanisms of how it occurs that are still relatively mysterious. 1.
When we drink our coffee, it goes directly into our intestines where it then gets absorbed into the blood stream and then attaches to receptors in our brain - (this is when some of us start to get the buzzing effects of caffeine). Eventually, after circulating the blood stream... it hits the liver, where it is metabolised.
So, why do we react so differently to coffee...?
Firstly…We have the fast metabolisers—these lucky ones burn through caffeine quickly, so the effects wear off faster. That’s why they can sip on multiple cups throughout the day. But even among them, some still don’t handle coffee well.
Secondly…There are the slow metabolisers—aka the sensitive souls. Caffeine lingers in their system much longer, meaning a late-day coffee could have them wired well into the night. If that sounds like you, you might want to rethink that 4 PM latte!
So how do you know whether you should drink it or not? Or what if i was to tell you that there is a way to help the effects of caffeine.
Let’s take a little self-assessment and figure out how caffeine actually affects you.
Ask yourself "How stressed am I"?
Most of us these days tend to drink caffeine during stressful periods. Human’s studies have shown that caffeine increases hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine during resting periods. So drinking coffee actually re-creates stress conditions for the body. 2. For short periods - this will not have a negative effect on your hormones. However over time - it will.
The release of too many of these hormones sends our body into a more long term "fight or flight" . Meaning our mind and body thinks it’s in a constant threatening situation, eventually leading to a constant state of anxiety, fear and low mood.
How does caffeine affect our hormones?
Let's unpack how caffeine works in the body a little more. Caffeine is detoxified using the same pathway that also metabolises the hormone Oestrogen - this is through the liver. So women with hormonal imbalances such as, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis or a history of all this tend to be more sensitive to caffeine and tend to fall under the slow metabolisers.
Caffeine strongly affects the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - the linked system of hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain, and the adrenal glands that sit on top the kidneys. The HPA axis influences the body’s ability to manage and deal with stress, both at rest and during activity and plays a huge role in the communication of our hormones. 3.
What tips should I consider..
Coffee is acidic, so never have it on an empty stomach. It destroys Hydrochloric acid (HCL) which helps digest food. Eventually this could lead to reflux, stomach ulcers, nausea, and heartburn.
Always have a little something to eat before your coffee—your stomach will thank you! And here’s a fun little hack: try adding a pinch of cardamom to your brew. It’s a well-loved trick in India and Israel, and for good reason! Cardamom is naturally alkaline, which helps balance out coffee’s acidity, making it gentler on your system. Give it a try and see the difference!
Battling that belly fat? Well, here’s the thing: high cortisol levels just love to park fat right around your stomach. So, all that stress—and a little coffee boost on top—could be setting up camp in your midsection. Talk about a pesky side effect!!
If you really want to continue your coffee and enjoy it - try adding 1/2 tsp of Cordyceps or Lion's Mane to your coffee. These adaptogens are rising in trend. They help balance your adrenal health, tame cortisol, and even smooth out those coffee jitters. Your belly (and your mood) will thank you!
Feeling low. The hormone ‘Serotonin’ that sends happy signals to the brain, is produced in our gut. When we have coffee on an empty stomach, it then decreases ability to produce this hormone. Why not add some coconut oil to your coffee? The fats in coconut oil help increase your metabolism at the same time as releasing a slower effect of caffeine into your blood stream. Perfect for those slow metabolisers. Also if your feeling that low, why don’t you swap your coffee to Matcha green tea for a while. Matcha Green tea contains L theanine which helps us focus, calm and alert.
Caffeine suppresses hunger. Do you eat breakfast in the morning? If not and you live off coffee, it is time to change your mindset. Not having breakfast within an hour of rising, will lead to insulin resistance. This is where your body will store your next meal as fat on your body. If you have no appetite try a smoothie within the hour of rising. first thing in morning then have your coffee later.
Increase green leafy veggies – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Swiss chard, and spinach all help speed up your metabolism of caffeine. These veggies also help liver detoxification pathway and help filter hormones.
L Theanine & Lemon balm – helps calm down the caffeine hit. See my shop for a product suggestion by Viridian.
Hows your digestion - Coffee has a digestive effect, and someone with a sensitive stomach, will notice they immediately need the toilet. This is because the coffee activates a nerve in the stomach that causes it to dump its contents into the intestines. This can affect our intestines and its sensitivity. If this is you, I would possibly consider a good probiotic or prebiotic probably to help restore your gut flora. See my shop for some suggestions
Ah, Oat Lattes… the dairy-free trend that’s taken over, but hold up! While they sound all healthy and trendy, they might actually be sending us on a sugar rollercoaster. Oats are carbs, and a lot of oat milk brands are packed with chemicals that mess with your insulin levels. Meanwhile, full-fat milk—yes, the creamy goodness—helps slow the caffeine rush, making it a little easier on your body. If you're like me and sensitive to dairy, opt for coconut or almond milk instead. And if you’ve got PCOS, those insulin spikes? Definitely something to watch out for. My advice? Ditch the oat lattes ASAP! Your body will thank you
Craving a coffee? Go for it! I’m all about enjoying the little things, so if you really want that cup, don’t deprive yourself—just try having it after breakfast. And for an extra boost (without the crash), why not add a shot of Cordyceps or Lion’s Mane for some adrenal support? Now, if you’re dealing with PCOS, Endometriosis, PMS, thyroid issues, or other hormonal imbalances, your body might need a little extra love. That could mean taking a step back now and then with a couple of mini detoxes twice a year to help reset and recover.
A nice balanced coffee
X1 expresso
One cup of froth almond or coconut milk
1 teaspoon of coconut oil
1/3 tsp of cardamom/ Cordyceps or Lions mane
Cacao is full of antioxidants. So, why not try adding a heap spoonful to your coffee every time you fancy a chocolate kick.
A great place to go in London for your chocolate guilt free choice and coffee, with the most amazing coconut milk is Rabot 1745, based in London Bridge
Head on over to my shop on my suggested Cordyceps or Lions mane powders.
References
1. Coffee and hormones, walsh
2. Caffeine stimulation of cortisol secretion in waking hours, Pubmd, Psychosom Med 2008
3. Stress and the HPA access, Alcohol Res, 2012