Coffee and general caffeine intake may affect a woman’s levels of estrogen and other sex hormones, a new study suggests — offering a potential explanation for findings that link caffeine to certain cancers.

Several studies have found connections between caffeine and breast and ovarian cancers, though the findings have not always been consistent.

For instance, different analyses of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) — a large, long-running study of U.S. female nurses — have linked higher caffeine intake to lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers in postmenopausal women, but to a higher risk of ovarian cancer before menopause.

No one knows whether caffeine directly affects the risks of the cancers. But since estrogen and other sex hormones play a role in both diseases, it’s possible that caffeine affects the risks of the cancers via hormonal influences, note investigators Dr. Joanne Kotsopoulos and colleagues at Harvard Medical School.

The team looked at the relationship between coffee and caffeine intake and hormone levels among more than 1,200 women involved in the NHS.

At various points during that study, the women had completed questionnaires on their diets and other lifestyle factors, and provided blood samples. Kotsopoulos and her colleagues used those stored samples to measure the women’s levels of estrogen and other sex-related hormones.

Overall, the researchers found, the more coffee and caffeine a premenopausal woman consumed, the lower her levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen, during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Meanwhile, higher caffeine intake was related to higher levels of another sex hormone, progesterone, the researchers report in the journal Cancer.

The findings were somewhat different among postmenopausal women. For them, greater coffee and caffeine consumption was linked only to higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, or SHBG. Some studies have linked higher levels of SHGB — which decreases the activity of estradiol and testosterone — to a lower risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, Kotsopoulos and her colleagues note.

Exactly what the current findings mean is far from clear, according to the researchers.

In theory, lower estrogen levels in premenopausal women would help protect against ovarian cancer — so the findings do not explain the earlier results linking higher caffeine intake to a higher risk of premenopausal ovarian cancer.

Still, the researchers write, the results do suggest that caffeine influences sex hormone levels. They say that more studies are needed to see how those influences may affect hormone-related cancers.

• Dosage

I have found no definitive measure for the dose that may be consumed coffee people. However, most studies reveal that drinking 300 mg of caffeine (about 1 to 3 cups of coffee a day) does not give a negative effect on most healthy people.

• Danger signals

When drinking coffee did feel good, but often is followed by million of guilt. Recognize the danger signals of coffee so that we know when to stop drinking coffee. Danger signals include: anxiety, palpitations, sleep disturbance and mood disorder (e.g., short-tempered). Coffee drinkers who stopped drinking coffee may experience “caffeine withdrawal” which is marked by a throbbing headache, but these symptoms will disappear after 24-48 hours or get a new dose of caffeine.

• Listen Response Body

Each person has their own limits on the consumption of caffeine. Most people can consume 2 cups of coffee a day without problems. But there are also the bad effects of coffee consumption with the amount of the same. Someone told me after drinking a cup of coffee can not sleep all night, otherwise there are sound asleep after drinking coffee. So, the best way is to listen to the body’s own response

• Know Caffeine Content

After knowing the dose and the response body, it helps us to know the content of caffeine in the products we consume frequently. In order not to copy the recommended dose is reached, yet we still consume other products that contain caffeine, so feel the ill effects of coffee. Some other products that contain caffeine should be noted, for example: soft drink, coffee candy, tea, chocolate, migraine headaches.

Processing (roasting and brewing) also affects the caffeine content in coffee. For example, one study shows, a cup of coffee at Starbucks on average contain 259 mg of caffeine compared to coffee with the type and size of the same cup at Dunkin Donuts which only contains 149 mg of caffeine.

From other studies, decaf coffee (coffee without the caffeine) for those who are obese because it can raise HDL (“good” cholesterol) about 50%. While those who are not obese can actually decrease HDL cholesterol that can increase the risk of heart disease.

• Coffee Mix

Five milligrams of calcium lost for every 6 ounces of coffee consumed. But the loss of calcium can be overcome by adding 2 tablespoons of milk or make espresso latte. Meanwhile, mix the coffee with alcohol less well, especially in people with liver disorders and coffee with cream mixture should also be avoided to reduce the excess calories. Caffeine also interacts with several types of drugs. For those who are taking medication, should consult a doctor.

Many who think coffee is the best friend a cigarette. Eits, make no mistake. A real coffee drinkers do not smoke! Cigarettes can reduce the pleasure of coffee lho …

• Anti-Coffee Group

the following groups are advised to avoid coffee: pregnant women, children, the elderly, people with heart disease and blood vessel (e.g., hypertension). Well, if you’ve included this group, forget the coffee!

• Check Up

do check up regulary . The earlier hypertension is known, the better for further management.

# Focus On Fruits and Veggies

The high water and fiber content in many fruits and vegetables make them ideal for healthy snacking and incorporation into meals. Add veggies to your favorite main courses (made from lean meats and whole grains) to make your dish “go” further. In addition, vitamins and nutrients in fruits and vegetables can help your overall health and vitality.

# Upgrade Your Carb

Switch from simple to complex carbohydrates. This means eating fewer products like white bread and white rice and eating more whole grains such as whole wheat bread, whole grain brown rice, millet, quinoa and barley. They give you long-term energy, and have a high-fiber content so you feel full longer.

# Experiment With Protein

Protein keeps you full longer than carbohydrates, but most of us in the U.S. eat more animal protein than our bodies need. In addition, animal protein often comes with high amounts of fat. Figure out how much and what type of protein is the right amount for your body. Choose lean, high quality protein or vegetarian options like beans and nuts.

# Drink More Water

You can easily reduce your daily calorie intake by replacing soda, alcohol or coffee with water. Thirst can also be confused with hunger, so by drinking water, you may avoid consuming extra calories, plus it will help you break down food more easily.

# Take Multivitamins

This will help you be sure that there are no nutrient gaps in your diet. But remember that it does not substitute for eating a healthy well balanced diet.

Good Luck !!!