Benefits of Drinking Matcha on Your Period

It’s always a good time to drink matcha, but if you’re on your period (or about to start), it may be especially helpful. Fatigue, bloating, mood swings, and cramps are all common cycle symptoms—but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating. Hormonal fluctuations can cause energy levels to dip by an estimated 25%, while period-related inflammation can intensify pain and discomfort. The good news? What you eat and drink may make a real difference when it comes to symptoms. With its unique combination of antioxidants, L-theanine, and gentle energy boost, matcha may help combat fatigue, reduce inflammation, and even stabilize your mood.

Keep reading to dive into the benefits of drinking matcha on your period.

What causes PMS?

We don’t actually know for sure what causes PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, but it’s thought to be caused by changing hormones during the menstrual cycle. Another factor may be hormone fluctuations in the brain, such as serotonin, the neurotransmitter that plays a huge role in regulating mood. Fluctuations of serotonin can cause mood changes, food cravings, and issues with sleep.

PMS symptoms tend to be cyclical, occurring just before your cycle begins and disappearing when your cycle ends.

Women can experience varying PMS symptoms, but it’s estimated that three out of four women who menstruate experience at least a few of these.

PMS is often treated with over-the-counter drugs and lifestyle changes, some of which include taking an NSAID, like ibuprofen, to reduce pain, birth control pills, exercising, increasing protein, getting enough sleep, and not smoking.

Common PMS symptoms:

- Mood swings

- Fatigue

- Anxiety

- Cramps

- Bloating

- Constipation or diarrhea

- Trouble concentrating

- Acne

- Food cravings

- Tender breasts

- Difficulty sleeping

How matcha can help

While drinking matcha won’t cure PMS, research supports using green tea and matcha, in addition to other dietary and lifestyle changes, as a way to help improve PMS. That’s because matcha offers a powerful combination of antioxidants, L-theanine, and caffeine that can ease some of these symptoms. Here’s how:

Reduces inflammation: Research supports that chronic inflammation contributes to PMS symptoms and can worsen symptoms. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances, are a natural part of the menstrual cycle and trigger the uterus to contract to expel the uterine lining. This leads to inflammation and causes period cramps. It’s also thought that inflammation during the menstrual cycle can contribute to food cravings and appetite changes. The good news is that matcha is packed with catechins, particularly EGCG, which are powerful antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce period-related inflammation, potentially easing discomfort and muscle tension.
Jitter-free energy boost: Fatigue can be a really common symptom of PMS. While many turn to coffee to help them get through the day, coffee can lead to crashes later on, as well as increased anxiety and trouble sleeping—things that are already exacerbated while you’re on your cycle. Matcha, on the other hand, contains both caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that gives you a calm alertness. This combination helps you feel relaxed and focused, yet alert.

Supports mood: Matcha contains high levels of L-theanine, which has been shown to improve cognition, mood, and brain function. Research suggests that L-theanine can elevate dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels, which can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. L-theanine can also boost focus and improve mental clarity. A recent study published also suggests that matcha can improve depression, although more studies are needed on this topic.

Aids in digestion and bloating: Hormones, increased blood flow, food cravings, and increased water retention may all lead you to feel a bit more bloated while on your period. Matcha has been shown to help aid in digestion and has gentle detoxifying properties to help you feel a bit more comfortable. Matcha is rich in catechins, an antioxidant that can help fight inflammation in the gut- this may help soothe digestive discomfort and support overall gut health. Chlorophyll gives matcha its emerald green hue, and it may also be helpful in supporting the body’s natural ability to remove toxins, which can contribute to bloating. Matcha also has a mild natural diuretic effect, thanks to its caffeine and antioxidant content, which can help reduce water retention and puffiness.

Best ways to enjoy matcha on your period

Matcha latte with adaptogens: Our adaptogen latte blend is specially formulated with medicinal mushrooms, matcha, and brain-activity adaptogens to help decrease stress and boost energy. Perfect for when you’re feeling out of sorts during that time of the month. Check out this quick and easy iced vanilla matcha with our adaptogen blend. Find our easy recipe here
Matcha with ginger and turmeric: Add a teaspoon of our aged black ginger or fermented turmeric powder to your favorite matcha recipe. Ginger is a well-known remedy for reducing bloating. Both turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are soothing and calming.
Iced matcha with pineapple juice: Matcha and pineapple juice help flight boat and deliver tons of nutritional benefits. Plus, this iced matcha juice tastes DELICIOUS! Find the recipe here
Matcha with coconut water: The combination of coconut water and matcha is a great way to stay hydrated and get a little energy boost. Both are necessary when it’s that time of the month. Check out our matcha coconut water recipe

Bottom Line: Matcha can be a powerful ally during your period

With its unique blend of antioxidants, L-theanine, and caffeine, matcha can help reduce inflammation, combat fatigue, support mood, and fight bloating. While it won’t cure PMS, incorporating matcha into your routine may help you feel more balanced and energized throughout your cycle.

Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Resources:

E.R. Bertone-Johnson, A.G. Ronnenberg, S.C. Houghton, C. Nobles, S.E. Zagarins, B.B. Takashima-Uebelhoer, J.L. Faraj, B.W. Whitcomb, Association of inflammation markers with menstrual symptom severity and premenstrual syndrome in young women, Human Reproduction, Volume 29, Issue 9, 1 September 2014, Pages 1987–1994, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deu170

Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. Premenstrual Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560698/

Gold EB, Wells C, Rasor MO. The Association of Inflammation with Premenstrual Symptoms. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2016 Sep;25(9):865-74. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2015.5529. Epub 2016 May 2. PMID: 27135720; PMCID: PMC5311461.

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Kamal DAM, Salamt N, Zaid SSM, Mokhtar MH. Beneficial Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Female Reproductive Disorders: A Review. Molecules. 2021 May 3;26(9):2675. doi: 10.3390/molecules26092675. PMID: 34063635; PMCID: PMC8124874.