Wake Up and Smell….Hormone Havoc?! 

Here at Tallow Twins HQ, we’ve been on a bit of a gut-healing, hormone-balancing journey. That includes removing products, food and routines that do not serve us (while still practicing balance, of course). Jumping on the “no coffee before breakfast” bandwagon hasn’t been the easiest. We appreciate the morning ritual just as much as the next coffee lover. However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can negatively impact hormones and cortisol levels. Hearing this connected a lot of dots for us. Like, why am I crashing at 3pm every day even though I’ve had 3 cups of coffee?! Drinking coffee on an empty stomach has negative effects on women, and being aware of this is so so important for hormone health. Let’s get into it. 

Why Coffee on an Empty Stomach Can Be a Big Deal

Without food to balance it out, caffeine can cause spikes in cortisol, your body's stress hormone. Normally, cortisol is supposed to rise in the morning and slowly decrease as the day goes on. But when you drink coffee on an empty stomach, it can cause cortisol to skyrocket, which isn’t great for your hormones—especially if you’re a woman. Women are also more prone to gut-related issues, and the acidity of coffee can exacerbate these symptoms. Plus, the elevated cortisol from caffeine spikes can disrupt the gut-brain connection, potentially leading to bloating, cramping and low energy. All of this stress on the gut can mess with digestion and nutrient absorption, making it a big no-no in the wellness world. 

So, what does all this mean for women? Elevated cortisol from that morning coffee can disrupt the delicate balance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, leading to mood swings, irritability, and even menstrual irregularities. 

Men and Coffee: Not Off the Hook!

Now, let’s talk about men. Men might handle coffee on an empty stomach a bit better, but they aren’t completely immune to its effects. Elevated cortisol in men can still lead to a dip in testosterone production over time. Testosterone is responsible for muscle building, energy levels, and mood stability, so when it drops, men can experience fatigue, brain fog, and decreased libido. Who knew that your morning brew could impact so much?

How to Make Your Coffee Work With You, Not Against You

So, should you ditch coffee altogether? Definitely not what we’re saying. But timing and pairing are everything. Even a small meal before coffee like Greek yogurt or a protein shake before you hit the espresso can help keep the harmony in your bod. Protein, healthy fats and fibre are going to be your best bet as a pre-coffee snack to help stabilize blood sugar and prevent those nasty cortisol spikes. 

For women, hormonal shifts throughout the month mean that some days your body might handle caffeine better than others. During the luteal phase (the week before your period), you might be more sensitive to caffeine due to a natural dip in estrogen, so consider cutting back. We always recommend matcha as a great alternative to coffee. It’s much more gentle on your stomach and won’t give you an intense afternoon crash. Whether you opt for coffee, matcha or bone broth, slowing down in the AM and sipping slowly can avoid sudden cortisol spikes. Don’t underestimate the power of a gentle, chill morning routine to start your day off right. 

At the end of the day, small tweaks can have a big impact on your hormonal health. Something as simple as drinking coffee on an empty stomach might seem harmless, but when it comes to your hormones, both men and women should take note. Coffee isn’t the villain here, but understanding how it affects your body is key. 

Speaking of hormonal harmony- we believe everything you ingest or put on your skin should be non-toxic and natural. By using tallow-based products, you can nourish your skin while avoiding the synthetic chemicals that may contribute to hormonal imbalances. Shop our tallow line <3