Reclaiming health, changing the narrative on binge drinking and switching coping mechanisms for midlife

Have you noticed that your tolerance for alcohol has plummeted since hitting perimenopause? Congratulations, you’ve officially become a cheap date, and your wild nights wrap up by 8pm!

It’s not just in your head! Many women find they simply can’t handle booze anymore, or at least the aftermath feels like a two-day horror show of headaches and fatigue...

Alcohol Change UK calls alcohol the nation's favourite coping mechanism... does that strike a chord with you?

Why is this happening?

Biologically, women have higher body fat percentages and lower body water levels compared to men. Since alcohol dissolves in water, this results in higher concentrations of alcohol in women's bodies. Additionally, women produce less dehydrogenase, the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. Consequently, women are at an increased risk of developing alcohol-related issues more rapidly, such as liver disease and certain types of cancer.  

The science bit

An additional significant mechanism pertains to sex hormones. The female neuroendocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production, generates two primary hormones crucial for reproduction, among other functions: oestrogen and progesterone. 

These two hormones are crucial for key neurological pathways: the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) pathways, which are responsible for stress response and reproduction in our bodies. They operate collaboratively and may be significantly linked to the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorders. Dysfunction in the HPA pathway can result in stress-related cortisol overproduction, a risk factor for alcohol use disorder. The transition through menopause, characterized by irregular production of oestrogen and progesterone, disrupts the proper functioning of these pathways.  

Research indicates a significant correlation between alcohol-related harm and mental health issues in women. Women with alcohol dependence are more susceptible to experiencing anxiety or depression. They are more inclined to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, and such motivations for drinking are closely linked to more severe alcohol use. Essentially, women may be self-medicating to manage the intensity of their psychological symptoms. 

The possible impact of alcohol on menopause symptoms

• In women, alcohol consumption can disrupt the hormonal system, potentially leading to alterations in blood sugar levels, calcium metabolism, and bone structure.

• Consuming one alcoholic beverage may lead to an increase in the primary female sex hormone, oestrogen, which can help alleviate certain menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, it is crucial to be mindful that moderate alcohol consumption during perimenopause and menopause may unexpectedly increase to larger amounts, potentially exacerbating hormonal symptoms.

• Regular alcohol consumption elevates internal body temperature, which can exacerbate hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. This may result in disrupted sleep, subsequently making it more challenging to maintain a routine of regular exercise and healthy eating—both of which are crucial as we age.

If you would like to change your alcohol habits and need support, you can access support from Alcohol Change UK here: Get help now | Alcohol Change UK