Caffeine affects cortisol levels differently in men and women, with several studies highlighting these variations.
Cortisol Response to Stress: Caffeine increases cortisol secretion in both sexes, but the response can vary based on the type of stressor.
Research shows that while caffeine elevates cortisol levels during mental stress in both men and women, the magnitude of the cortisol response to mental stress is generally smaller in women than in men.
Hormonal Interactions: The interaction of caffeine with hormonal systems appears to be more pronounced in women, particularly concerning metabolic influences.
Women may exhibit a greater cortisol response to caffeine after exercise and meals compared to men, indicating that hormonal cycles and metabolic factors may play a role in how caffeine affects cortisol levels.
Tolerance Development: Regular caffeine consumption leads to a reduction in cortisol response over time in both men and women
Those who consume caffeine daily may experience a blunted cortisol response, particularly in the morning, suggesting that habitual use alters the body's sensitivity to caffeine's effects on cortisol.