Caffeine Can Make Up or Down Estrogen Levels Young Women

Jakarta, the daily intake of caffeine can have effects other than just an energy boost. A new study has found drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages can affect young women estrogen levels go down or up.

The impact of caffeinated beverages may vary based on race. On white women, for example, coffee may reduce estrogen. While the coffee Asian women have the opposite effect, increasing the levels of these hormones.

"This study did not examine older women, but women of childbearing age who regularly consume a cup of tea every day. They consume tea regularly every day and without the slightest fear," the researchers said.

Effects of caffeine on estrogen levels are very minimal in healthy women, and have no impact on the overall health of ovulation or, at least in the short term.

"This study is important physiologically because it helps to understand how caffeine is metabolized by the different genetic groups. But for women of reproductive age, drinking coffee will not alter significantly the clinical hormonal function," said Dr. Enrique Schisterman, a senior researcher from the National Institutes of Health as reported from TheNewYorkTimes, Friday (02/17/2012).

The study has analyzed data on more than 250 women were examined 1-3 times a week for two menstrual cycles. The study participants gave blood samples together with details of behaviors such as exercise, eating, and smoking. On average, they consume about 90 mg of caffeine a day, equivalent to about one cup of coffee.

After controlling for several variables, such as age and diet, the researchers found that among Asian women who consume 200 mg or more of caffeine a day had higher levels of estrogen than those who consumed less than that amount. Similar patterns were seen among black women, although not statistically significant.

However, the white woman 200 mg or more caffeine appeared to have little effect on estrogen levels decrease. About 90 percent of women between the ages of 18-34 years drink caffeine equivalent of 1-2 cups of coffee every day.

"The reason why caffeine has a different impact on different races is unknown. However, the possibility of genetic influence on the metabolism of caffeine. Source of caffeine is also likely to make a difference. Researchers have examined the caffeine from beverages other than coffee, such as green tea and soda and associated with higher estrogen levels in all women, regardless of race. Various levels of antioxidants and other compounds in beverages, and additives such as milk and sugar, may also play a role, "said Dr. Schisterman.

For the time being, healthy premenopausal women who do not have to worry about caffeine intake in the short term. Further studies are needed to see if there might be a cumulative effect over many years or decades.

The results of these studies have been published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.