Soha Ali Khan gave up morning coffee as her body embraced change: How she figured it

Actress Soha Ali Khan has opened up about being hit by perimenopause suddenly. The actress also discussed the hormonal imbalances and shifts that occur in a woman's body at that stage. Soha revealed she realised she had entered a new and challenging phase when she learnt she could no longer have her regular coffee on an empty stomach, a practice that she had followed for years. The Rang De Basanti actress also opened up about how hormonal changes affected her daily routine.

Soha took to her social media account and wrote, “I’ve never really been a morning person, more a 'don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee' kind of soul. And then suddenly, I realised I can’t have coffee on an empty stomach. Hello, perimenopause. So I switched to my warm water lemon-ginger chia drink, and honestly, it’s been a gentle game-changer for me.

She further added, “As hormones start shifting in perimenopause, especially with fluctuating estrogen, things like acidity, bloating, and caffeine sensitivity can feel more intense. This simple drink feels like a softer, more balanced start. It hydrates, supports digestion, helps with bloating, adds fibre for gut health, and gives me a clean, steady kind of energy, less buzz, more balance.”

The actress added, “I also add a pinch of haldi (turmeric), which contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help support digestion, reduce bloating, and even ease joint stiffness and inflammation, something many women notice more during perimenopause and menopause. Pairing it with black pepper improves its absorption, making it more effective.”

Soha further mentioned in her post, “I have this first thing in the morning, and then eat 20 to 30 minutes later.” The actress also shared a video on her social media account, alongside the caption, where she was seen talking about entering the perimenopause phase and how she figured it out.

In the video clip, Soha was seen demonstrating the recipe for her newly experimented-with early-morning drink, which, she said, would now replace her morning coffee. On the personal front, the actress is married to actor Kunal Kemmu, and the couple are parents to their daughter, Inaaya Naumi Kemmu. The actress, through her podcasts, often speaks about women’s health, lifestyle changes, and various aspects of womanhood.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is perimenopause?
It is a transitional period before menopause, during which the estrogen levels start decreasing in the body.

2. At what age does perimenopause start?
It can start around 10 years before menopause. For many people, it starts in the mid-40s.

3. How long is perimenopause?
Generally, it can range from four to eight years. At the same time, for some women, it only lasts for a few months.

4. What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
a) Skipping/irregular periods
b) Insomnia
c) Urinary urgency
d) Vaginal discomfort
e) Night sweats
f) Hot flashes
g) Low libido
h) Mood swings
i) Heavy periods