Alcohol and Menopause

“For women around the time of menopause,
alcohol intake can exacerbate hot flushes
and add to the risk of excess weight gain”.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

Alcohol

What is alcohol?

DotS the definition of alcohol may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches”.2

Benefits and Risks

Is alcohol good for you or not?

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

“Understanding the risks and any possible health benefits of alcohol often seems confusing; that’s understandable, because the evidence for moderate alcohol use in healthy adults isn’t certain”.3

Menopause

Can alcohol impact menopause?

In Looking After Yourself: 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”.4

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”.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”.6

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”.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 and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – Drinking Patterns: What Does Moderate Drinking Mean? the CDC explain:

“According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, when alcohol is consumed. Drinking less is better for health than drinking more”.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

The JH note:

“The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guideline for reducing health risks associated with drinking alcohol defines ‘low risk’ alcohol consumption for healthy women as no more than two standard drinks on any day with regular alcohol free days.

This ‘low risk’ level of alcohol consumption in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle does not appear to be associated with long-term illness”.11

High Risk Drinking

What is high risk drinking?

According to the JH:

“High risk alcohol consumption is best defined as anything that exceeds the consumption of more than two standard drinks per day. High risk drinking, including binge drinking (consumption of excess alcohol over a short space of time) can put your health at serious risk.

Having more than four standard drinks on a single occasion (even if you only do it once or twice per week) may cause health problems, increase risk of injury and accidents and affect relationships with those close to you”.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:

“If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start because of potential health benefits. However, if you drink a light to moderate amount and you’re healthy, you can probably continue as long as you drink responsibly. Be sure to check with your doctor about what’s right for your health and safety”.13

The JH explain:

“If alcohol is affecting your health and you are having trouble stopping drinking, talk to your doctor and seek expert help”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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. A.A. Around the World [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  2. Al-Anon Family Groups
  3. Alcohol
  4. Alcohol
  5. Alcohol Calorie Calculator
  6. Alcohol Misuse
  7. Alcohol Spending Calculator
  8. Alcohol Units
  9. Alcohol Use Disorder
  10. Alcohol Use and Cancer
  11. Alcohol Use and Your Health
  12. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits
  13. Alcohol and Breast Cancer
  14. Alcohol and Calories
  15. Alcohol and Cancer
  16. Alcohol and Cancer
  17. Alcohol and Cancer Risk
  18. Alcohol and Diabetes
  19. Alcohol and Diabetes
  20. Alcohol and Fitness
  21. Alcohol and Heart Disease
  22. Alcohol and Mental Health
  23. Alcohol and Public Health: Excessive Alcohol Use Is A Risk To Women’s Health
  24. Alcohol and Sex
  25. Alcohol and Sleep
  26. Alcohol and Stress [+ Video: Dr Sarah Jarvis Discusses How Alcohol Can Affect Mental Health
  27. Alcohol and Women
  28. Alcohol and the Heart
  29. Alcohol and the Liver
  30. Alcoholchange.org.uk [Alcohol Change UK]
  31. Alcoholic Drinks and Units
  32. Alcohol’s Effect on Health: Alcohol Topics
  33. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  34. Are Hangover Cures Urban Myths? Or Do Some Actually Work?
  35. Are You Addicted To Alcohol?
  36. Are You Drinking Too Much?
  37. Breast Cancer Prevention: It’s Never Too Late To Make Changes
  38. Calories In Alcohol: How Many Calories Are In An Alcoholic Drink?
  39. Can I Drink Alcohol If I’m Taking Painkillers?
  40. Cocktail Content Calculator
  41. Confronting Alcohol Use Disorder and Misconceptions As A Woman
  42. Considering A ‘Dry’ January? Hear From A Mayo Clinic Expert [+ Video]
  43. Consumer Health: When Is A Hangover An Emergency?
  44. Does Alcohol Make You Argue With Your Partner?
  45. Don’t Let A Little Habit Turn Into A Big Problem
  46. Dr. Lisa Larkin – Breast Health Made Personal
  47. Drink Alcohol Only In Moderation
  48. Drink-Refusal Skills: How To Say No To An Alcoholic Drink
  49. Drinkaware.co.uk [Drinkaware, United Kingdom]
  50. Drinking Red Wine for Heart Health? Read This Before You Toast
  51. Drinkwise.org.au [DrinkWise, Australia]
  52. Dry January
    Dry January 2023
  53. Fact Sheets
  54. Facts About Alcohol
  55. Framingham Heart Study
  56. Health Effects of Alcohol
  57. Hellosundaymorning.org [Hello Sunday Morning]
  58. How Alcohol Affects Relationships
  59. How Alcohol Affects Your Appearance
  60. How Is Your Drinking Affecting You?
  61. How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your System?
  62. How Long Does It Take Your Liver to Detox From Alcohol?
  63. How To Cut Down
  64. How To Cut Down on Alcohol At Home
  65. How To Stay on Track
  66. Is A.A. for You? [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  67. Is Alcohol Affecting Your Sex Life?
  68. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  69. Limit Alcohol Consumption
  70. Low Alcohol Drinks
  71. Managing Menopause
  72. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  73. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  74. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  75. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  76. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  77. Menopause, Ageing, and Alcohol Use Disorders In Women
  78. NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator: Find Your Way To Quality Alcohol Treatment [National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, United States]
  79. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [United States]
  80. Need Help With A Drinking Problem?
  81. Nutrition and Healthy Eating: In-Depth – Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefits
  82. Rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov [Rethinking Drinking]
  83. Samhsa.gov [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
  84. Sober Spring
  85. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  86. The High Cost of Alcohol To Your Health
  87. Tips for Cutting Down
  88. Tips on Cutting Down
  89. To Drink or Not To Drink – That’s Your Decision
  90. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
  91. Unit & Calorie Calculator
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How To Protect Your Brain Health At Menopause and Beyond
  93. What Excuses Do You Give for Drinking Too Much?
  94. What Kind of Drinker Are You?
  95. Why Alcohol Affects Women More In Menopause
  96. Webinars: Previous – To Sleep, Perchance To Dream
  97. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  98. Why You Should Limit Alcohol Before Bed for Better Sleep
  99. Women and Alcohol

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Alcohol: Alcohol & Menopause. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 07 February 2023
  2. Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – About Alcohol: What Is Alcohol? Page Last Reviewed: 19 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#top Accessed: 07 February 2023
  3. Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefits. 11 December 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 07 February 2023
  4. Looking After Yourself: Alcohol. Last Updated: 03 October 2022 | 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: 07 February 2023
  5. 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: 07 February 2023
  6. 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: 07 February 2023
  7. Alcohol: Alcohol & Breast Cancer. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 07 February 2023
  8. Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices. 21 August 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968 Accessed: 07 February 2023
  9. Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – Drinking Patterns: What Does Moderate Drinking Mean? Page Last Reviewed: 19 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#top Accessed: 07 February 2023
  10. UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines. Last Reviewed: 30 June 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/alcoholic-drinks-and-units/low-risk-drinking-guidelines Accessed: 07 February 2023
  11. Alcohol: Alcohol: Alcohol & Your Health – Low Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 07 February 2023
  12. Alcohol: Alcohol: Alcohol & Your Health – High Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 07 February 2023
  13. Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefits – Deciding About Drinking. 11 December 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 07 February 2023
  14. Alcohol: Alcohol & Menopause. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 07 February 2023
Topic Last Updated: 05 March 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 February 2023

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