Alcohol and Menopause

“Drinking too much alcohol can impact menopause by:
contributing to unwanted weight gain, interfering with sleep
causing changes in your mood which may affect…”.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 During Menopause: Alcohol the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:


Alcohol and Menopause“Drinking too much alcohol can impact menopause by:

  • Contributing to unwanted weight gain
  • Interfering with sleep
  • Causing changes in your mood which may affect your relationships
  • Triggering hot flushes and night sweats

In the long term, heavy drinking can also lead to an increased risk for developing some cancers, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor bone health”.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 has been identified as something that can cause seven types of cancer:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Mouth cancer
  • Food pipe (oesophageal) cancer
  • Upper throat (pharyngeal) cancer
  • Voice box (laryngeal) cancer
  • Liver cancer

Heavy drinking can also cause cirrhosis of the liver (where damage to the liver causes scar tissues to build up) which can then lead to cancer”.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 use both alcohol and tobacco have a five-fold increased risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and food pipe compared to people who use either alcohol or tobacco alone. For heavy users, 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

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 having one drink or less in a day for women, or two drinks or less in a day for men”.9

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”.10

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)”.11

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”.12

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”.13

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

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

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 [7 to 13 July 2025, 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
  30. Alcohol and Menopause: What Are the Risks? [+ Video]
  31. Alcohol and Mental Health
  32. Alcohol and Prescription Medication
  33. Alcohol and Sex
  34. Alcohol and Stress [+ Video: Dr Sarah Jarvis Discusses How Alcohol Can Affect Mental Health]
  35. Alcohol and Women
  36. Alcohol and Your Body
  37. Alcohol and the Heart
  38. Alcohol and the Liver
  39. Alcohol, Calories and Maintaining A Healthy Weight
  40. Alcohol-Free Drinks
  41. Alcoholchange.org.uk [Alcohol Change UK]
  42. Alcoholic Drinks and Units
  43. Alcohol’s Health Effects: What You Need To Know
  44. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  45. Are You Addicted To Alcohol?
  46. Are You Drinking Too Much?
  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: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  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. Drink-Refusal Skills: How To Say No To An Alcoholic Drink
  54. Drinkaware.co.uk [Drinkaware, United Kingdom]
  55. Drinkwise.org.au [DrinkWise, Australia]
  56. Dry January
    Alcohol and Menopause
  57. Framingham Heart Study
  58. Here’s Why Day Drinking Feels Different
  59. Hellosundaymorning.org [Hello Sunday Morning]
  60. How Alcohol Affects Relationships
  61. How Alcohol Affects Your Appearance
  62. How Alcohol Affects Your Body
  63. How Alcohol Affects Your Brain | Akhil Anand, MD [Video]
  64. How Alcohol Affects Your Heart
  65. How Is Your Drinking Affecting You?
  66. How Long Does It Take Your Liver to Detox From Alcohol?
  67. How To Cut Down on Alcohol At Home
  68. How To Reduce Your Drinking
  69. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Menopause
  70. Is A.A. for You? [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  71. Is Alcohol Affecting Your Sex Life?
  72. 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]
  73. Limit Alcohol Consumption
  74. Low Alcohol Drinks
  75. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Alcohol Affects Your Liver [+ Video]
  76. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Alcohol and Menopause Can Be A Dangerous Mix [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  77. Menopause
  78. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  79. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  80. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  81. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  82. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  83. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [United States]
  84. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  85. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  86. Rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov [Rethinking Drinking]
  87. Samhsa.gov [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
  88. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  89. The Risks of Drinking Too Much
  90. The Role Alcohol Plays In New Cancer Cases – Landmark New Report
  91. The Sobering Truth: How Alcohol Affects Cancer Risk
  92. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  93. Tips for Cutting Down
  94. Tips on Cutting Down
  95. Unit & Calorie Calculator
  96. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  97. Webinars: Previous – Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  98. What Does Alcohol Do To Your Body? 9 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health
  99. What Is An Alcohol Unit?
  100. Why You Should Avoid Alcohol on Antibiotics

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Alcohol. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2025
  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 2025
  3. Looking After Yourself During Menopause: Alcohol. Last Updated: 20 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 01 January 2025
  4. Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer. Last Reviewed: 27 January 2022. 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 2025
  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 2025
  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 2025
  7. Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers. Last Reviewed: 27 January 2022. 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 2025
  8. Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices. 24 February 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968 Accessed: 01 January 2025
  9. Alcohol Use: Alcohol Use and Your Health – Understanding Alcohol Use: Moderate Alcohol Use. 12 December 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/ Accessed: 01 January 2025
  10. 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 2025
  11. 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 2025
  12. 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 2025
  13. 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 2025
Topic Last Updated: 01 February 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 January 2025

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