Key Takeaways

Drinking soda might be one of the many triggers for menstrual cramps, according to a new study published in the journalScientific Reports.

The study analyzed questionnaire data from 1,809 female college students in China. Nearly half of them were diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea—the medical term for recurring menstrual cramps, with a quarter of those reporting severe pain.

Researchers found that people who drank soda had a 24% higher chance of experiencing menstrual cramps compared to non-drinkers. For students in rural areas, the odds increased to 40.2%. As they consumed more soft drinks, the pain severity also worsened.

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Why Might Soda Trigger Menstrual Cramps?

The study only found a link between carbonated soft drinks and menstrual cramps but didn’t examine why there might be a connection. Some experts say that caffeine in soda is a potential culprit.

Previous research has linked caffeine to uncomfortable periods. One study found that people who had caffeinated drinks were more likely to have irregular periods, missed periods, and heavy periods.

However, this new study showed that people who drank coffee were 55% less likely to have moderate to severe cramps. So, is this phenomenon only limited to caffeine in carbonated soft drinks?

The sugar content in soda may also be an issue, saidSherry Ross, MD, an OBGYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

“Drinking excessive amounts of sugary soda beverages can negatively affect the absorption and function of vitamins, minerals, and prostaglandins, leading to muscle spasms and contractions exacerbating uterine cramping during a period,” Ross said.

Consuming a lot of sugar can also increase the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to period cramps, Ross added.

According to Brar, inflammation could also trigger painful periods. “Theoretically, sugar can increase inflammation in the body and potentially could worsen symptoms with periods, but more studies are needed to confirm this,” she said.

While the sample in the new study consisted of only women in China, experts say the findings can likely apply to American women, too. Ultimately, more research is needed to confirm the connection.

“This study is good food for thought on exploring how your body would react to anything,” saidChristine Greves, MD, an OBGYN at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando.

When Should You See a Doctor for Menstrual Cramps?

Brar recommends taking an over-the-counter pain-relieving medication like ibuprofen if you have uncomfortable or painful periods.

“I often will recommend to start taking ibuprofen the day prior to the onset of their period to stay ahead of the prostaglandin release, and continue for the first few days into their period,” Brar said.

However, OTC pain medications may not be enough for everyone.

“If you feel that your quality of life is affected, it’s time to see a doctor,” Greves said.

While painful periods are common, you should see a doctor, especially if your pain is debilitating or disrupts your day-to-day activities every month. Your doctor will likely want to evaluate you for an underlying health condition, likeendometriosis,uterine fibroids, orpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What This Means For YouIf you experience severe menstrual cramps, cutting back on soda could help reduce pain. However, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if cramps are impacting your daily life.

What This Means For You

If you experience severe menstrual cramps, cutting back on soda could help reduce pain. However, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if cramps are impacting your daily life.

2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang L, Wen S, Li X, et al.Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):21210. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-71802-8Bin Mahmoud AZ, Makhdoom AN, Mufti LA, Alreheli RS, Farghal RG, Aljaouni SE.Association between menstrual disturbances and habitual use of caffeine.J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2014;9(4):341-344. doi:10.1016/j.jtumed.2014.03.012Additional ReadingItani R, Soubra L, Karout S, Rahme D, Karout L, Khojah HMJ.Primary dysmenorrhea: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment updates.Korean J Fam Med. 2022;43(2):101-108. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0103

2 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang L, Wen S, Li X, et al.Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):21210. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-71802-8Bin Mahmoud AZ, Makhdoom AN, Mufti LA, Alreheli RS, Farghal RG, Aljaouni SE.Association between menstrual disturbances and habitual use of caffeine.J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2014;9(4):341-344. doi:10.1016/j.jtumed.2014.03.012Additional ReadingItani R, Soubra L, Karout S, Rahme D, Karout L, Khojah HMJ.Primary dysmenorrhea: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment updates.Korean J Fam Med. 2022;43(2):101-108. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0103

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Wang L, Wen S, Li X, et al.Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):21210. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-71802-8Bin Mahmoud AZ, Makhdoom AN, Mufti LA, Alreheli RS, Farghal RG, Aljaouni SE.Association between menstrual disturbances and habitual use of caffeine.J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2014;9(4):341-344. doi:10.1016/j.jtumed.2014.03.012

Wang L, Wen S, Li X, et al.Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):21210. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-71802-8

Bin Mahmoud AZ, Makhdoom AN, Mufti LA, Alreheli RS, Farghal RG, Aljaouni SE.Association between menstrual disturbances and habitual use of caffeine.J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2014;9(4):341-344. doi:10.1016/j.jtumed.2014.03.012

Itani R, Soubra L, Karout S, Rahme D, Karout L, Khojah HMJ.Primary dysmenorrhea: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment updates.Korean J Fam Med. 2022;43(2):101-108. doi:10.4082/kjfm.21.0103

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