Alcohol and Menopause

Alcohol and Menopause

“Drinking too much alcohol around the time of menopause
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) explain:


Alcohol and Menopause“Drinking too much alcohol around the time of menopause can:

  • Cause weight gain
  • Disrupt your sleep
  • 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?

In Alcohol and Your Health: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High Risk Drinking the JH explain:

“Over time, high-risk drinking can increase your risk of:

  • Alcohol dependence
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Certain cancers (e.g. breast cancer)”.5

In Alcohol and Your Health: 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”.6 

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 include:

“The Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines 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

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 help with alcohol, talk to your doctor. They can 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

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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 Calorie Calculator
  8. Alcohol Free and Low Alcohol Drinks
  9. Alcohol Misuse
  10. Alcohol Raises Heart Disease Risk, Particularly Among Women
  11. Alcohol Spending Calculator
  12. Alcohol Units
  13. Alcohol Use Disorder
  14. Alcohol Use
    Alcohol and Menopause
  15. Alcohol Use: About Standard Drink Sizes
  16. Alcohol Use: Alcohol Use and Your Health
  17. Alcohol Use: Drinking Alcohol While Using Other Drugs Can Be Deadly
  18. Alcohol Use: Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Caffeine
  19. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits
  20. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk
  21. Alcohol and Calories
  22. Alcohol and Cancer
  23. Alcohol and Cancer
  24. Alcohol and Diabetes
  25. Alcohol and Diabetes
  26. Alcohol and Fitness
  27. Alcohol and Heart Disease
  28. Alcohol and Menopause
    Alcohol and Menopause
  29. Alcohol and Menopause
  30. Alcohol and Menopause
  31. Alcohol and Menopause: What Are the Risks? [+ Video]
  32. Alcohol and Mental Health
  33. Alcohol and Prescription Medication
  34. Alcohol and Sex
  35. Alcohol and Stress
  36. Alcohol and Women
  37. Alcohol and Your Body
  38. Alcohol and Your Health
  39. Alcohol and the Heart
  40. Alcohol and the Liver
  41. Alcohol – Know the Risks
  42. Alcohol, Calories and Maintaining A Healthy Weight
  43. Alcohol-Free Drinks
  44. Alcoholchange.org.uk [Alcohol Change UK]
    Alcohol and Menopause
  45. Alcoholic Drinks and Units
  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. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Menopause and Mental Health: Managing Anxiety, Depression, and Cognitive Changes
  59. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Sleep Disturbances In Menopause
  60. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  61. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  62. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  63. Framingham Heart Study
  64. Full Proof: Explaining How Alcohol Can Interfere With Sleep
  65. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  66. Health.gov.au/perimenopause [Australia]
  67. Hellosundaymorning.org [Hello Sunday Morning]
  68. How Alcohol Affects Relationships
  69. How Alcohol Affects Your Appearance
  70. How Alcohol Affects Your Body
  71. How Alcohol Affects Your Brain | Akhil Anand, MD [Video]
  72. How Long Does It Take Your Liver to Detox From Alcohol?
  73. How To Cut Down on Alcohol At Home
  74. How To Reduce Your Drinking
  75. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  76. Is Alcohol Affecting Your Sex Life?
  77. Limit Alcohol Consumption
  78. Low Alcohol Drinks
  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: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  84. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  85. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  86. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms
  87. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  88. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  89. Resources: Fact Sheets
    Alcohol and Menopause
  90. Rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov [Rethinking Drinking]
  91. Samhsa.gov [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
  92. Self-Care Month [24 June-24 July 2026]
    Alcohol and Menopause
  93. Surgeon General Issues Report on Alcohol and Cancer Risk [United States]
  94. The Sobering Truth: How Alcohol Affects Cancer Risk
  95. Tips for Cutting Down
  96. Unit & Calorie Calculator
  97. What Does Alcohol Do To Your Body? 9 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health
  98. What Is An Alcohol Unit?
  99. Why You Should Avoid Alcohol on Antibiotics
  100. World Menopause Day [18 October 2025]
    Menopause Stages 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.  Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/looking-after-yourself-around-the-time-of-menopause/#section-how-alcohol-and-smoking-can-impact-you-at-menopause Accessed: 26 June 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: 26 June 2026
  3. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause: How Alcohol and Smoking Can Impact You At Menopause.  Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/looking-after-yourself-around-the-time-of-menopause/#section-how-alcohol-and-smoking-can-impact-you-at-menopause Accessed: 26 June 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: 26 June 2026
  5. Alcohol and Your Health: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Health Effects of  High-Risk Drinking. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/look-after-yourself/stay-healthy/alcohol-and-your-health/ Accessed: 26 June 2026.
  6. Alcohol and Your Health: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/look-after-yourself/stay-healthy/alcohol-and-your-health/ Accessed: 26 June 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: 26 June 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: 26 June 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: 26 June 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: 26 June 2026
  11. UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines. Last Reviewed: 319 February 2026. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-facts/low-risk-drinking-guidelines Accessed: 26 June 2026
  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: 26 June 2026
  13. Alcohol and Your Health: Where To Get Help. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/look-after-yourself/stay-healthy/alcohol-and-your-health/ Accessed: 26 June 2026.
Topic Last Updated: 26 June 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 June 2026

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