A suggestion…
Ok, don’t shoot me, but I have something to suggest. Not sure if you’re going to like it. In fact, you’re probably not. I suggest that maybe, just maybe, you should cut out caffeine to help control your hormonal imbalance. Ok, I said it. I said don’t shoot me. Hear me out.
Caffeine is really not great when it comes to the female hormonal ecosystem.
If you’re struggling with your period, fibroids, cysts of any kind in the breast or ovary, endometriosis, infertility, low sex drive, moodiness, low energy, and weight issues – caffeine could making all of these problems much worse…
Caffeine Tolerance…
Everyone is different and they all have differing levels of toleration for caffeine. Some people can have a cup of joe in bed, then sleep the whole night through (although I question the quality of that sleep). Others, like me, can have a cup of tea at 10am and be wired for the rest of the day! Hate to say it though, Ladies. But women cannot tolerate caffeine (or any stimulant in fact) in the same way that men can.
What happens is…
Caffeine increases catecholamines, your hormones made mostly by the adrenal glands as a reaction to stress. This stress response prepares your body for “fight-or-flight”. You perceive seemingly non-stressful situations as the end of the world and are all jacked up that you look scary. When all this stressing is going on your body thinks it’s running from a tiger, so it’s not thinking about properly producing other hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It’s on lock-down to get you through this “situation”. Basically, it’s just messing up your whole endocrine system. The one that regulates your hormones.
It’s just a suggestion. But if your hormones are out of whack maybe the caffeine intake has something to do with it. You may just be having the one latte per day, even just a cup of English Breakfast tea.
However, your tolerance is individual to you and if your hormones were already a bit tetchy then this caffeine guzzling might be tipping them over the edge.
I know exactly what it’s like. I’m going through the phasing out process myself right now. My cup of black tea with coconut milk is off the cards for the time being. It’s not easy but I’m supplementing with lots of herbal tea and fresh infusions. Fresh ginger, lemongrass and cinnamon are my fave infusions. I also love Yogi Tea herbal teas. Each tea bag has an individual life mantra that gets me through the kettle boiling routine. One where I would have usually been prepping my caffeine-filled tea bag.
If you must have a the bold stuff then opt for green tea. It contains an amino-acid called L-Theanine. This helps to calm and focus the brain, mellowing you out whilst giving you the energy you’re craving. Matcha and Jasmine green tea are my faves!