How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Understanding Caffeine and Fertility

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

Is your morning coffee helping or hurting your fertility? Should you quit caffeine cold turkey while trying to conceive—or during pregnancy? And where can you turn for solid, trustworthy advice? (Hint: NOT random internet forums)

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down what we really know about caffeine and reproductive health—from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. 

Dr. Shahine shares the actual caffeine content in your favorite drinks, answers the most common questions she hears from patients, and offers guidance on how to personalize your caffeine habits based on your own goals and body.

Listeners will walk away with clear, practical information—and a little more peace of mind. Just remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare provider, too.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • [1:55] Western evidence-based approach to caffeine and fertility

  • [7:00] Eastern medicine approach to caffeine and fertility

  • [9:27] How much caffeine is in your favorite pick-me-ups?

  • [10:30] Dr. Shahine’s personal recommendations

Resources mentioned: 

Caffeine Chart - find out how much is in what you’re having: www.cspinet.org/caffeine-chart

1988 Wilcox Study Caffeine Harms Fertility

Large Danish Study Reassuring Results on Caffeine and Fertility

Men’s Fertility and Caffeine Study mentioned 

Planting the Seeds of Fertility: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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