Alcohol and Menopause

Alcohol and Menopause

“If you drink too much alcohol,
it can cause weight gain, disrupt your sleep
and trigger hot flushes and night sweats”.1

Umbrella

What may the Alcohol and Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Alcohol
  • Booze
  • Drug
  • Grog
  • Liquor
  • Menopause

Benefits and Risks

Is alcohol good for you or not?

In Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Research on alcohol suggests a sobering conclusion: Drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk is low for moderate intake, the risk goes up as the amount you drink goes up”.2

Menopause

How can drinking too much alcohol impact menopause?

In Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How Alcohol and Smoking Can Impact You At Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) exlain:


Alcohol and Menopause“If you drink too much alcohol, it can cause weight gain, disrupt your sleep and trigger hot flushes and night sweats”.3

Cancer

Is there an association between alcohol and cancer?

In Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer (United Kingdom) Drinkaware.co.uk note:

“Drinking alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth and throat cancers.

Not everyone who drinks alcohol will get cancer, but research shows that seven types of cancer are caused by alcohol.

The risk of developing these types of cancer starts to increase even at low levels of drinking. So the less you drink, the more you reduce your risk”.4

Breast Cancer

Is there an association between alcohol and breast cancer?

The JH explain:

“Regular alcohol consumption increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This risk rises with the level of alcohol consumed, so a reduction in alcohol consumption by women who drink alcohol regularly may reduce their breast cancer risk”.6

In Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife the JH also note:

“Research shows that the consumption of alcohol in women aged 45 to 64 years has increased since 2001. This is concerning, as about 75% of breast cancer cases happen in women aged 50 years and over”.5

Alcohol + Smoking

Is there an association between alcohol + smoking and a greater risk of cancer?

In Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers Drinkaware.co.uk explain:

“If you drink alcohol and you’re a smoker too, this increases your risk of developing throat, mouth, food pipe, and bowel cancers – more than doing either on their own.

People who both drink alcohol and smoke have a five-fold increased risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and food pipe compared to people who only either drink alcohol or smoke. For heavy users of both alcohol and smoking, the risk is up to 30 times higher”.7

Osteoporosis

Is there an association between alcohol and osteoporosis?

In Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Excessive alcohol consumption. Regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases the risk of osteoporosis”.8

Emotional Wellbeing

Is there an association between alcohol and emotional wellbeing?

On page 2 in Alcohol and Menopause: Alcohol and Emotional Wellbeing the (British) Women’s Health Concern include:

“Hormonal changes in menopause not only affect physical health, they can also have an impact on emotional and mental wellbeing. Feelings of anxiety, depression, low mood and difficulty concentrating are all very common symptoms of menopause, and can often lead women to increased alcohol consumption. However, reducing alcohol can actually be more beneficial to emotional wellbeing than increasing it”.9

Women and Alcohol

If women choose to drink alcohol, what does moderate drinking mean?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) this may vary. For the United States in Alcohol Use: Alcohol Use and Your Health – Understanding Alcohol Use: Moderate Alcohol Use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note:

“Moderate drinking is:

  • For women – one drink or less in a day”.10

For the United Kingdom in UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines the Drinkaware.co.uk elaborate on:

“The Chief Medical Officers’ guideline for both men and women are:

  • To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
  • If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it’s best to spread your drinking over three or more days. If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risk of death from long-term illness and from accidents and injuries
  • The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis
  • If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days every week”.11

High-Risk Drinking

What are the health effects of high-risk drinking?

According to the JH:

“High-risk drinking can have short-term and long-term effects on your health. Short-term effects can include poor sleep, headaches, dehydration and changes in mood. Long-term effects can include alcohol dependence, depression, weight gain and increased risk of some cancers (e.g. breast cancer)”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to drink, drink less or stop drinking?

If you would like to drink,  drink less or stop drinking, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefit – Deciding About Drinking the Mayo Clinic note:

“Drinking moderately if you’re otherwise healthy may be a risk you’re willing to take. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about what’s right for your health and safety”.13

The JH explain:

“If you or someone you know needs alcohol support, talk to your doctor. They will give you information and may recommend counselling, treatment and support programs”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Alcohol and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Alcohol and Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 8 Top Tips for Healthier Drinking and Happier Relationships
  2. A.A. Around the World [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  3. About Alcohol Awareness Week [6-12 July 2026, United Kingdom]
    Alcohol and Menopause
  4. Al-Anon Family Groups
  5. Alcohol
  6. Alcohol
  7. Alcohol
  8. Alcohol Calorie Calculator
  9. Alcohol Free and Low Alcohol Drinks
  10. Alcohol Misuse
  11. Alcohol Raises Heart Disease Risk, Particularly Among Women
  12. Alcohol Spending Calculator
  13. Alcohol Units
  14. Alcohol Use Disorder
  15. Alcohol and MenopauseAlcohol Use
  16. Alcohol Use: About Standard Drink Sizes
  17. Alcohol Use: Alcohol Use and Your Health
  18. Alcohol Use: Drinking Alcohol While Using Other Drugs Can Be Deadly
  19. Alcohol Use: Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Caffeine
  20. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits
  21. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: What You Need To Know
  22. Alcohol and Calories
  23. Alcohol and Cancer
  24. Alcohol and Cancer
  25. Alcohol and Diabetes
  26. Alcohol and Diabetes
  27. Alcohol and Fitness
  28. Alcohol and Heart Disease
  29. Alcohol and Menopause
    Alcohol and Menopause
  30. Alcohol and Menopause
  31. Alcohol and Menopause
  32. Alcohol and Menopause: What Are the Risks? [+ Video]
  33. Alcohol and Mental Health
  34. Alcohol and Prescription Medication
  35. Alcohol and Sex
  36. Alcohol and Stress
  37. Alcohol and Women
  38. Alcohol and Your Body
  39. Alcohol and the Heart
  40. Alcohol and the Liver
  41. Alcohol, Calories and Maintaining A Healthy Weight
  42. Alcohol-Free Drinks
  43. Alcoholchange.org.uk [Alcohol Change UK]
    Alcohol and Menopause
  44. Alcoholic Drinks and Units
  45. Alcohol’s Health Effects: What You Need To Know
  46. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  47. Cocktail Content Calculator
  48. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  49. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2025 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Nutrition At Menopause and Why It Is Important
  50. Does Alcohol Make You Argue With Your Partner?
  51. Drink Less, Be Your Best
  52. Drink Less: Be Your Best – Getting Started With Drinking Less
  53. Does Menopause Change the Way You Metabolize Alcohol?
  54. Drink-Refusal Skills: How To Say No To An Alcoholic Drink
  55. Drinkaware.co.uk [Drinkaware, United Kingdom]
  56. Drinkwise.org.au [DrinkWise, Australia]
  57. Dry January
  58. Framingham Heart Study
  59. Full Proof: Explaining How Alcohol Can Interfere With Sleep
  60. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  61. Hangovers
  62. Here’s Why Day Drinking Feels Different
  63. Hellosundaymorning.org [Hello Sunday Morning]
  64. How Alcohol Affects Relationships
  65. How Alcohol Affects Your Appearance
  66. How Alcohol Affects Your Body
  67. How Alcohol Affects Your Brain | Akhil Anand, MD [Video]
  68. How Is Your Drinking Affecting You?
  69. How Long Does It Take Your Liver to Detox From Alcohol?
  70. How To Cut Down on Alcohol At Home
  71. How To Reduce Your Drinking
  72. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
  73. Is A.A. for You? [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  74. Is Alcohol Affecting Your Sex Life?
  75. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!] [Other Languages and Formats]
  76. Limit Alcohol Consumption
  77. Low Alcohol Drinks
  78. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Alcohol Affects Your Live [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  79. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Alcohol and Menopause Can Be A Dangerous Mix [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  80. Menopause
  81. Menopause
  82. Menopause and Sleep
  83. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  84. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [United States]
  85. National Women’s Health Week [11-17 May 2025]: Navigating the Road to Menopause
    Alcohol and Menopause
  86. National Women’s Health Week [11-17 May 2025]: Understanding Cancer Prevention In Women
    Alcohol and Menopause
  87. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  88. Resources: Fact Sheets
    Alcohol and Menopause
  89. Rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov [Rethinking Drinking]
  90. Samhsa.gov [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
  91. The Role Alcohol Plays In New Cancer Cases – Landmark New Report
  92. The Sobering Truth: How Alcohol Affects Cancer Risk
  93. Tips for Cutting Down
  94. Unit & Calorie Calculator
  95. Webinars: Lifestyle Medicine
  96. What Does Alcohol Do To Your Body? 9 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health
  97. What Is An Alcohol Unit?
  98. What Is Lifestyle Medicine and How Can It Help Your Menopause? | Dr Louise Newson Podcast
  99. Why You Should Avoid Alcohol on Antibiotics
  100. World Menopause Day 2025 [18 October]
    Alcohol and Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How Alcohol and Smoking Can Impact You At Menopause. Last Updated: 30 September 2025 | Last Reviewed: 19 March 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2026
  2. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits. 21 June 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 01 January 2026
  3. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How Alcohol and Smoking Can Impact You At Menopause. Last Updated: 30 September 2025 | Last Reviewed: 19 March 2025. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2026
  4. Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer. Last Reviewed: 12 September 2025. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-cancer Accessed: 01 January 2026
  5. Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High-Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2026
  6. Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2026
  7. Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers. Last Reviewed: 12 September 2025. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-cancer Accessed: 01 January 2026
  8. Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices. 17 December 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968 Accessed: 01 January 2026
  9. Alcohol and Menopause: Alcohol and Emotional Wellbeing. Published Date: July 2025. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/34-NEW-WHC-FACTSHEET-Alcohol-and-Menopause-JULY2025-A.pdf Accessed: 01 January 2026
  10. Alcohol Use: Alcohol Use and Your Health – Understanding Alcohol Use: Moderate Alcohol Use. 14 January 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/ Accessed: 01 January 2026
  11. UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines. Last Reviewed: 30 June 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-facts/low-risk-drinking-guidelines Accessed: 01 January 2026
  12. Alcohol: What Is High Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High-Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2026
  13. Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefits – Deciding About Drinking. 21 June 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 01 January 2026
  14. Alcohol: Where To Get Help. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2026
Topic Last Updated: 01 January 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 January 2026

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