Can I Still Drink My Coffee?

Can your daily cup of coffee could be helping—or hindering—your menopause symptoms?

For many of us, coffee is more than a morning ritual—it’s a little daily boost of happiness and joy that helps us power through the day. As we navigate this transitional time, it’s worth taking a closer look at how that morning cup of coffee might be affecting our symptoms.

Caffeine is a stimulant, and research shows it can increase vasomotor responses—the technical term for hot flashes and night sweats. That doesn’t mean we have to give it up entirely (I know I'm not!), but it’s worth paying attention to how much we are drinking and how it affects our body.

Thing is- coffee can actually be pretty beneficial in that it provides antioxidants that can support heart health and overall longevity. But... many coffee drinkers are also consuming heaps of added sugars and flavored syrups with this coffee that can strip away the health benefits and make the drink pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory.

So - what can you do if black coffee isn't for you?? There are a few things you CAN add in to help with the taste (and be beneficial) without sacrificing the benefits. Try one of these:

1. Cinnamon: Cinnamon isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with antioxidants and compounds that help calm inflammation. Studies show it can even help regulate your blood sugar levels— by slowing how quickly your body breaks down carbs, which helps prevent those big spikes in blood sugar.

2. Collagen: Adding collagen to your morning coffee, is a way to give your body a healthy dose of amino acids to support your gut and help reduce inflammation from the inside out. Since poor gut health is a major source of inflammation, collagen’s amino acids—glycine, glutamine, and proline—play a big role in strengthening your gut lining. Our favorite is True Nutrition- they have a ton of flavors that can make your morning cup a bit more fun!

3. Cocoa: Cocoa powder (unsweetened) is packed with powerful plant compounds—like polyphenols—that act as antioxidants and can help calm inflammation throughout your body. Early research suggests that mixing cocoa in coffee with milk might actually boost those anti-inflammatory benefits. In one study, the combo of polyphenols and milk proteins was twice as effective at fighting inflammation compared to polyphenols alone!. So maybe treat yourself to a mocha on occasion and trust that you are going to not only enjoy it but benefit from it as well!

Ultimately, it’s about balance. Listen to your body and notice how coffee impacts your symptoms. For some, a morning cup or two is fine, while others may need to limit intake in the afternoon or evening to avoid triggering hot flashes or sleep disturbances. Enjoy your coffee mindfully—it can still be a delicious part of your menopause journey.