Daily Coffee Consumption Linked to Reduced Risk of PCOS: Study

A recent study published in the journal Nutrients investigates the association between coffee consumption and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women.

Women with PCOS often face hormonal imbalances leading to ovulatory issues and are at higher risk for psychological and metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and anxiety. A UK study found that 26% of PCOS patients develop diabetes, adding costs to the NHS. Global prevalence of PCOS varies, with up to 15% of women of reproductive age affected.

PCOS is influenced by genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Women with PCOS typically have poor diets, low in magnesium and zinc, and lead sedentary lifestyles. Lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise have proven effective in managing PCOS symptoms. Specifically, a low-carb diet can reduce glucose and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) levels and alleviate hyperandrogenism.

Research has indicated that coffee consumption can improve PCOS symptoms by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing hypersecretion, and improving β-cell function through high phenol content and reduced expression of the PI3K pathway.

The study was conducted between September 2014 and May 2016 at the University Clinical Hospital in Spain. It involved diagnosing PCOS using clinical and biochemical tests, including total testosterone levels of 2.6 nmol/L or more for hyperandrogenism (HA), ultrasound images for polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and tests for oligo-anovulation/amenorrhea (OD).

PCOS patients were categorized into four phenotypes:

Phenotype A: HA, OD, and PCOM

Phenotype B: HA and OD

Phenotype C: HA and PCOM

Phenotype D: OD and PCOM

Daily caffeine and alcohol intake was measured using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The study cohort's average caffeine intake was 52.46 mg/day.

The results showed that drinking at least one cup of coffee daily reduces the risk of PCOS. Women who drank about two cups of coffee daily had a 70% lower risk of developing PCOS symptoms compared to those who never drank coffee. This protective effect of coffee is linked to its influence on the metabolism of sex hormones like testosterone.

The study found that coffee consumption reduces the risk of developing PCOS symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Coffee's bioactive compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that may regulate hormone levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, excessive caffeine intake is linked to estrogen-dependent cancers. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop a safe, effective coffee-based intervention for PCOS.

Reference: Meliani-Rodriguez, A., Cutillas-Tolin, A., Mendiola, J., et al. (2024) Association between Coffee Consumption and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Exploratory Case–Control Study. Nutrients, 16(14), 2238. doi:10.3390/nu16142238, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2238